New heaters question

AVVITT · Apr 3, 2021

I'm upgrading my tank and buying new heaters. I've seen lots of conflicting info everywhere about the best approach.
I'm definitely getting an inkbird controller but also seen DD titanium heaters which are really expensive but get great reviews and being German they are good quality.
I suppose the other thing I could do is go cheap in a couple of glass heaters and use the inkbird to control the temperature instead?

What are your thoughts and experiences?

polyppal · Apr 3, 2021

I use dual BRS heaters on an apex and love the setup.

Jedi1199 · Apr 3, 2021

If it were me, I would invest in a decent quality unit as my main... and get a couple less expensive ones for backups.

mdb_talon · Apr 3, 2021

Personally i use multiple 200watt aqueon heaters with inkbirds(undersized for my volume). Can find on sale for around $20. The inkbird protects me if they get stuck on so i test independently every few months(in case my inkbird fails also it would get bad if multiple heaters failed on). They seem to last me only a year or two...then it is about $5 shipping to return them and they send me back a new one for free(lifetime warranty).

Just to add in the past i used "high quality"(expensive) heaters. I found they had trouble within a couple years normally also so rather go with cheap option and lifetime warranty

ScottJ · Apr 3, 2021

Love the inkbird controller. I mostly use Aqueon Pro heaters Myself. They are some kind of composite material, not glass. Not to expensive to replace, although I've never had one fail.

Dunc · Apr 3, 2021

According to BRS, the Cobalts were the most accurate from the testing they performed. They beat out heaters with controllers.

Scorpius · Apr 3, 2021

Ranco/Aqualogic controller dual stage. Chiller or fan for cooling if needed in summer. 2- Eheim Thermocontrol E heaters. Separate audible alarm backup for heater/controller failure Min/Max temp setting.