Which heater to get?

[NeedBiggerTank]

My Fluval E heater is toast. I need to replace it. I don't want to get another Fluval (what I liked about it is that it had a built-in LCD for setting temp & displaying current temp - but if it only lasts for a year, why waste money?).

I found the following - just don't know anything about them.

JBJ T3-500 True Temp Heating System (http://www.marinedepot.com/JBJ_True_Temp_Heating_System_w_Controller_Titanium_Heating_Element_Titanium_Heaters-JBJ_Lighting-JB1531-FIHTTH-vi.html)

ViaAqua Titanium Tube Heaters (http://www.fosterandsmithaquatics.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=3578+3743+20161&pcatid=20161)

Azoo Titanium Electronic Heaters (http://www.fosterandsmithaquatics.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=3578+3743+19369&pcatid=19369)

Thanks in advance! :)

[Pandarian]

Eheim Jager :rollface:

[mixer911]

Eheim Jager, only heaters to ever buy, period...

[NeedBiggerTank]

So the titanium heaters aren't better?

I'd like something with a controller and temp probe - does the Eheim Jager have that?

[mixer911]

The titanium heaters I have used in the past have failed. Eheim's are rock solid. They dont have a controller or temp probe, but you can buy those seperate and just plug the Jager into it. Heaters are one of the most important pieces of equipment we use, and I only trust the Jager line.

[Pickupman66]

I am very happy with the finnex I bought. Get a good titanium one. I have read way too many issues with heaters this year. If you can get a good external temp controller too.

Dont get jbj.

Please excuse my brevity. This was sent from my Android via Tapatalk

[mixer911]

Look here http://www.aquacave.com/Heaters.aspx

some of the controllers you can order seperate.

[mixer911]

I am very happy with the finnex I bought. Get a good titanium one. I have read way too many issues with heaters this year. If you can get a good external temp controller too.

Dont get jbj.

Please excuse my brevity. This was sent from my Android via Tapatalk

Had a finnex titanium fail on me 1.5 yrs ago on one of my FW tanks. it was only a month old.

[NeedBiggerTank]

Well, I definayely don't want to get something that will fail - been there, done that! I just thought the titanium were "newer" technology and might work better/last longer.

I've never heard of the Finnex brand. I'll have to look that up.

[Pickupman66]

from what I have seen and experienced, the most common failure is sticking on. the titanium ones wont break. spend the money on a good temp controller so you can keep the temp solid and you will have a much safer system.

[NeedBiggerTank]

Anybody used "Won Brothers" heaters/controller?

[MVlk]

Eheim Jager

[NeedBiggerTank]

I love Eheim products - just never used one of their heaters (not sure why). If I went with the Jager, what wattage do I get? I've always used a 300w on my 90, but is the next one up better? I have to use two heaters in winter because my house is so cold. Didn't know if the 500w would be overkill or possibly dangerous. Heaters are currently in-tank, but will eventually go in our sump (assuming we ever finish it).

The AM Pinpoint controller is $200 - is it worth it?

[Pickupman66]

If o are going to spend that much on controller just get a reefkeeper. It will do temp and more.

Please excuse my brevity. This was sent from my Android via Tapatalk

[orthokardia]

+1 on getting a RKL

[mapn4reef]

I think the new Finnex HPS series might give the Jagers a run for their money...I've seen great reviews on them...I have the 300w and love it...the temp sensor is separate from the tube, and the digital read out is spot on with my RKL...

http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/store/products/miscellaneous/aquarium-heaters/finnex-hps-heater-series-digital-submersible.html

[Pandarian]

I love Eheim products - just never used one of their heaters (not sure why). If I went with the Jager, what wattage do I get? I've always used a 300w on my 90, but is the next one up better? I have to use two heaters in winter because my house is so cold. Didn't know if the 500w would be overkill or possibly dangerous. Heaters are currently in-tank, but will eventually go in our sump (assuming we ever finish it).

The AM Pinpoint controller is $200 - is it worth it?

I would actually go a little less in wattage, but it does depend on your room temperature, lights, equipment, etc. A common mistake that people make with heaters is getting one that is overrated for the tank. The best thing to do is to match the heater with the tank size/environment or run a pair of lower wattage heaters (redundancy). One of the reasons why an overrated heater will break is because it will switch on and off more frequently. This can result in the "thermostat" sticking or breaking. In addition, running a lower wattage heater will lessen the risk of boiling your inhabitants when the heater does run wild.

Also, like people have recommended RKL. Knock out two birds with one stone :D

[NeedBiggerTank]

Also, like people have recommended RKL. Knock out two birds with one stone :D

That answers what my next question was going to be - so you don't need a seperate contriller for your heater if you have a "Master" controller (like a Reef Keeper). I went to their site last night and couldn't quite figure out if the heater controls were included in the RKL or if you had to get a seperate module or what.

Seems like it would be most cost effective to go with the RKL and the Eheim Jager 250w. Although each retailer seems to list different tank sizes for the various wattage Jager heaters - so I'm not sure whst the right size is.

I'm using a 200w Stealth right now.

[CeeGee]

if the 200w stealth is working go with a 200w jager or two 100w.

[NeedBiggerTank]

The Stealth is my supplemental "winter" heater. The Fluval was a 300w heater. In winter I have to use two heaters because one 300w won't cut it (the kitchen is around 53 degrees in the AM when it is below freezing outside - when I said it was cold in my house, I meant it! LOL).

Does the RKL handle two heaters or just one?

[GT_Jacket]

Does the RKL handle two heaters or just one?

I run 2 sometimes also. I just used an extension cord with 2-outlets so I only have to consume one of my controller outlets.

[NeedBiggerTank]

Cool. Now I guess I have to figure out where the best price on the RKL are.

[NeedBiggerTank]

My new Jager heater arrived today! I went with the 250 watt size. Can't wait to install it in my new custom sump on Sunday!!! :)