Equipment of the Week: Heaters

revhtree · Aug 17, 2012

Yes I realize that it is summer and that many of you are not thinking about heaters for your aquarium but you can never be too prepared in this hobby and having a good, reliable heater is no exception! Some of you may actually be needing/using a heater even during the summer months. My tank for example is using the heater. At night time my wife likes to go into a deep, cold air induced coma and therefore a heater is needed for my little wet friends.

So what is the right type of heater to have, how many watts is it, what is it made of, how many do I need, and what is the track record of the heater are the major questions you should be asking and finding out for yourself. Honestly the question of how much does it cost should not really be considered as a lower priced heater could spell disaster like it has for many hobbyists over the years. So while you want the best deal, the best deal is not always the best heater or the best route to take. Like the old saying says, you get what you pay for.

So I would like for you to share your "heating" experience and what you think is the best options on the market for heating your aquarium. Also please share any stories you may have both good and bad. This might save someone in the future from some serious heartache!

revhtree · Aug 17, 2012

Yes...and...?

Mufasa31 · Aug 17, 2012

The only way I trust a heater is with a controller as a backup.

caudill187 · Aug 17, 2012

Mufasa31 said:
The only way I trust a heater is with a controller as a backup.

I second this. There may be one brand that comes from the manufacturer with a reliable thermostat, but I haven't come across one yet. I prefer at least two heaters in a system, both on a controller. The Hydor theo brand heaters seem to be pretty good - decent function and craftmanship at a reasonable price.

Troylee · Aug 17, 2012

Don't know why anyone uses personally... 90% of the complaints I hear are how to cool your tank... I would move my lights closer or add a mag drive pump to raise the temp lol... Heaters have to be the number 1 reason of tank crashes from equipment...

swissgaurd · Aug 17, 2012

since ive gone to LED my heater works in the summer
im always leary of the thing not working.ive heard many good things about using a ranco controller

vic

Reefing8EZ · Aug 17, 2012

Eheim Ebo-JÃ¤ger 150watt, doesn't go on much but when it does it works..

bige · Aug 17, 2012

Troylee said:
Don't know why anyone uses personally... 90% of the complaints I hear are how to cool your tank... I would move my lights closer or add a mag drive pump to raise the temp lol... Heaters have to be the number 1 reason of tank crashes from equipment...

Yep. I no longer use one since I had one explode. It ruined everything and if I hadn't been sitting here when it happened my house would have burned down.

I did just as troylee said, mag drive 7 in sump, LEDs 4 inches off surface of water. Then I watched the tank and set up timers for different fans. Water stays at 77.5 all day and night. No controller yet but this is working so far.

And heater was a titanium finnex with external controller. Culprit? Bad silicone per the manufacture. So a stuck thermostat wasn't even the problem. I was given a new heater (which I threw away) and $75 for my trouble.