As fish keepers, we occasionally need to keep multiple aquariums for emergencies so that we can move part of our fish there. These emergencies can include certain fish developing diseases, being highly aggressive, being reproductive, and many more. As a fish owner, having a spare aquarium is essential, and since it isn’t our primary tank, a lot of us frequently choose inexpensive fish tanks like rubber or plastic tanks. “Can plastic melt in an aquarium heater?” is a common query. This article will teach you all you need to know.
Yes, you can put a heater in a plastic tank. We are all aware that tropical fish of all kinds—marine or freshwater—need to be kept in warm water that is at least 62°F to sustain their ideal water temperature, so they require a heater. They must be maintained with a heater due to their tropical nature in order for them to remain healthy, even if they are housed inside a plastic or rubberized fish tank.
Can it burn a plastic tank, given that all tropical fish require warmth wherever they are?
Can An Aquarium Heater Melt Plastic?
No, a tank heater could very well not melt plastic since it rarely gets hot enough, and if it did, the fish as well as other animals in the tank, would perish.
A simple electronic device called an aquarium heater is used to control water temperature and maintain it at the appropriate level for fish and other aquatic creatures. The aquarium heater prevents the water from getting too cold by keeping it slightly hotter than a standard boiler or heater that is typically used in the kitchen to boil or heat water.
Can aquarium heaters burn fish? Find out here!
When this electrical gadget is turned ON, it is hardly hot enough to scorch flesh and skin unless it’s malfunctioning, and because it cannot melt plastic, it may be handled and stored on our bodies. The only chance it could melt rubber or plastic would be if it were broken and maintained very near to the aquarium wall at the same time.
Since there is water inside the fish tank to maintain it cold even if the gadget isn’t working properly, it is quite uncommon for this type of incident to happen and prevent the plastic tank from melting. Plastic cannot melt in a fish tank heater, not even when the heater is broken and the fish tank is filled with water.
What Can You Do To Prevent Plastic Tank From Melting?
Again, if you maintain an air stone or cooler in the aquarium, there is no way that it will become too warm because it will control the amount of heat that is produced as well as assist with the circulation of oxygen. For this reason, purchasing an air stone or cooler is advisable.
Because a fish tank warmer or aquarium heater is made for any kind of fish tank, you may use it in both plastic and glass fish tanks or containers.
Can You Heat A Plastic Tank With A Fish Tank Heater?
Contrary to popular belief, you can install a fish tank warmer in a plastic aquarium. Without the need for a lot of negligence and accidents, melting plastic with the heater is practically impossible. Utilizing An Aquarium Heater Let’s look at the reason why your heater is unable to melt the plastic to offer a little more detail.
Why Won’t A Plastic Tank Melt With An Aquarium Heater?
In most cases, an aquarium heater that has been installed properly and is functioning properly won’t become sufficiently hot to melt the plastic of your fish tank. A saltwater aquarium might be composed of any number of plastic materials, and they can all sustain temperatures of at least 149°F. You’ll have a hard time heating your heaters that hot when it’s submerged!
Since water keeps the heat distributed uniformly within the tank, there is a considerably lower chance that the heater will melt any surrounding plastic. Even in the areas closest to the heater, the water makes sure that the heat cannot accumulate sufficiently to melt the plastic.
Can Your Device Melt Plastic Decorations And Equipment?
Ornaments made out of plastic are likewise quite uncommon to melt as an effect of your heater. To be cautious, I would try to keep any delicate or weak plastic decorations or gear away from the heater, though. Having stated that, there is no need for you to be concerned.
Because of its innate capacity to insulate and in keeping the heat distributed more or less uniformly throughout your fish tank, the water in the tank aids in preventing these plastic pieces from melting.
Avoiding Aquarium Heaters When Working With A Plastic Tank
Titanium aquarium heaters could be dangerous if any heaters are. Titanium aquarium heaters have a tremendous amount of power and can easily cause the water and tank to overheat. When using a plastic tank or tub, it is preferable to stay away from these titanium heaters. The likelihood that these aquarium heaters will overheat and melt any plastic is the highest.
Safety Measures To Take In A Plastic Aquarium
Notwithstanding what this article states, when working with a fish tank heater, always abide by the safety precautions listed in the manufacturer’s instructions. Don’t do it if the instruction booklet states not to keep the heater in close contact with plastic. Always read the user handbook that comes with your aquarium heater carefully before installing it.
The heater often needs time to acclimate to the temperature of the aquarium’s water before being hooked in. The aquarium heater removal follows the same rules. Before removing it, let it cool.
Four Things To Consider While Installing A Heater
There are four important considerations to keep in mind when installing a heater in your plastic aquarium.
Let The Heater Adjust
It’s crucial to give the heater time to adjust to the tank’s current temperature when you first acquire it. Before turning on the heater or adjusting the thermostat, let it soak in the water for a while, ideally for at least an hour. By doing this, you may prevent the glass from shocking by a temperature differential and perhaps cracking when the heating element turns on.
Maintain Aquarium After Heater Removal
To ensure that the heater component cools down correctly after removal from your aquarium, you should perform the same action in reverse. Your heater glass breaking and contaminating your tank is the last scenario you want to happen. That could cause major harm to your fish, not to add that full tank drainage and cleaning are also required. Additionally, it will prevent the heater from melting any surfaces you could place it on after removal.
Separate Aquarium Surface From the Heater
Ensure the glassware of the water heater doesn’t touch the aquarium’s glass walls, gravel, or other decorative elements when you install it. Once more, this could result in the glass breaking, potentially electrocuting your fish and killing it. You may shield your tank from this risk by purchasing inexpensive heater guards.
