Equipment Review and Discussion :: can't seem to get heaters to heat up enough...help?

[decaydancexx]

So i went to get water heaters for my two brand new hatchlings yesterday. I got this really bad one at Wal-Mart that only increased the temperature 4 degrees. So then I went to Petco and picked up a Tetrafauna heater. Both of the heaters said they automatically warm up to 78 degrees, but so far, the highest the water temp has gotten is 75, with BOTH of them in. I have a 10-15 gallon tank, that is only filled about 1/3 of the way, and the tetrafauna says it works for up to 30 gallons of water! I don't understand what I can do to spike the temperature, does anyone have any suggestions?

[octpusgirl8]

Cheap heaters generally aren't worth fooling with. If you can't select the temperature, that's generally a sign that it's not a quality heater. Visitherm Stealth heaters are a favorite among turtle owners for their durability and reliability. You should really look into getting a bigger tank for your turtles, 10 gallons isn't enough for two hatchlings and they will be growing bigger every day. A too-small tank can cause agression issues with multiple turtles. A big rubbermaid strage bin can be a good option if you can't afford to go out and buy a big tank. That would last you a while so you can save up to buy the big tank (or tanks) you'll need for when your turtles grow up. Always get as big a tank as you can, it'll save you a lot of money down the road.

[TheComputerGremlin]

Petsmart has some good inexpensive heaters that have a dial on them for upping the temperature. When I was first looking at heaters, I looked at Walmart and wasn't satisfied with the heater setting options. Also, if you room is too cold, the heater won't work as efficiently. Also, if you have to buy a new tank heater and a new tank, you should look into getting a higher watt heater.

[Bumby's Mom]

Have you checked the thermometer? I thought my heater wasn't working and turned out my digital thermometer was innacurate.

[Vtolds]

My question is how big is the heater VS how big is your tank? if the tank is too big for the wattage of the heater it may be trying to reach 78 but it cant because there is too much too heat. If you have a 30 gallon tank you need something around 200 Watts I believe 300 Watts is good for anything around or over 55 gallons.