General Care Discussion :: Will my aquarium heater hurt my turtle? electrocute? common

[gianoshoes]

Is it common, do I need to cover it or something. I have a Marineland Vis-therm heater. My turtle spends a lot of time near the thing and even rests against it sometimes for long periods.

[blackforces get you]

i dont think it will hurt it. mines hangs around it 24/7 and she seems fine. but just in case leave it like that and when you notice it being hurt or burned or anything then you should cover it

[Lantic]

Its been made for water and to be around animals.. So it should be safe. I little res usually sleeps next to his heater all night.

[gianoshoes]

they also seem to be sleeping often

[gianoshoes]

thanks

[TheComputerGremlin]

Nope, shouldn't be a problem. As long as your heater is functioning properly, it should hurt them. When it's on, if you put your hand on it, it won't burn you either.

However, if they are hanging out there most of the time, they may want additional places to hang out at. They are probably using it to hold themselves up. Try adding some aquarium plants or underwater ledges, like suction cup soap dishes.

[SpotsMama]

When any electrical equipment is used around water - such as an aquarium - I think it's a good idea to use a GFCI electrical plug. This is a special electric plug that will prevent a fatal shock in case of a short. You can get portable GFCI's at places like Home Depot, or an electricial can install one for you inplace of the regular electrical plug.