Heaters in General....Rena....In Line...not traditional...

[biggin]

The other day I was strolling through Petsmart and saw a Rena unbreakable submersible heater. It looked larger then the typical heater and had some sort of plastic getup around it. I tried to find them via Google (admittedly not really hard). Anyone seen these or know anything about them?

[AndrewH]

I know the parent company for Rena has done a remarketing thing to rename all their subsidiaries back to the parent company. Might be why you can't find anything about them. Aquarium Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is the parent company. (a.k.a. API)

Rena Heater Review (http://saltaquarium.about.com/cs/heatersupplies/gr/aaprrenacalheat.htm)

Product Link (http://www.aquatichouse.com/Pumps_files/Rena%20heaters.asp). Now that I see this link, it doesn't seem like the same thing you saw.

Seem like some really nice heaters.

[biggin]

I ran by today after work to look at them. It looks like they are designed to work with Rena filters, it shows them replacing the intakes on current filters. It does not look like they have glass and they have some sort of light to let you know when temps are getting out of control. Smart Heaters, I think they were called.

[AndrewH]

I'd like to look into these more.

How much did you say they were going for?

[biggin]

Don't hold me to this... I do not remember the flow rates just what they said they were rated for.... 50g was 34.95, 70g = 39.95 and 100g = 58.95.... They were not a lot more then a traditional heater. But I am strongly considering trying one.

[poel_19]

petsmart has them...gonna check their website right bow

[poel_19]

not on thier website yet...

[biggin]

I have not seen them anywhere on the web yet. Just on the shelve at Petsmart.

[AndrewH]

Close (http://www.aquariumguys.com/ethheater2.html)

This is as close as I can find on the net. Seems to be pretty comparable in price. I think I rather have the Rena brand since I have a Rena filter.

I'll definitely be stopping by Petsmart tomorrow after work to take a look at 'em. Thanks for posting aobut the find!

[AndrewH]

Another thought... just to keep in mind.

Petsmart usually sells their stuff cheaper on-line. If you wait until they're listed they'll probably be cheaper than if you bought one now.

[biggin]

They are not quite a inline. The only thing I could think of is that it is not exactly small, but if you were able to remove the ugly glass heater maybe a larger intake would be ok.

[biggin]

I am not really in a big hurry to buy one right now, the tank it would go on runs 80 naturally.... I just need one before winter comes around.

No problem posting the find, that is what this is for right?

[AndrewH]

They are not quite a inline. The only thing I could think of is that it is not exactly small, but if you were able to remove the ugly glass heater maybe a larger intake would be ok.

Hmmm, I'm having a hard time picturing what it looks like and how it works. I guess I'll just have to go see one.

No problem posting the find, that is what this is for right?

Heck yeah, post anything you find out there. I'm always on the look out for new equipment, especially if it moves from in tank to outta tank ;).

[biggin]

Think of the inline with an intake on one end, slimmed up a little bit.

[AndrewH]

OK I stopped by Petsmart to check these things out... They're heater replacements for your up tube on an HOB filter. It says it'll work with any Rena filter, but it fits exactly their HOBs and doesn't look like it'd work too well with a canister (but i dunno for sure). Not too sure it'd work with any other brands either.

Prerry cool idea IMO.

$52.99 for the 300 watt (up to 90 gallons), $46.99 for the 200 watt, on down.

[biggin]

The one I looked at had a picture of it working with the XP series.... Did you see the same?

[AndrewH]

I only saw it working with their "Smart" series filters, but I didn't look at it very long. Was kinna in and out (trying no to spend any money, lol).

I'm sure they thought of that and included an adaport if required.

At any rate, it's a pretty smart idea.

I'll probably be getting something along the lines of this: Externial Heater (http://www.aquariumguys.com/ethheater2.html) As it's 100% external and cheaper.

[biggin]

The external is a good idea.... Might have to try it also. I am always afraid of first runs.

[AndrewH]

Yeah, I hear ya about the first runs (especially since you can't find anything on the net about 'em yet)

If I get one or the other I'll let you know.

[biggin]

I saw the ETH 300 In-Line Heater 300W f/16mm-5/8"Hose at DNA, thought he cool I will just pick it up…. $90…. Ummm WTF I am all about supporting the locals…. But really think I am done with DNA…. Although they have a used XP4 for $15, needs Quick-Disconnect with O-Rings #23 $39.95 841543-00, hoses and some plumbing to get it into and out of you tank…. But hey you are still looking at ~$60 for a heck of a filter…

[AndrewH]

WOW, that's almost twice the price as online (which is normally the case) for that heater.

