Heater Question???

[rholguin]

Tonight as I was mixing my saltwater I did not notice that my 2yr old plugged my heater so as I put it in a bucket of cold water it chattered in my hand. Gladly no harm was done but my question is do heaters release anything into the water when they brake. I really do not know anything about heaters. I would really hate to poison my tank if it does release anything. Any help greatly appreciated.

[splateee]

I don't know about releasing anything into the water, but it could cause a shock to the fish and harm them.

[melev]

Yes, if a heater breaks the coils inside can do damage. It depends how the heaters are made, and this varies from brand to brand.