The new HELIO PTC heater!

Lorenz725 · Dec 29, 2020

I was one of the lucky winners of the new HELIO Innovative Marine heaters on the Facebook group. I was given the 100 watt system for my Innovative Marine 20 gallon drop off. UPS delivered it today and I did some unboxing pics for everyone. I must say this is a quality heater no doubt about it. I am going to install it on my system Thursday and update everyone. Thank you Innovative Marine!

JoshH · Dec 29, 2020

Wow that actually looks like a serious heater, not typical of most IM accessories.

Lorenz725 · Dec 29, 2020

JoshH said:
Wow that actually looks like a serious heater, not typical of most IM accessories.

It seems to be quality time will tell. I run the IM ATO on a tank it’s been running 2 years no problem. I also run one of there UV sterilizers with great success.

ReeferMaddne$$ · Dec 30, 2020

I just got the 100 watt unit yesterday myself and set it up. I love it so far. Im running it on my Nuvo 20.

I also run the IM UV sterilizer and the hydrofill ATO and love both units so far.

jp_75 · Dec 30, 2020

wow looks really nice!

Lorenz725 · Jan 1, 2021

Heater is in the tank set up. It is very very easy to set up and works great. Can’t believe how small the heater element is.

DHill6 · Jan 3, 2021

I purchased the 200w system, 100w x2. Very impressed on both packaging and product. It’s been very consistent. Easy to place the small size heaters.

BZOFIQ · Jan 4, 2021

Looks promising for small setups.

Bepis · Jan 4, 2021

A little expensive for my taste

BZOFIQ · Jan 4, 2021

Bepis said:
A little expensive for my taste

You're not kidding!

Went digging and per https://reefbuilders.com/2020/11/12/ptc-smart-heater-system-from-innovative-marine/
the price certainly pushes me out.

At $349 for a 500W I'd rather get a 2 stage Ranco or AquaLogic with two quality Ti heaters.

I can see how the version with two 100W super short heaters can appeal to somebody with limited space.

DHill6 · Jan 4, 2021

BZOFIQ said:
You're not kidding!

Went digging and per https://reefbuilders.com/2020/11/12/ptc-smart-heater-system-from-innovative-marine/
the price certainly pushes me out.

At $349 for a 500W I'd rather get a 2 stage Ranco or AquaLogic with two quality Ti heaters.

I can see how the version with two 100W super short heaters can appeal to somebody with limited space.

Definitely fits better, ordered a EJ to use between the arrival of this one and the blown up heater. Big difference, money isn’t so bad if your coral pieces are expensive. Plugged into an Apex, another line of defense. Another plus, on this setup if something fails it’s replaceable by the piece. I’m impressed with this setup.

ReeferMaddne$$ · Jan 4, 2021

DHill6 said:
Definitely fits better, ordered a EJ to use between the arrival of this one and the blown up heater. Big difference, money isn’t so bad if your coral pieces are expensive. Plugged into an Apex, another line of defense. Another plus, on this setup if something fails it’s replaceable by the piece. I’m impressed with this setup.

I’m loving it too. It’s the heater I’ve always wanted in a tank.

JoshH · Jan 26, 2021

BZOFIQ said:
You're not kidding!

Went digging and per https://reefbuilders.com/2020/11/12/ptc-smart-heater-system-from-innovative-marine/
the price certainly pushes me out.

At $349 for a 500W I'd rather get a 2 stage Ranco or AquaLogic with two quality Ti heaters.

I can see how the version with two 100W super short heaters can appeal to somebody with limited space.

Definitely pricey but looking at how it works it's still impressive. With an individual temp probe and probes in the heater, as well as a run dry sensor and the ability to integrate with the Apex. Lot's of defensive lines against failure.

JoshH · Jan 26, 2021

Oh and for those that have it, are the backsides of the heater holder magnets fully submersible???

Mjl714 · Jan 27, 2021

Any review updates on heater functionality and tank temp stability?

DHill6 · Jan 27, 2021

Keeps temp stable, hasn’t gone out of range set. I’m really impressed with the small footprint of this heater and the stability. I don’t write reviews but I did on this product.

Hooz · Jan 28, 2021

$200 for the 100w seems kind of steep, until you break it down.

Setting up my IM 30L, I bought an Inkbird wifi and a BRS 100w element. ($100 total).

I couldn't really find a good place for the BRS element (too long), so I went and bought 2x Ehiem 50w heaters at $36 each. Total for 2 heaters and Inkbird at $120-ish.

I got them in there, but still not super happy about the size and placement. If I hadn't already sunk a bunch of money into heating my tank, I'd just get one of these. They're TINY, and with 3 fail safes and two temp probes, I'd be comfortable running it out of the box.

I just wish this would've been out before I already sunk way too much $$ into heating equipment.

DHill6 · Jan 28, 2021

JoshH said:
Oh and for those that have it, are the backsides of the heater holder magnets fully submersible???

Yes, the magnets are completely encased.

JoshH · Jan 28, 2021

DHill6 said:
Yes, the magnets are completely encased.

Awesome, thanks! I couldn't find the info on Innovative Marine's website confirming they are submersible

DHill6 · Jan 28, 2021

Hooz said:
$200 for the 100w seems kind of steep, until you break it down.

Setting up my IM 30L, I bought an Inkbird wifi and a BRS 100w element. ($100 total).

I couldn't really find a good place for the BRS element (too long), so I went and bought 2x Ehiem 50w heaters at $36 each. Total for 2 heaters and Inkbird at $120-ish.

I got them in there, but still not super happy about the size and placement. If I hadn't already sunk a bunch of money into heating my tank, I'd just get one of these. They're TINY, and with 3 fail safes and two temp probes, I'd be comfortable running it out of the box.

I just wish this would've been out before I already sunk way too much $$ into heating equipment.

Life in tank is worth more than $ on heater spent. Yes, pricey but a lot of failsafes built in. I added another by plugging it into an apex.