How to Install a Tetra Aquarium Water Heater

Aquarium heaters are essential for regulating tank temperature, especially for warm-water fish such as tropical species. Though very small tanks may not require a heater, larger tanks need one that provides about 3 watts per gallon to keep the tank temperature steady. Tetra is one of the largest manufacturers of products designed for ornamental fish keeping, including aquarium heaters designed for tanks up to 55 gallons. Tetra aquarium heaters require little effort to install and are simple to operate because they are automatically programmed to heat the water to the ideal temperature.

  1. Importance

    • Some species of freshwater fish can tolerate cooler temperatures, but many tropical fish prefer a tank temperature of 76 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. In warmer climates, it may be possible to keep a fish tank warm without a heater, but it will be difficult to keep the temperature stable. Aquarium water heaters not only heat the water in the tank, but they also keep the temperature from changing. If the temperature in your tank drops or rises significantly, your fish could become stressed.

    Installation

    • Unwind the power cord but do not plug the heater into the electrical outlet until you have installed it. Aquarium heaters can be attached vertically to the back or side of the tank or positioned horizontally. If you choose to position the heater horizontally, attach it to the back wall of the tank a few inches from the bottom, affixing it using the suction cups provided. It is wise to arrange a drip loop in the cord by stretching the cord out so that part of it hangs below the outlet. This will prevent water from dripping down the cord and coming into contact with the outlet.

    Use

    • Once you have installed your heater and filled the tank with water, wait about 15 minutes before plugging the heater in. Tetra aquarium heaters have a red indicator light that turns on when the water is heating; this light should turn on when you plug the heater in. When the water in the tank has reached the desired temperature, the light will turn green. Tetra heaters automatically heat aquarium water to 78 degrees. This feature reduces the risk of overheating aquarium water and helps the heater to last longer. Only the largest heater, for tanks up to 55 gallons, allows temperature adjustment.

    Considerations

    • Never run your heater dry. It should always be fully submerged in water before you plug it in. If you attempt to operate the heater dry, you could damage the heating unit. Once you have installed the heater in your tank, it is wise to wait at least 24 hours before adding any fish. This will give you time to make sure the heater is functioning properly and it will also give the tank temperature time to stabilize. Tetra aquarium heaters are meant to be submersed, so be sure to position the heater in the tank so the entire heating unit is below the water line.