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I bought a Top Fin 25 watt fully submersible heater, since we only have 4 inches of water in the bottom of our fishtank (converted to 4.98 gallons of water). Even with the setting on high, I couldn't get the water above 70degs. We keep our house at a cool 65 degrees.

I returned it for a 50 watt heater (recommended for 10 gal tank, so should work for me), and as of this morning, the water is only 74degs!! What gives? I know water circulation plays a part in even heating, but even the water next to the heater is cold to the touch (as cold as the water next to the thermometer). Our turtle is enjoying SITTING on TOP of the heater - which is cute, but not the point of the heater.

Any thoughts on this? It seems for 5 gallons of water, we really shouldn't need to get a 100 watt heater, but I'm thinking that's the next logical step. Such a strange problem indeed.

Maybe that heater isn't very good and maybe it's not fully submersible therefore it is barely working since it is not completely in the water properly.

Here is the heater we're using:
http://www.petsmart.com/global/product_ ... &N=2030060

According to the instructions, it is fully submersible, and we are using it according to the instructions... as far as we can tell. It has suction cups that attach to the side of the tank.

I am not sure, those ratings look pretty bad but it should still work. You only have four inches of water which is not a lot at all, is the heater/thermometer completly submerged in the water? What kind of thermometer are you using and is the tank by a window?

Yeah, my guess would be either that's just a crappy heater, or there's something else sapping heat from your tank and it just can't keep up. I don't have much experience heating a tank well above ambient temps (i'm always freezing so my apartment temp is usually 76) but I've been using All-Glass brand heaters and have had no troubles. The one in my fishtank is over a year old and works fine, and Napoleon's is about 6 months old and also does the job.

is the heater/thermometer completly submerged in the water? What kind of thermometer are you using and is the tank by a window?

the tank is not close to a window. We have two fixtures with UVA and UVB bulbs. The thermometer is an LCD one on the outside of the tank.

there's something else sapping heat from your tank and it just can't keep up.

Yeah, it's pretty chilly in the room he's in... like I said, 65 degrees or so.

Well there you go, the room temperature itself is below normal, so the water heater can't accomodate for it.

Most heaters work at their desired temperatures when the room temperature is also normal, 70+ degrees F, it's a cheap marketing ploy, but what can you do? . So yeah, heaters probably won't stay at the desired setting if the temperature of the room isn't up to par. I set my heater to 79 degrees F, but since the room the tank in is around 58-60 degrees F, the actual water temperature is from 73-75 F.

Unless you bump up the heating in the home (which would cost a lot more), consider buying a larger capacity aquarium heater than what your tank is now, it may compensate for the heat loss (eg. a heater rated for 15-20 Gallons on a 10 Gallon, etc.). Most heaters have thermometers in them and either shut off when the desired temperature is met, or won't heat up any more than what you set it at.

Can you put a lot more water in that tank? Your turtle would appreciate it - they are aquatic and love to swim and dive. Really, the more water the better so long as the level is not so high that the turtle can escape over the top.

I think a larger volume of water would be able to hold heat better than the very shallow water.

Also, try putting something over the part of the tank that can be covered (ie, the part that's not over the basking area). Like a glass cover or a blanket. This will also help hold the heat in.

Also, try a heater at each end of the tank. That's the way mine is setup. Since your air temperature is so cool it sounds like you need some extra help. If you do that, just be sure the water doesn't get TOO warm!

Good luck!

Thank you all for your suggestions and input!

Sounds like you got a crappy heater. A 25W should have been more than enough for your 10 gallon tank.

FYI: I use a 25W for my 20 gallon tank and it heats the water up to 78-80 degrees F just fine.

i like the neptune submersible water heaters because you can adjust the temp. i put a new one in, test the temps after giving it plenty of time to do its job. if it's too low or too high, i unplug it, adjust the temp settings, and start all over. and it's worked out fantastic for me. it also helps to cover your tank, keeps the ambient temps in the habitat at a consistent level, and your water heater won't have to constantly fight your home's ambient temps.

and, er, i would advise you to get a bigger tank and put in more water. experience has shown me the turtles will love you for it (aeryn didn't even acknowledge me until i got her a 10 gallon and she's downright social now that i've upgraded) and the texts agree that the deeper water helps the turts build up their muscles.

I've used a 50W and a 100W heater in a 10-gallon tank (nearly full) and both worked fine. You might try putting a piece cardboard or plexiglass over the half of the tank that's away from the lights/basking area. The room some of my painteds in is quite cool, and I have plexiglass over a portion of their tanks during the day and add a piece of cardboard over it at night to darken the tanks while they sleep.