Tank heaters

[DarkHorseMBA]

I have 2 tanks, 15g FW and a new 75g SW. Usually I don't need heaters for the tanks here in San Antonio, but with winter coming the temp in the tanks is dropping It not so much the drop as the fluctuations that I'm concerned about.

I've heard of nightmare stories about heaters that get stuck or otherwise break, and cook or freeze the fish. I dont think i need anything fancy, since the winters here are short and mild. Can anyone recommend a reliable, brand or style of heater for my tanks?

DarkHorse

[tebstan]

Generally, you get what you pay for. The cheap ones sometimes don't even have an automatic shutoff. I can't believe those are still manufactured. A quality store won't even stock them.

I'm using the newer Fluval model. I like the digital display that flashes colors when its too hot or cold. The protective sheath around it is helpful for clutzes like myself.
http://www.paddockfarm.co.uk/images/uploaded/thumb_fluvaleseriesheater.jpg

http://shop.aquakoiaquatics.com/ekmps/shops/aquakoigroup/images/fluval-e-100-w-heater-230-v-uk-%5B3%5D-1621-p.jpg

[cbianco]

I need to get a heater as well.

This summer my heater got stuck on the on position and heated my tank up to ~90 degrees for a few hours. I didn't loose anything in the tank thank goodness.

I would like to get a titanium heater and hook it up to my Reefkeeper, that way it can be turned off automatically in case of failure. I didn't hook my original heater up to the Reefkeeper because I thought that the built in control on the heater was enough protection, obviously I was wrong.

Christopher :)

[SABOB]

Need a heater for my tank as well, last one seemed to leak electricity into tank so I removed it.Any suggestions?

[DarkHorseMBA]

Seems like heater less has risks but less than with a heater.

With all the nightmare stories of heaters getting stuck and cooking fish I think I'll just go without. I mean the temp never drops below the safe range and at the most drops 4 deg at night when the lights are off. The average is 2 deg overnight.




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[ErikH]

http://www.marineland.com/sites/Marineland/products/productdetail.aspx?id=2054&cid=1223&mid=3226

Shatterproof is a big deal.

[alton]

I need to get a heater as well.

This summer my heater got stuck on the on position and heated my tank up to ~90 degrees for a few hours. I didn't loose anything in the tank thank goodness.

I would like to get a titanium heater and hook it up to my Reefkeeper, that way it can be turned off automatically in case of failure. I didn't hook my original heater up to the Reefkeeper because I thought that the built in control on the heater was enough protection, obviously I was wrong.

Christopher :)

This is the best way to go, $99 for the RKL lite is cheap for all the safety it brings to your tank. Also please connect heaters to an inline GFCI protector to stop leaking current into your tank.

[tebstan]

http://www.marineland.com/sites/Marineland/products/productdetail.aspx?id=2054&cid=1223&mid=3226

Shatterproof is a big deal.


I don't trust the stealth anymore... had two in a row go bad and leak current into the water. They were a great brand for years, so maybe it was just a bad batch or something, but it sure scares you away from brand loyalty to get such a shock. I have a pretty high tolerance for electrical current, it usually just makes me laugh for some reason... but when that last stealth went bad it was scary.

[Big_Pun]

$100 on a rkl was a good investment, i also have my lights, fans on it, temp hits a certain temp, fan kicks on tank temp goes too high lights kick off. i love it, a lot more you can do.

[ErikH]

$100 on a rkl was a good investment, i also have my lights, fans on it, temp hits a certain temp, fan kicks on tank temp goes too high lights kick off. i love it, a lot more you can do.

You wanna trade me for an ACjr? LOL. I have the same setup, too high the lights turn off. That's a great failsafe incase your chiller doesn't work. Also great to put a heater on so it can turn it off in case it gets stuck on.

Tebstan- WOW THAT SUCKS! I never had a problem with mine, but if you had 2 go bad, that is NOT GOOD! I was hoping this year for a better style heater to come out.

[fjr_wertheimber]

I had a Stealth go bad, as well. Everyone used to rave about how great they were, so I bought one. Now, you couldn't pay me to put one in my tank.