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How often should I keep it on? All the time, or off at night

jes-92 Most heaters have a thermostat and keeps the temp constant. Depending on the size of your tank I would not be running the temp up and down. If it is an adult keep around 74 to 77 degrees. If it is small try and keep it about 77 to 79 degrees.

Ok so I should just leave it on all the time then?

Assuming it has an automatic thermostat, you just leave it plugged in and it will go on and off according to whether the temp drops below what it's set for or not.

It's a good idea to check the temp with a thermometer to make sure the heater is accurate.

Well mine is manual, but I do have a thermometer. So as long as it stays at the recommended temperature, I should just leave it on right?

jes-92 I would recommend that you get one with a thermostat and use a good thermometer to check it. If it is properly sized you can set it where your water temperature needs to be. ??

I just got it yesterday though :/ All I wanted to know was whether I should keep it on all day or not. Or rather, does the temperature need to stay between 74-77 all day

What brand of heater is it. If it's a Jager then it's fine, I could back that up. It keeps my temps at a nice 80 degrees.

js-92 Do you know what a thermostat is? Most aquarium heaters have them. Some heaters have a pre set temp, that is in most cases, set at 78 degrees. ??

Day and night....

As long as it doesn't boil the water and the water isn't warm when you touch it, they'll be alright.

Heater should be left on day and night to keep at a steady temperature

It must have a thermostat to keep it at the right temperature but nearly all heaters have them built in. If you can adjust the heater temperature it has a thermostat. If you can not adjust temperature then it may or may not have a thermostat.

You must check the heater is working correctly with a thermometer

You must continue to check temperature with a thermometer. They do fail, sometime sticking on, sometime sticking off.