The normal way of placing the Fluval E Series Advanced Electronic Aquarium Heater is to stand it up vertically in your fish tank. So, can you also install this device horizontally on its side? You can find out in this article from Aquarium Blueprints.
Before we begin, it should be noted that this article will be covering all versions of this product, which includes the following:
- Fluval E50 Advanced Electronic Aquarium Heater
- Fluval E100 Advanced Electronic Aquarium Heater
- Fluval E200 Advanced Electronic Aquarium Heater
- Fluval E300 Advanced Electronic Aquarium Heater
Is the Fluval E Series Heater fully submersible?
According to Fluval the E50, E100, E200 and E300 are submersible. This mean that you can put the entire unit under water.
Depending on your version, the heater will vary in length. The E50 is 9.75 inches long with the E100 is 11.75 inches long. Both the E200 and E300 are 14 inches in length.
The power cord can also be submerged. The only part you have to worry about keeping dry is the power plug.
Keep in mind that the E50, E100, E200 and E300 can only be submerged at a depth of 39 inches (or 100 cm) from the top of the water line in your fish tank.
Can you place the Fluval E Series Heater horizontally?
Since the heater is water proof, you should be able to place it on its side without any issue.
With that said, make sure that you use the included suction cups to attach the E Series to the glass of acrylic surface so that it won’t get loose.
You should also avoid having your heater make contact with substrate or any other physical objects in your aquarium; otherwise, the device may be obstructed from heating up your tank water.
Of course, you also need to make sure that there is enough water flow going through the heater as well or else you will see the LF error appear on the LCD screen. To prevent this from happening, you need to put your heater close to the filter or water pump output.
Should you place your Fluval E-Series Advanced Electronic Aquarium Heater horizontally?
We recommend putting your E50, E100, E200 or E300 horizontally as it should be more efficient at heating your fish tank when compared to the vertical position.
Furthermore, you should place it as close to the substrate as possible. This is because the heat will rise up from the heater and then go through the water column. If you place the heater near the top, then the bottom of your fish tank may end being cooler.
Of course, you should also make sure that you have enough water flow going through the vents of the heater. If you can’t get a good flow from a horizontal position, then you can try placing the heater diagonally.