Question 1

can this be placed in a plastic tub?

Accepted Answer

Yes, it can be placed in a plastic tub. However, keep in mind it may not attach very firmly, and you do not want it to float up. Do not place anything directly on it, as that could cause it to malfunction, but you might want to build a "cave" around it, to prevent it from floating up out of the water while it is heating. That would definitely cause it to malfunction!  Otherwise, there are no issues with using it in a plastic tub, acrylic tank, etc.

Question 2

Would this product be able to heat a 40 gallon tank? I need one to heat my turtle's tank.

Accepted Answer

This heater can heat up to 30 actual gallons of water so if your turtle tank is half to three-quarters of the way full, then yes, it can.  If your home is kept cooler than the average room temperature of 72 degrees, we would recommend going up a size in heaters to at least a 150 watt one.  For more help, email petsupport@spectrumbrands.com.

Question 3

What are these broken up chemical film particles on surface of water after putting it in?

Accepted Answer

Sounds like you have a lot of protein in the tank that is causing an "oil slick" on the surface. It is unrelated to the heater, other than warmer water may be causing the particles to rise and form the slick.  Do a partial water change of 25%.  Feed less.

Question 4

Red light keeps turning on and off. Temp stays at 60. I returned it twice so are all of them broken?

Accepted Answer

No, the heaters are not broken, the thermometer is the issue.  The red light will not stay on all the time as that would cause it to overheat the tank.  It will go on and off every few minutes until it raises the temperature to between 76 and 80 degrees.  Then it goes off for a little bit.  This will happen more frequently as it is raising the temperature and less often once it gets there.  If your home is actually 60 degrees, you will need a larger heater or two heaters in order to properly heat the tank.  Heaters are calibrated for an average room temperature of 72 degrees.

TetraFauna Aquatic Reptile Heater 100 Watts, for Frogs, Newts and Turtles, Green

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