viaaqua heater is malfuctioning

[James Matthews]

have a 500 watt titanium heater been working fine went to check it and the temp display is just showing 2 dashes, I have another heater on the way just wondering if anyone knew how to fix it till the new one gets here?

 

[Auquanut]

Not familiar with that heater, but I suspect the sensor probably leaked. Did you check to see if the heater was still heating? Either way, I would unplug it and get it out of the sump (heaters are one thing I don't mess around with). I always keep a couple of spare heaters lying around in case of emergencies. If it's going to be a while before the replacement arrives, you might consider getting a cheap one from the LFS or Walmart until it comes in.

One other thing to consider. I run 2 under powered heaters on my 125. That way if one fails in the on condition, it won't heat up as quickly, and if it fails in the off position, it won't cool down as quickly. I also recently installed a separate controller. From what I have read, heater malfunctions are one of the leading cause of tank crashes.

Hope this helps.

 

[Mical]

Alot of us run two for redundancy, heaters seem to fail on a regular basis. BRS use to recommend replacing them after warranty expired & recently they added their own line of heaters w/3 year warranty.

 

[Saltyreef]

I went hygger after i abandoned via aqua due to their QC slipping.

I still use their quartz heaters for my QTs and the old malfuctioning heaters to mix salt lol

 

[Infidel]

I would replace the heater with a new brand. ViaAqua heaters aren't known for longevity and consistency. I use 2x 300W BRS titanium heating elements connected to their heating system controller (redundancy).

 

[Saltyreef]

Heres the heaters i use now. No issues or temp swings after 6+ months of use.
2x 100watt models used in a 40breeder with 20long sump keep it heated, uncovered, 10-15 degrees above ambient.
Two controllers too