Is it safe?

[zippy-kat]

Is it safe to put a heater in an acrylic tank?

I've had aquariums/fish bowls since I was itty-bitty...but they've all been glass. This weekend I purchased my first acrylic tank. With the light on, the tank warms up nicely and I'm able to check in throughout the day to make sure it doesn't over-heat. However, I'm going to be away for a few weekends; I don't want to leave the light on the whole time I'm gone, as it might over-heat.

The fish have an automatic feeder (and Sophie will be traveling with me) so no one will be coming in to check on them.

Sooo...would a heater be ok? I don't want to melt/warp the side of the tank !!

[carrie]

Your best bet is to phone the store you got the tank from and ask them. It is difficult to be sure without knowing the type of tank/ fish/ light etc.

[Phred]

Originally posted by zippy-kat
Is it safe to put a heater in an acrylic tank?
...I don't want to leave the light on the whole time I'm gone, as it might over-heat.

Hey Zipp ~ If you're comfortable with the LIGHT being able to maintain the tank temperature - Get an electric TIMER to cycle the light on and off a few times each day...

A big hardware store or WallyMart will have a selection of cheap ($5-$10) TIMERS that you plug into the wall and then plug the light into the timer. You want the kind that allows you to program multiple cycles (usually in 1 hour increments). I'd try 3 hours on; three houss off; three on; three off; continued for the entire 24 hour period. See how that works for a day or two then adjust the time periods to increase or decrease the temp.

I would feel safer using the light than I would using an in-the-tank heater.

[zippy-kat]

Zippy's new name for Phred = MR. OBVIOUS! lol


Why didn't *I* think of that? Oh yeah...the hair color

(thanks Phred! )

[Former User]

Originally posted by zippy-kat

Why didn't *I* think of that? Oh yeah...the hair color

LOL LOL LOL argh, you're way too funny Tonya!!!

[Kfamr]

Your question made me think of a lesson we had in Peace Makers class, on making decisions.. the questions you have to ask your self are "is it safe" "will it work" "is it fair" and "how will it make people/ or animals in your case feel" if i was you id just have someone watch it