But definitely a good deal on that XP4. Seen 'em for $199 new at the store and like $129 online (might be more or less, but around there). For $15, I'd definitely get it!

[fishyjoe24]

i heard they are good heaters from a few people but never tried one my self. i don't even have a heater in my tank right now do i need one my water stays at 78.

[biggin]

I ordered the inline today.... we shall see how it works....

I do not have a heater on my 55g and it is fine.... but I know once winter is here I will not run the heater in my house and I am sure it will drop.... so it will be better to be safe.... or that is my theory....

[fishyjoe24]

I ordered the inline today.... we shall see how it works....

I do not have a heater on my 55g and it is fine.... but I know once winter is here I will not run the heater in my house and I am sure it will drop.... so it will be better to be safe.... or that is my theory....

it summer right now and my water stay 78, but yeah for winter i plan to plug my big 250 watt and 300 watt heater in for my 240 tank.

[biggin]

Finally got the heaters today(11 days later). Ordered from http://www.aquariumguys.com/.... they emailed me last week saying they did not have on thing I ordered and did not ship the order until 4 days after I told them not to worry about the thing they did not have.... (still says they have it on hand on the website but they told me they were not going to carry the product anymore)....

I guess I am a little spoilt by companies like Amazon who are a little freaking fast, you order something they have on hand you can not change anything.... It is nice you can get it the next day. These guys were slow all around.... not sure I would try them again....

[biggin]

Oh on a side note.... it is not summer anymore my tanks that were once a nice 78 all the time.... 75 now.... need heaters soon.... Chris had the right idea, really I only need 3....

[AndrewH]

Yeah, I stopped by Petsmart the other day and looked at that heater one more time (had more time to really give it a good look and read the box a little, ok mostly look at the pictures again :D).

They do show it on an XP series filter. Says will work with any Rena filter (like Blake already stated). Pretty cool. $52 for the 300 watter.

[biggin]

Going with in-lines on 3 of my tanks....Been pretty lazy here lately.... have not set any up.... This weekend 2 will be up and running.

[AndrewH]

Sweet. I'll have to check those out next weekend.

[rolloffhill]

Yeah, I stopped by Petsmart the other day and looked at that heater one more time (had more time to really give it a good look and read the box a little, ok mostly look at the pictures again :D).

They do show it on an XP series filter. Says will work with any Rena filter (like Blake already stated). Pretty cool. $52 for the 300 watter.


I like the disclaimer to keep yourself out of the corner....:hehe:

[AndrewH]

LOL, I'm learning :D

I think I should change my sig line to:

"Like already stated"

[rolloffhill]

Or already in the corner with joey...

roflmao

[biggin]

Hooked up the inline last night after about 30 minutes the temp was right at 82.... I was pretty happy. I like it but one thing I did notice is that you need some space for it.... if you have a standard stand you need to give about 5 inches of clearance between the stand and wall for it.

Now I just want to see if the XP3 will get the plant tank down to 0-0-0....

[AndrewH]

Would it work out if you mounted it inside the stand (say if you had an open back stand) instead of mounting it to the back of the stand?

[biggin]

For a taller stand like your for your 90 I think you would be fine. My problem came is that my stand is only 30" (maybe), the XP3 is about 22 I would guess with the input/output piece and what not) so you have about 8" of clearance, the heater is like 10" you have to give a couple of inches of pipe to connect the heater to filter and that puts you around 36 or so....

I will just take a pic tonight and you can see. It’s a good idea and works, it is just not what as nice as I was wanting. Just another excuse to build a new stand....

[AndrewH]

Well my stand is 30" tall, but I was thinking you could mount that thing 20' away if you needed and then just run hose from the XP3 to the heater, then from the heater to the tank (40' of hose total). Not that I think this is a good idea, but thought it could pretty much be mounted anywhere.

Maybe I'm missing something here and a pic would help me understand.

[biggin]

The heater is on the output side.... so it would be XP3 to heater.....

Longer the hose the less pressure (right?) and I think I have read somewhere you are not supposed to use more then 16 total feet (8 Ft in and 8 ft out) of hose with the XP3 but I am not sure where I got that from.

[AndrewH]

Hmmm... go stand in the corner... I said XP3 to heater, heater to tank...


Well yeah less pressure but I was just using it as an example.

(crude, but maybe you can get what I'm talking about)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v463/Andrew_H/fishy/InlineHeater.jpg

[biggin]

The heater instructions say not to do the image on the right, it says you have a chance to get an air bubble caught in the heater and cause irreversible (sounds so dramatic) damage....

I will take some pics tonight and you can what is going on…. And you can check it out on poker night….