Safeguard Fish From Equipment
Make sure your fish can’t get caught in between the heater and anything else when your fish tank heater is installed within the aquarium. Make sure there are plenty of hiding spots for your fish, such as ornaments or plants, so they won’t have to resort to using the heater as a last resort. This is bad for the health of your fish because it can burn and damage them. Fish can be bashful, so they require lots of places to hide if they want to feel secure. A fish cannot hide behind a heater in safety!
7 Best Aquarium Heaters For Plastic Tanks
Following are the 7 best aquarium heaters for plastic material aquariums:
Aqueon Preset Aquarium Fish Tank Heater 100 Watts
- Preset to 78°, accurate to +/- 1°
- No adjustment required
- Shatter resistant
- Fully submersible, auto shut-off when overheats, resets when cools down
- LED light turns on when aquarium water is being heated
- Ideal for aquariums up to 30 gallons
You can even make your own DIY lights for your tank. I have a blog dedicated to this topic alone. Give it a read!
Xiaoyztan Plastic Fish Tank Water Warmer Guard Detachable Aquarium Water Heater Guard
- SAFETY – Created to protect both the heater and your aquarium.
- DETACHABLE – Multi-section detachable construction allows you to freely change the length.
- COMPACT SIZE-Three suction cups in a compact size make it easy for you to install in a tank.
- AFTERSALES – If you encounter any product quality issues, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
- MATERIAL – Made from high-quality materials, non-toxic to water quality and fish, safe to use.
Submersible Aquarium Fish Tank Heater Aqueon Pro 300
- Electronic thermostat with a temperature range of 68 to 88°F and an accuracy of +/- 1°
- Almost unbreakable and unbreakable
- Completely submersible When it overheats, it automatically shuts off and restarts. The LED light becomes red.
- Aquariums with freshwater and saltwater
- include suction cups for positioning and installation
- recommended for 100-gallon aquariums.
Aquarium Tronic Heater Holder In Plastic By Marina
- Ideal for attaching your Fluval Tronic heater to your aquarium wall is the heater holder.
- packaged with a header in a polybag
- built using plastic
- Measures 1-1/3 inches long, 3-1/2 inches wide, and 5 inches tall
- This item has a weight of 0.8 pounds.
Heat-Resistant Fish Tank Heating Rod Sleeve From Garosa Aquariums
- A Sturdy Heater Protection Cover With Suction Cups.
- This heating rod sleeve for aquariums is made of high-quality plastic that is heat-resistant, anti-rust, and reliable.
- This heating pole sleeve is employed to prevent the scalding of the fish in the tank.
- A heating rod safety sleeve has six pieces and can accommodate heating rods of various sizes.
- This tank heater guard and protector can also be thought of as a fish tank heater accessory.
- The covering sleeve has an appropriate gap design to keep the heat produced by the heater while protecting the fish.
Digital Aquarium Heater Hitop 600w
This heater suits large fish and turtle tanks thanks to its durable, impact-resistant lid.
Dual Temperature Display In Digital Form
This HITOP 600W aquarium heater uses a digital temperature control mechanism to clearly display both the set temperature and the current power usage. A heating indicator is also there to show whether the device is functioning. 75-180 gallon tank.
Shatterproof Heating Element Made Of Titanium Alloy
Since titanium alloy is more durable and corrosion-resistant than other materials, the heating element is shatterproof and suitable for fresh and saltwater use. This heater suits large fish and turtle tanks thanks to its durable, impact-resistant lid.
You can control this fish tank heater’s external controller without removing it from the fish tank. You can do this in order to set or alter the temperature. The temperature can be regulated between 18.0°C and 34.0°C, or 64.0°F to 93.0°F.
Accurate Management Of Temperature
This submersible tank heater’s twin probe design enables it to correctly and quickly detect the water’s temperature. It can then automatically begin and stop heating depending on the water’s temperature, with an inaccuracy of no more than one degree.
Overheat Prevention Mechanism
When the temperature in the fish tank surpasses 34°C/93°F, a built-in extra overheating prevention technology promptly shuts off the heater to keep your fish safe. For this aquarium heater, amazon offers a 12-month warranty.
FAQ
Is Plastic Compatible With An Aquarium Heater?
This heater is safe for both saltwater and freshwater aquariums and is made for 2 to 5-gallon tanks made of glass or plastic. EFFECTIVE, SAFE, AND SMALL: This aquarium heater has an automated safety shut-off mechanism that turns off the electricity to the device when it comes into contact with air.
What Is The Best Way To Keep A Plastic Fish Bowl Warm?
Place the aquarium near a heater or in a room that is warmer in your house. For water changes, use warm water. You should insulate your tank’s glass walls. Warm the water in your tank gradually (temporary solution).
Can Fake Plants Contact An Aquarium Heater?
It is advisable to make sure that no plants ever touch the heater. The leaves could burn if the heaters were greater. Your aquarium’s temperature of the water will be lower and more unstable if the tank plants obstruct some of the water flow around the heater.
How Can I Quickly Heat My Fish Tank?
Another method for quickly heating the water in a fish tank is to use a hot water bottle. The heat from a hot water bottle will control the temperature of the water in a fish tank if you fill it with warm or hot water, firmly close it, and place it inside the tank.
Conclusion
I’ve discussed a few of the numerous factors you should consider when choosing Aquarium Heaters in your plastic Aquarium in this article.
As a human, you are well aware of how a sudden change in temperature can impact you along with the environment you’re living in. It may be even more crucial for your livestock.
I have covered all you need to know to maintain the temperature sensibly so that the aquarium’s materials don’t melt or deteriorate. To ensure that your heater doesn’t overheat and injure the tank or the fish that reside inside of it, you must maintain equipment to monitor and regulate its state.
