Just got a new fancy heater

[TankLife87]

New heater! Got tired of cheaper heaters and temperature swings plus inconsistent temperature readings.
Anyone have a review of this one or if I’ll just end up replacing in a few months.

 

[Philipgonzales3]

New heater! Got tired of cheaper heaters and temperature swings plus inconsistent temperature readings.
Anyone have a review of this one or if I’ll just end up replacing in a few months.

Is it a 3 prong or 2 prong plug?

 

[ForrestGump]

I don't know anything about the heater you got, but I just recently upgraded my heater to a Reef Octopus 150w titanium with an Inkbird 306T. The heaters (I bought 3) I got new from Ebay for $10veach w/shipping. They have no internal temp control so they require an external controller. I got the Inkbird controller for $30. You can connect two of the heaters to it so if one dies you have a backup. It also has over heat alarm. Heres the link to the heaters if anyone wants to get one while they last.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Reef-Octop...h=item2cd17de1ae:g:SFwAAOSwCJxaMWvw:rk:1:pf:0

 

[TankLife87]

Is it a 3 prong or 2 prong plug?

2 prong... is that bad??

 

[ForrestGump]

Heres the inkbird to
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Inkbird-Pr...h=item591d86f601:g:L-YAAOSwlZ1cSVyB:rk:2:pf:0

 

[ForrestGump]

2 prong... is that bad??

Two prong doesn't have the common ground.

 

[Philipgonzales3]

I don't know anything about the heater you got, but I just recently upgraded my heater to a Reef Octopus 150w titanium with an Inkbird 306T. The heaters (I bought 3) I got new from Ebay for $10veach w/shipping. They have no internal temp control so they require an external controller. I got the Inkbird controller for $30. You can connect two of the heaters to it so if one dies you have a backup. It also has over heat alarm. Heres the link to the heaters if anyone wants to get one while they last.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Reef-Octop...h=item2cd17de1ae:g:SFwAAOSwCJxaMWvw:rk:1:pf:0

The temp probe for the Inkbird will not hold up in saltwater. The temp will drift. I bought one and then I did searches for it and found out it is not good for saltwater. The temp will drift past the amount you can correct it.

 

[Philipgonzales3]

2 prong... is that bad??

Not sure. I was trying to find more info on it. I'm still looking. I have an aqueon pro 100W I think. Have had it for over 5 years. Works fine still. Lol.

 

[Philipgonzales3]

Couldn't find much on it. One similar heater on Amazon (different controller and brand) said that it isn't UL certified. My Aqueon pro is only 2 prong. Ehh, I think you will be fine but be sure to let us know.

 

[ForrestGump]

The temp probe for the Inkbird will not hold up in saltwater. The temp will drift. I bought one and then I did searches for it and found out it is not good for saltwater. The temp will drift past the amount you can correct it.

I am not sure if that is true or not. I have a second temp monitor on my tank so I will let you know. I know that mine is an updated version designed to be submerged in fresh or saltwater. The old sensor could not be submerged. So I am hoping they corrected any other issues as well.

 

[Philipgonzales3]

I am not sure if that is true or not. I have a second temp monitor on my tank so I will let you know. I know that mine is an updated version designed to be submerged in fresh or saltwater. The old sensor could not be submerged. So I am hoping they corrected any other issues as well.

Inkbird ITC-306T Pre-wired Electronic Heating Thermostat Temperature Controller and Digital Timer Controller for Aquarium, Seed Germination, Reptiles, Hatching ect, Without Cooling Controlling https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01486LZ50/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_W3IBCb7SFM23E

Look at the 1 star reviews. I do not know about a new sensor. I am just sharing the info I've read. You may very well be right. I hope so but with all the bad reviews I wouldn't think so.

 

[Philipgonzales3]

@ForrestGump

Your probe is not metal right? Looks like ppl also recommend shrink wrapping it.

https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/random-trouble-with-inkbird-controller.524799/

Too many bad posts scared me away. Let me know how it goes though.

https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/inkbird.443522/

https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/random-inkbird-issues.524806/

 

[Eric Jensen]

My new ink bird replaces an old one that started drifting by 10 deg. We will see how the new one does; it has a probe that is coated vs the old stainless one.

 

[Philipgonzales3]

My new ink bird replaces an old one that started drifting by 10 deg. We will see how the new one does; it has a probe that is coated vs the old stainless one.

ah OK. Looks like they are heating only with the new probe. Very interested to see how they work. I'd buy one if they are reliable.

 

[ca1ore]

Ranco for $55 is a far more reliable option, and likely less costly in the long run.

 

[Dragon52]

This is what I have for my 185gl. Like it so much I bought a backup, been using it for about 2 yrs with the only issue being my fault when I did a major water change & didn't unplug it, melted the plastic casing but just bought another casing & it works fine.
https://www.saltwateraquarium.com/t...-260-gallon-titanium-heater-element-only-jbj/