[biggin]

You have just been looking for someone else to join you in your corner of malfunction.... although I belong there today....

[AndrewH]

Yeah, I figured the horizontal mounting wouldn't be a good idea, but just thought anything other than directly behind the stand (which takes up so much room) would be nicer.

Yeah, I'm sure evenyually everyone will be in the "malfunction" club, might as well be one of the founding members :D

[rolloffhill]

These are now on the Petsolutions website...

http://www.petsolutions.com/images/200/17102703.jpg

http://www.petsolutions.com/Rena-SmartHeaters+I17102703+C40003270.aspx

[AndrewH]

Now they're on Petsmart's website too, but the shipping is killer ($9.99). I think I'll stop by and get one for the XP3 tonight.

http://www.petsmart.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2752392&cp=2767036.2769132&view=all&fbn=Taxonomy%7CHeating&f=Taxonomy%2FPET%2F2769132&fbc=1&parentPage=family&keepsr=1

[biggin]

I saw them at Plano Pets....

I still like the inlines... it is hard to make the temp change unless I change the thermostat....

[AndrewH]

That's the same idea with these (the Rena) right?

As the water is drawn through the intake it gets heated, basically making this an inline heater. Or am I missing something?

[biggin]

It is actually on the outflow side of the canister filter.

There is a link for it somewhere on this thread.

That's the same idea with these (the Rena) right?

As the water is drawn through the intake it gets heated, basically making this an inline heater. Or am I missing something?

[AndrewH]

Ok my bad, out flow, but the same idea, right? It's an inline heater?

[AndrewH]

From what I can see on the box it seem like it goes on the intake side. Other wise how would it work on an HOB?

(reference bottom picture of the 3 pictures on the left, on the box)
http://pet.imageg.net/graphics/product_images/pPETS-3763912dt.jpg

[AndrewH]

"Fits as intake tube to all RENA SmartFilters and RENA Filstar xP1 through xP4 Canister Filters or by itself as a conventional heater"

[biggin]

Sorry, yes these work the same as an inline.... except they are on the intake.

[AndrewH]

Ok, I went by Petsmart and got the 300W (they price matched the enternet price with the ad @ $46.99)

I'll report back after I've had it installed for a few days :D

[bgbdwlf2500]

sorry i didnt see this post earlier......they work good, ive had one since september. got a 150w on my 55 discus tank. i like the look, it cleans up the tank, almost cant even see it.

i like the thought of the light blinking letting you know somethings wrong...

ive got it on the intake of my XP3

[AndrewH]

Finally got the heaters today(11 days later). Ordered from http://www.aquariumguys.com/.... they emailed me last week saying they did not have on thing I ordered and did not ship the order until 4 days after I told them not to worry about the thing they did not have.... (still says they have it on hand on the website but they told me they were not going to carry the product anymore)....

I guess I am a little spoilt by companies like Amazon who are a little freaking fast, you order something they have on hand you can not change anything.... It is nice you can get it the next day. These guys were slow all around.... not sure I would try them again....

This company SUCKS!!!!

I placed the order on 01-05-08 and as of today 01-17-08 (12 days) I have not received the item. Not only have I not received the item, I have not receive any contact from this company what so ever.

I called them today to try to get some help, and they don't have "phone support" whatever that means. Some lady took my information and will have someone look into it for me.

Apon more research they're actually owned by Xoxide, Inc (a computer hardware company). I called them... they do own AquariumGuys.com but do not have any access to their sales or shipping records.

I'm at a complete loss for words to describ my anger level. I know Blake warned us above, but their site was the only location on the net were I could find the heater I was looking for (DrsFosters&Smith had the same thing on the net, but it was outta stock :().

This company SUCKS!!!!!

[biggin]

I know a few other companies that have them....

I think I got my last one from Big Als....

This company SUCKS!!!!

I placed the order on 01-05-08 and as of today 01-17-08 (12 days) I have not received the item. Not only have I not received the item, I have not receive any contact from this company what so ever.

I called them today to try to get some help, and they don't have "phone support" whatever that means. Some lady took my information and will have someone look into it for me.

Apon more research they're actually owned by Xoxide, Inc (a computer hardware company). I called them... they do own AquariumGuys.com but do not have any access to their sales or shipping records.

I'm at a complete loss for words to describ my anger level. I know Blake warned us above, but their site was the only location on the net were I could find the heater I was looking for (DrsFosters&Smith had the same thing on the net, but it was outta stock :().

This company SUCKS!!!!!

[AndrewH]

Thanks, I'll have to check out their site (BigAl's).

