Heater burned... help!!

[Aqua Girl]

I purchased a 60 gallon tank (package) in May that came with some basic necessities.. one of them being a guardian heater. This morning, I woke up to the smell of burn. The Guardian heater inside the tank had several small holes and had burned out. The whole house smells like burn now (including the water in the tank) and I'm afraid when I get home from work today that all my precious fish will be dead.....

Does anyone have any experience with this??

This heater was less than 3 months old. I run out this morning and purchased a new heater.

[charlie]

I would do some serious water changes and maybe run some carbon. Could you tell us a little more about your system and what you have in it that will help us help you, OK. Good luck!!!!

[leebca]

WELCOME TO REEFLAND!

Just wanted to welcome you to Reefland. As Charlie wrote, water changes and very large water changes will correct a world of wrongs. Just be sure to follow conservative procedures for a large water change, such as that given here: How to Make a Successful Water Change

Bring in as much fresh, un-smelly air as you can to the system.

You may find the need for a heater to be just to maintain a steady temperature when lights go off, rather than to do any serious heating.

[Aqua Girl]

Thanks Charlie,

Just an update... the fish are fine so far. I have a sailfin tang, 2 clowns, a black velvet damsels and a few cleaners (crab, shrimp).

I very new to this...

I sent an email to Guardian and in return they sent me their warranty. THIS IS A FRESHWATER HEATER!! I guess I relied on the pet shop to help me out there. My mistake.

[Aqua Girl]

Hi Lee,

Thanks for the info. I must say it is a little intimidating. Are their any video's regarding water changes? That may be easier. This seems overwhelming.

[leebca]

Don't be put off by it. Once you get into the routine, it is easy.

Make up your new water. Check the pH, temp and sp. gr. Make it the same as the water you are going to exchange it with. Make the exchange.

Mixing and dissolving, etc. are fluff, except for mixing no less than 48 hours. That will be easy once you get into the habit of having water ready.

[charlie]

Got to agree with Lee here. It is a little bit daunting at first, but once you get into a routine, you will think it is rather easy. Follow his instructions, the man knows what he is doing, he has probably changed more water in his lifetime than I will ever get to!!!!!!