I have an ehiem 150w heater in my sump set at 76 on the thermostat but the light is always on. I decided to play with it a little bit today and turned it down and the light/heat doesn't seem to kick off. The tank sits right around 80 all the time and the second heater in the sump doesn't ever seem to be on (set at 78). Im assuming that it needs to be replaced because the thermostat isn't working so i ordered a new one. Just wondering if this has every happened to anyone else?
Heater question
- Thread starter ethuman
- Start date
It seems like the heater was locked on, like you suspected. I'd suggest unplugging it, and putting it in a smaller capacity water jug (5 gallon bucket if it fits?) with a thermometer, and see if it cooks the water.
Its probably running 100% full open like you suspect. But I think you went the right way and get a new one. You don't need that uncertainty in your tank!
mcgyvr
New member
yes its very common for heaters to fail.. If you have been in this hobby for a while chances are you have had a heater fail..
Thats why we always recommend an external controller (inkbird/ranco,etc...) to ensure that when they heater fails (and they all will eventually) that the controller protects your tank. (its far less common that the controller will fail vs the heater)
I also suggest you NEVER submerged the top part of a heater even if its rated to be "fully submerged"..
Thats why we always recommend an external controller (inkbird/ranco,etc...) to ensure that when they heater fails (and they all will eventually) that the controller protects your tank. (its far less common that the controller will fail vs the heater)
I also suggest you NEVER submerged the top part of a heater even if its rated to be "fully submerged"..
I use my Apex to control the heater for this very reason. I also have 2 heaters that alone can't cook the tank. That way if the heater fails on the temp can't raise enough to do damage, but the other heater can keep the tank from getting too cold, before I can do something about the broken heater.
