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Hi everyone! I have a Tetrafauna Aquatic Reptile Heater in my 10 gallon tank with approx. 5 gallons of water in it (hatchlings will be moved up to larger tank soon, but for now, the 10 gallon seems to suit the 1" size pretty well). Anyways, the Heater claims it will automatically keep the water temp. at 78, and can handle up to 30 gallons, however, our water thermometer is reading 75.

Currently we have a submersible filter and it's placed next to the heater, with water flow running over the heater and around the tank. In the opposite corner is the thermometer. Could this set-up be causing the problem or do you think it's the heater? Does the heater need to be cleaned?

TIA!

What sort of thermometer do you have? I usually like to double check the temp with two different thermometers. I've got a stick-on thermometer on each tank (which seems to be really accurate for one tank, and a couple degrees high for the other), and then I always double-check it with a digital thermom.

Just a normal thermometer I found in my local pond store (they assured me the turtles wouldn't damage it. It looks like this one from Petco:

If you've got a second thermometer, check the temp with that, just because sometimes thermometers aren't that accurate.
If you don't have a second one, try moving the thermom to the other side of the tank, next to the heater. In a small tank like that, I can't see it making it too much difference, but it's worth a try.

I have one of those 50w set temp heaters as well.Mine is tetra brand and it's garbage.Adjustable is much better.
If you put the thermometer next to heater you will get a false reading.Proper placement is opposite side of the tank next to the water return.
I use digital thermometers and they are always spot on.

well I did a quick check last night to at least make sure the heater is kicking on and it is. Trying to make it back out to the pet store to pick up a digital thermometer to double check it.