Heater

[jgauna]

What is one of the better submersible heaters on the market?
Just would like an opinion or two, I searched but did not come up with anything. Mine heater will not keep the water at what it is set at. I have it set for 74 but the water shot up to 83 or so?

[kewlkatdady]

im a big fan of stealth heaters...
I run them in both of my tanks.

[ElijahTurtle]

X2 on the Visi-Therm Stealth Heaters. Best bang for your buck.

[OOwl]

I'm fighting with a heater that's doing that in my 70-gallon tank right now. It's an Aqueon (think that's Petsmart or Petco's brand) and it's only 150 watts and it's set for the LOWEST temp (73F) and it is keeping that tank at 80 degrees. It's not like it's broken failed on or anything because as soon as it reaches 80 it turns off. The thermostat must be off or something. I've got Slealth's in all the other tanks except the betta tank and the fry growout tanks and they actually are the first heater I've ever used that kept the water at what they were set to. Eighty on the dial is 80 in the tank. Someone suggested to have two smaller wattage heaters in the tank, one on each end to avoid 100% failure and because one smaller wattage heater, even if stuck on, probably couldn't do lethal damage before you noticed. I'm thinking about going that route next time they have a big sale on heaters.

[kewlkatdady]

the 2 heater method is what I"m doing on my 125...


It's smart to do that with filters also...

[AndrewH]

Also it's suggested to have the heaters mounted horizontally or at a 45* angle to allow the thermostat to not catch all the rising heat from directly below (might be more of an issue on the cheaper brands, but dunno for sure).

Also, I've always had good luck with placing the heater near/in the return water flow of the filter. Seemed to help keep the entire tank the same temp (heater on one side of the tank and thermometer on the other side).

And I've always done the 2 smaller wattage heaters vs. 1 large, and had great results so far.

[jgauna]

Good advice!
I had mine lying right under the thermostat like a dumba&& and did not even think of it like that!

[bra8ndy8]

I x2 the 2 heater in a big tank.

[OOwl]

Last night I got a Tom Aquarium Products Temperature Alert. It has a probe and the monitor/alarm sits outside the tank. It displays the time, temperature, and has a light for checking in the dark. If the temperature goes over 82 (or under 72), an alert sounds. It wasn't as expensive as the units that call you on the phone when that happens, but it was at least some extra inexpensive ($19) insurance that a heater failure could be managed before it killed fish. I've replaced my heater that was giving me trouble with two smaller heaters, one on each end, mounted at an angle (good idea, Andrew). Temperature is now holding steady at 78.5. I'll see how well this unit works and if it holds up well, I'll get them for all my tanks.

[fishyjoe24]

Aqueon=all glass aquariums

I got a ebo-jager.it works great but it's only 250watts though. isn't the rule 2-3 watts per a gallon of water.

[AndrewH]

Yeah something along those lines Joey.

100 gal = 300 watts
50 gal = 150 watts

So yeah, 3 - 5 watts per gallon.

[spxsk]

If you are using a canister filter, or have a return line from something else you can also use an inline heater. This keeps you from having the heater in the tank, or put your submersible heater in your sump if you are using that. These suggestions mostly apply to larger tanks but have worked really well for me. I am a big fan of dual heaters as well. Helps mitigate the consequences of one failing.

[OOwl]

I have always heard that the wattage of heater required really depends on how many degrees you need to raise your water temperature. Texas winters are usually pretty mild and most of us keep our houses at a comfortable warmth so tank water usually only needs to go up a few degrees over room temperature for those of us keeping our tanks inside our living quarters. With my lights on, I seldom see my heaters come on, even in the winter. I have a 100-gallon tank but I do feel like a 300- or 500-watt heater is probably overkill. I just installed two 75-watt ones (so way under the watt-per-gallon rule). I'll keep a close watch to see if the heaters are "overworked" by staying on constantly during the winter. I also have the temp alert on the tank to monitor that. I'm thinking the two smaller heaters are going to work out just fine.

SPXSK, I had thought about inline heating my tank (especially since Oscars like to play with heaters) but having something inline like that is just one more potential leak to happen (I'm a worry wort). I also have an Eheim canister filter, which aren't really inline "friendly" to any other manufacturers' devices. I'll give it some thought though. . . .

[spxsk]

I too have an Eheim, but the heater is in between the eheim and the return, so there is return hose into the heater, and out of the heater, so nothing is actually attached to the unit.

I understand your reservation due to leaks. If you have ever had one, it is something you think about all the time!! I use zip ties on all connections like that for that very reason.

[DallasDiscus]

I'm running a Rena Top-Light 150W heater in my tank. Place it next to the intake on my Penguin Bio-Wheel filter. Tank stays at exactly what the heater is set on. Got it on clearance thru Dr. Foster and Smith.

[xtc]

Blake, where'd you get your in-line heater?

[biggin]

I think 1 from Big Als, but he does not have the 300w anymore.

Pet Mountain or Pet Solutions (I have used them for a couple things typically have good prices and quick shipping) have them now. I need a couple now....

[xtc]

Pet Mountain says: a 300w is suitable for aquariums 26-53 gallons

Pet Solutions says: 300 watt for 53-80 gallon aquariums.

:wha: WTF? What tank have you put those on? I'm lookin for the 225

They do have a 10% coupon and free shipping for over $150 at PM though.

[dcacjc]

Pet Mountain says: a 300w is suitable for aquariums 26-53 gallons

Pet Solutions says: 300 watt for 53-80 gallon aquariums.

:wha: WTF? What tank have you put those on? I'm lookin for the 225

They do have a 10% coupon and free shipping for over $150 at PM though.


Pet Mountain or Pet Solutions?

[xtc]

http://www.cliffordross.com/images/mountain01.jpg

You gunna be in on a buy?

[dcacjc]

Yep, just let me know when.

[biggin]

I have 1 300w on my 180g with the 60g sump so probably ~220g of water and it keeps it around 78 with no problem.

I have 1 on my 55g and it never seems like it is on....

I think you will be fine.

Pet Mountain says: a 300w is suitable for aquariums 26-53 gallons

Pet Solutions says: 300 watt for 53-80 gallon aquariums.

:wha: WTF? What tank have you put those on? I'm lookin for the 225

They do have a 10% coupon and free shipping for over $150 at PM though.

[xtc]

perfect!

Dave- I'm thinkin next week. gotta pay bills tonight and get some other stuff cleaned up first.

[supersmirky]

I also have a 300w on my 130g, I haven't had any temp problems and my water stays anywhere from 77-79