Is my Elite heater messed up?

[ImprezaSTi]

Hello everyone, this is to people that have experience with Elite heaters or are currently using one.

I am using one right now, and I went touch the heater. Man was it hot, too hot to touch, and I didnt even touch the hottest part of the heater too. Is this normal? I don't recall my heater being like this before. I don't know if my temps are normal either because I dropped my digital thermometer in the water (appearantly not water resistant ) just today doing a water change.

If it is normal, then wouldn't it be a little risky if the fish touch it? I don't have a sump so my heater is in my display with the fish and everything.

 

[Aadler]

they get pretty hot, hot enough to break the glass in seconds if you take it out of water...

Get a sump! solve the problem! :c) I know, not helpful!

 

[Mike31154]

What size is the heater, i.e. wattage? I have a newer Elite 100watt that I use for heating my water change tub and I don't recall it being too hot to touch. Then again, I don't touch it that often since I have several thermometers. I have a glass thermometer/hydrometer that I use to check the change water and also compare readings of the digital thermometers in the display tank. It's always a good idea to have a glass thermometer on hand as a back up or even one of those cheapo stick on strips.
Like Aadler says, it's not a good idea to take it out of the water until it has a chance to cool off. You may not break the glass, but the internals can cook easily and then you'll need a new one.