Most fish survive in a temperature range of 23 to 27°C (75 – 80°F). Therefore, an aquarium heater is necessary if you live in a colder area or during the winter. Knowing whether the aquarium heater gets hot to the touch is essential to prevent burns.
Your aquarium heater should not be hot to the touch. Aquarium heaters are specially designed to keep the heat inside the units to maintain the temperature range required by fish. Therefore, your aquarium heater can be faulty if it becomes hot to the touch.
In this article, I’ll discuss reasons why an aquarium heater may be hot to the touch. I’ll also provide tips to address the issue of your aquarium heater becoming too hot. Keep reading to learn how to stay safe while using an aquarium heater.
Reasons Why an Aquarium Heater May Be Hot to the Touch
Aquarium heaters should not be hot to the touch. The system should direct the heat to the water to make it habitable for your fish. Therefore, something is a mess if your heater is hot to the touch.
The most common reasons are:
The Build-Up of Mineral Deposits on the Heating Element
Mineral deposits can build up on the heating element if you live in an area with hard water. This type of water will cause your heater to work harder to heat the water. As a result, your aquarium heater may become hot to the touch.
One of the main risks of a hot aquarium heater is hand burns. You may inadvertently touch the heater while inspecting your fish, only to get burned. This issue is hazardous if you have children as they don’t understand that a heater is hot.
Your Aquarium Has a Faulty Thermostat
One of the effects of a faulty thermostat in aquarium heaters is overheating. If your aquarium heater doesn’t have temperature control, it will become hot to the touch. The thermostat is responsible for regulating the temperature of the heater.
It’s essential to have a working thermometer in your aquarium so you can monitor the water temperature. This way, you’ll know if your heater is overheating and needs replacing.
Your Aquarium Has a Loose Connection
If the connection between the aquarium heater and the power source is loose, it can cause an electrical shock. This problem will make your heater hot to the touch and risk your safety.
It’s essential to check the connections of your aquarium heater regularly to avoid any accidents.
There Is a Ventilation Issue in Your Aquarium
According to the Zero Carbon Hub, poor air circulation is one of the main reasons for overheating in most heaters. If your heater is in a cramped space, it won’t be able to dissipate the heat properly. As a result, your aquarium heater may become hot to the touch.
Another cause of poor ventilation in aquarium heaters is the accumulation of dust. Air filters in the heater accumulate dust which may block airflow if not cleaned or changed regularly.
Your Aquarium Has a Backdraft Problem
If the aquarium heater is near an open window, door, or any other source of drafts, it can cause a backdraft. This issue happens when cold air enters the room and mixes with the hot air from the heater. As a result, your aquarium heater will have to work harder to maintain the desired temperature.
How To Address Overheating in Aquarium Heaters
Overheating in aquarium heaters is risky for your fish and family members. The best way to address this problem is first to know its cause. For instance, you’ll need to get new air filters if the cause of overheating is dust accumulation in the filter.
The following tips can help address the problem if you know the reason why your aquarium heater is overheating:
Draining the Aquarium Tank
Sedimentation and a buildup of minerals is the leading cause of overheating in aquarium heaters. If this is the problem, you’ll need to drain your tank and clean the heater.
You can use a water hose to remove the sediment from the tank. Once you’ve removed all the residue, flush the tank with clean water.
As a rule of thumb, you should drain and clean your tank every six months.
Cleaning the Heater
If your aquarium heater has mineral deposits, you’ll need to clean it. The following is the cleaning procedure:
- Unplug the heater and disassemble it according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Soak all the parts in white vinegar for at least six hours. This process will help remove any mineral deposits that may have built up on the heating element.
- Rinse the parts with clean water and dry them thoroughly.
- Reassemble the heater according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Checking the Aquarium Thermostat
If your aquarium heater doesn’t have temperature control, it may be due to a faulty thermostat. You’ll need to replace the thermostat if it’s not working correctly.
A working thermometer in your aquarium is essential in monitoring the water temperature. This way, you’ll know if your heater is overheating and needs repair.
Final Thoughts
Aquarium heaters should effectively dissipate heat into the internal units to create a sustainable fish habitat. A heater that works this way will not be hot to the touch. Therefore, a hot aquarium heater indicates a malfunction that you should address.
