Heater Recommendations

[The Rugger]

Can anybody recommend a good heater? I have a 55g display with ~30g in the sump and fug. I need to upgrade to something that will be more consistent than the two smallish heaters I have now. Being in Florida the AC is always on and set to 77 during the warm months. In the winter I prefer not to heat the house to save on the old Electric bill but this hasn

[Rook]

They are all junk IMO. The best bet is to make sure you have a temperature controller with a good temperature probe to make sure when the heater does fail, and it will, that your tank is safe.

[Rabidgoose]

I have had good luck with Finnex brand. But like Rook says and I agree, they will all fail at some point so prepare for it.

[thefishgirl]

In my larger tank, I have multiple ones running. That way if one fails, then I know something else will just run a little longer to keep the tank heated. But they all pretty much suck. :)

[The Rugger]

That is encouraging! At least I am not the only one if that is any consolation. Business Opportunity??? I have two smaller ones now and they just don't cut it. I will have to get a couple of larger/oversized units

[The Rugger]

I am looking around and researching a bit. Any preferences on Controllers?

[The Rugger]

So are controllers in the same boat as heaters??? Cover eyes and throw a dart?
I am looking for something that will allow for future expansion, so something that would start with temp but have room for additional probes. I would rather pay a bit more now than start over and end up spending more down the road.

[Rabidgoose]

If you are talking about a heater controller then Ranco is pretty hard to beat. But if you are looking at system controllers you should make a list of what you would like the contoller to manage on your tank. I have an ACjr. and like that but I see myself upgrading down the road. The Reefkeeper is a popular choice as is the Profilux($$ IMO).


HTH.......chuck

[Rook]

I have an ACjr and it works good for a temp controller. I had a Medusa controller but I don't know if they are still around. I think many of the temp controllers do a pretty good job.

[stunreefer]

For heaters I've had great success with Marinleand STEALTH heaters - they're unbreakable too (no glass) and have a lifetime warranty (which I've used, and it's no questions asked :D).

For controllers Rancos are great, or a RK Lite (they're cheap now too). Controllers are a must IMO, as all heaters stink regarding longevity in their "internal controllers," although I'm yet to have a STEALTH let me down in that regard, I have had them just stop working though.

Right now I'm running a nano and have no need for a heater ;)

[The Rugger]

So, I ended up getting a Finnex after this conversation and it was working great until recently it just stopped heating. It was the best I had come across so I ordered another immediately. My backups were just not holding their own so I went out and got a temporary heater, a 300W Top Fin from Petsmart. Yes crap but I was hoping it would hold me over. It worked all of about 10 Min. It comes on an off and but my temp kept dropping even though I had it on its max setting.
The Next day I drive to LFS and got a Marineland Stealth 300w and added it. At this point my temp is ~65*. Not good. Now the MarineLand is acting the same way. I have it turned up to its Highest setting of 86* but it just quits at being on a few minutes. My temp is held at 69* and my new Finnex has not arrived today. The only heater that seems to be working is an old 100w I have. It has been heating nonstop for days now but it just can’t keep up with the ~80gal of water.

I am frustrated to say the least. Am I missing something here?

I read the directions to both heaters and applied as specified.
I checked out my thermometer and it is good.
I have the heaters in high flow areas.
Any Ideas?

[Mike]

Wow!

I would try a different plug. I wonder if they are shorting out or something. It seems odd that every heater you have gotten has done this. I use Ebo Jagers and have had the same heaters for 4 years now. I have 2 100 watters on my 270. My water gets plenty of radiant heat from the Halides but as I convert to LED's I will be looking into other options as well to maintain a temp of 79-81.

[The Rugger]

I actually thought of that and it seems fine. The Marineland has an indicator light that indicates whether it is heating or idle. I have a lot of Green going on. Green = Idle

[Mike]

You may need to get a larger heater then.

[spelodiver]

I just started using the "Won Brothers" heaters (I have two 350 watt) hooked up to my controler..they have worked great as I was told they are the best in the busniess right now...and the cost really is not out of line even with their controler.

check here

http://www.marinedepot.com/Won_Brothers-Heaters_for_Saltwater_Aquariums-WB-FIHT-ct.html

good luck

I have nothing to do with either "Won Brothers" or Marine depot

Spelodiver