Small tank heater question

[250Gimp]

Hi All

I have a 4.5 gal. Tank and want to get a good adjustable heater.

I would also like the heater to be protected from my idiocy, in that I may....forget to unplug before draining the tank for a water change.

I gound an Eheim heater that is almost perfect, but it is too long. The 50w is around 10" long!

Anyone got not her option, say n the 7" long range?

Thanks for all your help.
Cheers

[genocidex]

a 25w under gravel heater might work for you

[talldutchie]

Short adjustable heaters are scarce. Hagen has a few small ones that are preset.

[250Gimp]

I have a small fixed output heater now, but it isn't working well since I forgot to unplug it while changing the water a while back.

Has anyone used a Hydor heater? They have a short adjustable temp one.

Cheers

[Knightia]

I have two 50W heaters. Both are compact and adjustable. One is made by a company called Superfish. The other is made by Sera (and has a good cage guard that comes with it).

[250Gimp]

Thanks Firefly

I haven't seen those brands in my local fish shops, but will keep my eye out!

Cheers

[Knightia]

I just realised, you might not find them in Canada - I'm in the UK. Sera is a German brand and it came with a European plug + an adapter for UK plugs. I'm not sure where Superfish is from but that was UK wired.

Worth checking online though as there should be options out there for you.

[Cermet]

The only fool proof heater is a heater a foo... well, I better rephrase that ... the only heater that most people cannot destroy easily is a metal horizontal aquarium heater. These can withstand no water for a while, and it is hard to drain a tank out that far with fish in it, anyway. Even when super hot, adding water will not then break the case. These heaters are the best overall solution to this issue for safety and do provide more uniform water temperatures in a tank, as well. I only own these types - I really like the units with external temp control dials. Mine also have a remote temp sensor to better hold temp in the tank. They are in the review section for heaters here in the forum.

Most pet stores do not carry these heaters, so might have to go on line. Better prices on line even with shipping. Consider a digital therometer, as well. They are inexpensive and well worth the money.