Question:Ok well I know that it is recommended to have a 50-75W heater for a 10 gallon, but I have an old one that measures around 10.5 inches long, I have no idea what wattage it is....Safe to put it in the tank on the lowest setting and see what temperature it is? I want to buy a new one, but my mom won't let me, saying this one will be fine and she will get me a thermometer.It came from a friend with a relatively large tank.
Is it dangerous?
Answers:
It should be fine as long as you keep an eye on the temperature of the water. Make sure the heater can be completely submerged or if it's a hang on the back heater then make sure the water comes to the water line indicated on the front of the heater, once the glass heats up if any of it is out of the water the glass can break and electricute your fish or yourself if you aren't careful. Good luck! :)
Even if it's a quite high wattage heater it will be fine. It could be a problem if the heater ever stuck in the on position, but that's very very rare. Just stay in the habit of checking the thermometer often and it will be fine.
MM
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