heater.

Question
QUESTION: Hi Michael

My tank is still having some issues. I tried fixing the thermostat like you advised and it hasn't worked. actually, now my tank is riding at the dangerous level of 90F

is it time for a new heater?? i haven't had this one for barely 4 months.....

ANSWER: Shelby,
Is this a "set it and forget it" heater?
Does it have a calibrated temp. scale?
If so, the calibration may be out of whack.
I would take it back to the store and let them know what it is doing.
For right now since you cannot trust it, you may want to remove it from the tank to avoid any other problems.
Let me know how you make out.


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: it's not the kind of heater that has no knob whatsoever to set the temp.  All it has is a knob on top that goes from low to high. i don't really know much about heaters, i couldn't begin to tell you if its calibrated or whatnot.

It's a TopFin 50W heater. on it it says "Automatic Aquarium Heater"

I got it at Petsmart. If i bring it in without the box will they give me a hard time???

Answer
Shelby,
they may not like it much but if you get someone other than the sales staff like a Mgr. and explain the situation I am pretty sure they would go your way. They want every customer they can get.
If I were you, I would find an independent shop that has a little more expertise on tap than the folks at the big box stores.
The heater you are refering to is a entry level heater rather poorly constructed and thats the problem.
Find a Aquarium Pharm. or Tetra, Ebo,etc. that will do the job for you in a more reliable manner.
Any way you look at it, the Top Fin has got to go.