Equipment Review and Discussion :: Protective Guard for Heater

[PorcelainTurtle]

I have brought a new submersible heater for my turtles tank. The only problem is it doesn't have any of those protective guards to protect my turtle from getting burnt. I have read that you can make your own guard using a PVC pipe or tube? Something like that. I was wondering if its OK, just to put the heater there without the guard or whether I should make one of these. The problem is I don't know where to get it, and how to make it. If anyone could help me with this problem I would greatly appreciate it thanks.

[jenaero]

If it didn't come with a guard, you could most likely find one to fit. Bring your heater with you to the pet store and they should be able to find you one that will fit. They sell them separately in a variety of sizes.

[megcornell]

What kind of heater did you buy?
Most don't require guards, but you can always add them to be safe.
Another option is to place the heater at a slant or completely vertical so that the turtle isn't encouraged to rest on it like he would if it were horizontal.

[PorcelainTurtle]

I bought an Aqua clear glass heater tube a 50 watt one for my 10 gallon tank (Is that good?). I guess I will go to Pet shop and see If I can buy a guard for it. If not I'll be sure to put it in a slanted or vertical position. The only problem is that my turtle is such an explorer. There is nothing in the tank that he won't touch lol. Anyway, Thank you both for your help.

[marisa]

I doubt your turtle would get burned on it, but if you have any rocks in the tank, you might get a guard to protect the heater just in case the heater hits against them or you accidently drop one on it (which is why I tend to use them). Someone recently posted that their heater broke when a rock fell on it.

A guard for a 50-watt heater shouldn't be too hard to get (and btw, the wattage is OK for a 10-gallon tank). Tronic is one brand of heater guard, and they come in two or three different lengths.