Fish just like humans would like to be in an environment that is within a certain temperature range. For most fish, the optimum temperature is around 73 to 82 degrees. This is for tropical fish and you can see achieving such temperature is not hard as there are heaters you could use for your aquarium starting today.
You can expect that the heater will help you with maintaining the temperature within the right range at all times. Depending on the type of fish, the optimum temperature range is always different. Make sure to learn more about the type of fish you have before setting the temperature.
Below are steps you could use when it comes to how to install an aquarium heater
Table of Contents
1. Choose the right heater
In the market today, you can get various types of heater that would be great for the aquarium. The common one would be the submersible water heater. Most people choose it for being easy to install and can also be used to heat more gallons of water in the fish tank. Make sure to read the description and instruction to ascertain that the heater is submersible.
2. Inspect the heater
Before you can start the installation, there is the need to make sure that the heater is intact and working properly. Sometimes during transportation, people end up with cracked heater casing. A cracked casing would make the heater dangerous for use in the water. You also have to make sure that there are no exposed wires as water and electricity do not mix well.
3. Attaching the heater
With the heater being in good condition, what is left is to proceed with the installation. You first have to find the suitable location for installing the heater in the aquarium. Then proceed to use the suction cups for holding the heater while in the water. Sometimes the manufacturer can offer a mounting bracket. Make sure it is attached properly to the fish tank to keep the heater submerged as instructed. You also have to make sure that the plants and any other aquarium decorations do not come into contact with the newly installed heater.
4. Do not turn it on just yet
You need to allow the heater to settle in your aquarium for about 20 minutes before turning it on. The aim is to make sure that the glass casing can adjust to the temperature change in the water. This should help prevent the case from fracturing.
5. Turn on the heater
By now, you can turn on the submersible water heater. Most of them would come with a dial for adjusting the temperature. You can also find an ideal temperature mark on the dial. This will allow you to set the temperature of the heater to the best one for the aquarium.
Allow the heater to operate in the aquarium for 24 hours as you check the temperature. You want to make sure that the water temperature can be maintained within a certain range. You can adjust the temperature every six hours on the thermostat to keep it within the desired range.
By now, the water temperature should be in the ideal range for your fish. Proceed to add the fish once the temperature has stabilized. Your fish should now have a home that has the right temperature for them.
Below is a video that should give more tips about installing a water heater:
Conclusion
The process of installing an aquarium heater is not hard. Sometimes it is all about following the manufacturer’s instructions. You should be done within a couple minutes even if you have not installed one before. Most people always get a heater installed in less than 10 minutes.
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