I've had my 300W Rena SmartHeater installed on my 90 for a little over a month now and I love it!!!

I woke up one morning and we had forgotten to turn on the heat in the house. The room temp read 58*F and the tank was rock solid at 80*F where I had set the t-stat. I have yet to see the temp move at all even when doing water changes. I even put in a difference thermometer just to make sure the other one was reading correctly.

I would highly recommend the Rena Heaters to anyone looking.

[AndrewH]

Big Al's Online.com seem to only have the 200W (which is what I purchase) and it's cheaper than the other site's i've seen (http://www.bigalsonline.com/BigAlsUS/ctl3684/cp18532/si1382455/cl0/hydoreth200inlineheater200w)

[biggin]

I have noticed a few places are only carrying the 200w.... I wonder if the 300w is going to stop being made? I got a 300w from there it was $39 I think.... the 200w used to be around $30.

Big Al's Online.com seem to only have the 200W (which is what I purchase) and it's cheaper than the other site's i've seen (http://www.bigalsonline.com/BigAlsUS/ctl3684/cp18532/si1382455/cl0/hydoreth200inlineheater200w)

[rolloffhill]

http://www.petsolutions.com/Rena-SmartHeaters+I17102703+C1021.aspx

[AndrewH]

http://www.petsolutions.com/Rena-SmartHeaters+I17102703+C1021.aspx

We're talking about the ETH external in-line heaters, not the Rena smart heaters.

[biggin]

Get your ass in the corner...

http://www.petsolutions.com/Rena-SmartHeaters+I17102703+C1021.aspx

[rolloffhill]

Get your ass in the corner...

I'll direct you back to the title of the thread....:flipa:

[biggin]

Maybe if you read what was going on....

You and Brandy need to find some learning center to figure out the reading thing....

I'll direct you back to the title of the thread....:flipa:

[bra8ndy8]

Ok how come I got brought into this????? I haven't even wrote anything!!! MAN I am glad I have friends like yall!!

[rolloffhill]

Maybe you should have started a thread titled "Inline heaters" instead of jacking yet another thread....

[biggin]

1. It was my thread....
2. Suck it... The title is fine.

Maybe you should have started a thread titled "Inline heaters" instead of jacking yet another thread....

[rolloffhill]

Now it is...

[AndrewH]

:rofl:

[AndrewH]

WOW this company really SUCKS!!!!

Here's the e-mail I got TODAY (3 weeks after placing the order) after calling them for the 4th time to get something done (cancel and refund, send it, send a tracking # whatever, something). Funny thing is, when I called them I gave them a different e-mail address than the one they sent the notice to. The one I got the e-mail in below came to the original account I used when I bought the heater, so they've just been ignoring me to this point. I'm so beyond POed right now!!!

Dear Andrew,

Order #:xxxxx

I apologize for all the inconvenience. It seems that the item was
damaged in transit to your location. I will have a new one sent out
immediately. Thank you for your time and have a great day.

Thank you,
AquariumGuys.com (http://aquariumguys.com/)
Customer Service

[AndrewH]

Here's my reply :D


Actually, here's what I want you to do.

Cancel my order and refund my money!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I'm so tired of being ignored by your company that I'd rather buy the item from somewhere else even if it cost me 3 times as much. After sending countless e-mails, I called your company for the 3rd or 4th time today and had the sales rep send an e-mail to the Customer Service department (ha ha, that's a good one) with my e-mail address CCed on the e-mail. I never received a copy of that e-mail and this notice came to a different e-mail account than I gave over the phone today, so for 3 weeks Aquariumguys.com have been completely ignoring me regarding my purchase (to date, this is the first e-mail I've received from your company).

I am beyond upset about this entire matter and hope to have no future interactions with your company if at all possible after my money has been refunded.

Furthermore, I will be making a formal complaint to the BBB (Better Business Bureaus) regarding my experience with your company. Also know I have informed PayPal of the situation and expect a response from them any time now.

Thank you for your lack of time and have a great day.

Sincerely,

Andrew Hefner

[tsunderl]

You go!!!!!!!!!!!! http://www.pushupstairs.com/images/emoticon/extra3/appl.gif I will gladly pay three times the amount for an item sold at a place that gives me good service. Hope you get resolution soon.

[fishyjoe24]

wow andrew remember the first rule of fight club. LOL you go andrew

[supersmirky]

Very good...hopefully that gets resolved!

[AndrewH]

Refund came today (6 days after the request).

No, sorry we couldn't work it out or nadda!

I just checked my PP account and there it was. I guess I leaned a valuable lesson... hmmm at least I think I did.