Where to place the aquarium heater?
To have an efficient aquarium, certain factors must be taken care of that benefit the health and prosperity of the fish. One of them is the correct installation of the heater, given its importance in controlling the temperature of this aquatic environment. Likewise, its timely maintenance would prevent these sensitive creatures from suffering from diseases and stress.
Starting from the fact that fish do not generate their own body heat, it is necessary to install a heater to maintain their small ecosystem at a suitable temperature. In addition, said instrument contributes substantially to keeping them not only warm but also healthy. In the same way, correctly complying with its maintenance every certain period of time would avoid discomfort, since these devices with continuous use could not supply the required temperature. More important fact if you have tropical fish.
The practical way to control the temperature of an aquarium is by implementing a heater. This small but efficient device has important functions such as keeping the water temperature stable with the help of a thermostat, an instrument that in most cases is incorporated into its format. Hence, this quality not only allows warm water fish to feel comfortable, but also favors the development of bacterial colonies that benefit said habitat.
But, for the aforementioned premise to be carried out satisfactorily, the correct installation of the heater inside the aquarium must be taken into account first of all.
How to install an aquarium heater?
Most aquarium heaters are designed to be easy to install. However, heaters such as substrate heaters cannot be installed anywhere other than at the bottom of the aquarium. In this way, the most recommended, according to the model, is to follow the recommendations and steps specified by the manufacturer. However, in general the principle can be the same.
First of all, it is advisable to check the aquarium heater before installing it, in this way it is ensured that both the casing and its power cable are in good condition before assembly. Also, it is necessary to verify that the surface where it is going to be placed is completely clean, so that the suction cups that it comes with as a fastening system adhere successfully in the designated place.
Another detail to take into account is establishing the correct place for its placement inside the fish tank and for this it is recommended to place it away from plants or some rocks that may come into contact with the device. On the other hand, it is very important to locate it in a place where there is good water circulation, as it would be in front of the flow generated by the filter, so it will be distributed evenly throughout the aquarium, heating not only faster water but also in a balanced way.
On the other hand, before starting it, it is necessary to wait a period of 15 to 30 minutes. This is so that the water acclimatizes and there is no temperature shock that could even damage the equipment. For this reason, the placement of a thermometer, either external or internal, in the fish tank is also transcendental, since it will allow to measure with certainty the degrees in which the water is at the moment of introducing or turning on the heater. Then you can adjust to the right temperature without any inconvenience.
A point in which attention should be paid is to periodically observe the temperature during the 24 hours prior to the introduction of the fish. This in order to verify at least every 6 hours that the heater reaches the required temperature. Also, it is necessary to analyze that in some cases, a single heater will not be enough if it is a pond with more than 200 liters. In this sense, it is advisable to place two heaters in different places within the aquarium.
Finally, having the entire ecosystem at the right temperature, all that remains is to introduce the fish into the aquarium. Bearing in mind that during the first few days some type of fluctuation may possibly occur, so you must be attentive, since if the variation is high it could affect their life.
acclimatization of fish
Acclimatization is an essential process to guarantee not only the well-being and health of the fish, but also their harmony. In such a way, that it must be done when new members are incorporated into the aquarium. To do this, the bag in which they are contained must be kept floating for 20 minutes completely closed inside the pond. Later, it will open and allow the passage of a volume not greater than double the water with which the fish came. Once the water in the bag reaches the temperature of the aquarium, the fish can be removed with the help of a net in order to incorporate them into their new habitat. In this way, the fish will not suffer any sudden change in temperature.
Maintenance and care of the heater for a harmonious aquarium
Another point in which great attention must be paid to avoid deterioration of the heater is to carry out its opportune verification and maintenance. This is because no matter how cheap a particular model may be, it can have a long and efficient lifespan if you invest some time in this work. In this sense, it is recommended not to exceed its temperature above 26 ºC.
Similarly, the care or maintenance of a heater is not a complicated task to perform. Success lies in choosing a model that is easy to handle, since if it has to be disassembled to clean more thoroughly, it is practical and fast. Likewise, if any part is damaged, it can be easily replaced. In addition to the above, the position and the wrong location inside the aquarium are variables that influence the deterioration of the device, regardless of the brand and power, so you must be careful and choose carefully where you are going to place it.
Taking these recommendations into account, you will be able to foresee a failure before it is too late. Thus, it will be easier to enjoy the advantages that aquarium hobby can offer you, such as a very entertaining passion that provides a relaxing space in your home or office.
