Fixing condensation in aquarium heater ?

[Discus3anatic]

I have a $50 300w Aqueon Heater in my 120g corner bow discus tank.. I used two heaters in it at one time a 250 petco heater and this 300 but i learned i didnt need two to heat it so i took the 250 out and i use it for my 27g hex which had no heater.

Anyway, i noticed like 4 days ago when cleaning the tank my 300w had moisture where the orange light is.. Looking close moisture is all over the top portion of the heater. but not on the elements and not pooling on the bottom. Its just a little condensation. I dont fully sibmerge the heater usually 1 inch is above the water line, it is verticle along the wall in order for me to get easy access to the temp knob

Im pretty pissed as this heater is only 4-5 months old and i dont have the receipt so im sure aqueon will just laugh even though it has a lifetime warranty. Im pretty handy, work on cars, and fix alot of things myself.. So i was wondering couldnt i just take the heater apart.. Pull the heating element out or at least pull it partially out breaking the seal and use a blow dryer to heat the tube top and bottom to evaporate the moisture.. Then re-seal the heater with aquarium silicone ? I do not have $50 for another heater atm because im having money issues.. I mean worst case is i break it and i just have to go to my 250w in the 27g.

What do you guys think ?

[Akili]

Once you opened it will not seal like before and the cap has to be kept above the water
Replace it as soon as possible. Condensation is your first sign the heater is going to fail anyways.
I make it a habit to keep all my heater caps above water. Wait till some has a sale on good heaters

[SNap0283]

I have to completely disagree. I have at least a half dozen heaters that are 10+ years old and have had moisture in them pretty much since the first year. I wouldn't give a second thought to it. To be clear these are fully submersible heaters. If its one that is made to hang on the side (if they even make those anymore?) then it may need to be replaced, I don't have experience with them to offer a suggestion.

[Bill63SG]

My understanding is that's not condensation but oil from the making of the heater.Its fine.

[Akili]

@SNap0283....... 2 of mine that had gotten condensation they failed soon afterwards and what hurt was that they newer (Aqueon) then the ones that have now.

[SNap0283]

The ones I have are the <$10 a piece ones from whatever online supplier is running a sale at the time. Sure ive had a few fail here and there but it doesn't seem to be related to the moisture inside. Your issue may very well be different from my own experience.

[Discus3anatic]

Once you opened it will not seal like before and the cap has to be kept above the water
Replace it as soon as possible. Condensation is your first sign the heater is going to fail anyways.
I make it a habit to keep all my heater caps above water. Wait till some has a sale on good heaters

What makes you say it cant be re-sealed just curious? Anything can be resealed, thats like saying once a tank leaksit cant be resealed, ive redone seals ona few of my tanks and never had issues, i dont see how this heater would be any different Then sealing up a water pump or tranny or engine or any aquarium i have done in the past.

I mean as far as the moisture usually i dont worry about it, but since its in a tank with a thousand dollars worth of discus and plants and other fish i dunno, i have heaters with moisture in them and they never failed, in fact never had a heater fail on me.. I still use 25 year old heaters from back in the day.. I dunno maybe im being paranoid.

[Akili]

The ones I have are the <$10 a piece ones from whatever online supplier is running a sale at the time. Sure ive had a few fail here and there but it doesn't seem to be related to the moisture inside. Your issue may very well be different from my own experience.

I agree with you that every case is different but having had a failure with Aqueon and OP has the same brand as mine,my suggestion to him that it would be prudent to change.

[Akili]

What makes you say it cant be re-sealed just curious? Anything can be resealed, thats like saying once a tank leaksit cant be resealed, ive redone seals ona few of my tanks and never had issues, i dont see how this heater would be any different Then sealing up a water pump or tranny or engine or any aquarium i have done in the past.

I mean as far as the moisture usually i dont worry about it, but since its in a tank with a thousand dollars worth of discus and plants and other fish i dunno, i have heaters with moisture in them and they never failed, in fact never had a heater fail on me.. I still use 25 year old heaters from back in the day.. I dunno maybe im being paranoid.

What I should have posted that sometimes it does not seal like from the factory. Yes you may be able to put it all together and still end up with condensation down the road.

[DJW]

My Eheim-Jagers sometimes have condensation near the top. These are submersible, and I don't worry about it.

[Altum Nut]

I would not tamper with it if it still works and maintains heat properly.
You will get better heat distribution if submersible heater is near bottom and positioned horizontally.
I have had my Jagers show inside moisture for years without any issues.

...Ralph