Heater lifespan

**fishn00b** · 04-25-2011, 04:20 PM

I have a 25W TopFin heater in my 10g and lately I have noticed the little orange light never shuts off unless its unplugged. Sure enough, I have seen the temp rise to around 84, at whihc point I unplug it. However after 36 hours or so it will drop down to 76 and then I plug it back in.

I have had the heater for around 18 months or so, in your experience how long do they normally last? All I have in there is a betta, cory and snail so they aren't that sensitive and I have been home a lot lately to keep an eye on it. But with any luck I'll be back to work soon and want it to be more reliable.

**Rue** · 04-25-2011, 04:29 PM

One of my heaters must be going on 10 years now...the others are at least 5...

If it's made properly and well, it can last a very long time...just watch the rubber on the cords and stuff...once that wears, it's probably time to toss it...

**fishn00b** · 04-25-2011, 04:45 PM

Only thing I have noticed is some white crust build up but I assumed that was due to my very hard water leaving some type of deposits, as I find it on the rim of my tank as well sometimes.

**Cermet** · 04-25-2011, 10:23 PM

No matter how long anyone's heater works, yours is junk waiting to kill all your fish.

Get a new one. I like the Via Aqua Ti submersible heater with remote senor and temp setting dial. If you ever upgrade to a bigger tank, this can be used with a slightly higher wattage and you redundancy.

**Brhino** · 04-25-2011, 10:51 PM

I agree 100% with Cermet. You have time bomb in your tank waiting to cook your fish. Your fish would be better off with no heater until you can get a new one than with that one.