Heaters - Which are the most Reliable

[btkrausen]

I was referring to the glass heaters breaking, not specifically about these. LOL

Doh, sorry. I haven't read anything about the Jaggers exploding, so thats a plus. haha

 

[aquafrags]

finnex titanium heaters come in 300 watt version and 500 watt versions.

 

[btkrausen]

Oh, I swear I saw a 400w version the other day, haha. Well, I might do two 300w heaters then. Thanks for pointing that out.

 

[Captain Nemo]

Make sure you get the ones with the LED controls! They work much better than the others at setting the temp, IMO

 

[drainbamage]

My stealth heater in my chalice tank recently started crudding out, had 10 degree temp changes within 24 hours...in my chalice tank...I was not happy.

So I went back to an Ebo-Jager-I know the newer models aren't the same as the old school ones, but I still trust them over the marinelands any day of the week.

 

[btkrausen]

Make sure you get the ones with the LED controls! They work much better than the others at setting the temp, IMO

Thanks, I'll keep that in mind when looking for one. I really do appreciate the help on this, as its been driving me crazy.

My stealth heater in my chalice tank recently started crudding out, had 10 degree temp changes within 24 hours...in my chalice tank...I was not happy.

So I went back to an Ebo-Jager-I know the newer models aren't the same as the old school ones, but I still trust them over the marinelands any day of the week.

After my other heaters blew up, stopped working, or whatever, I did ask opinions on both my local and RC, and got the same response. Ebo-Jaggers all the way. I'm just disappointed that one just stopped working out of the blue. I really should send back, but it'll be hard to find a receipt in my inbox, haha.

 

[skinz78]

I have an old Ebo-Jagger and I have probably had it on every reef tank that I have ever owned. The thing has to be at least 15 yrs old now.

I also have a new Hydor Stealth that I have for back up.

 

[btkrausen]

Thanks Skinz. I've heard so many people say the older Ebo-Jaggers is much better than then new ones, so guard that one and treat it well :)

I'd keep that Stealth out of your tank, or even in the next room, never know when that thing will blow up, haha.

 

[skinz78]

You had one blow up did ya? Do you know what happened to make it do it?

 

[btkrausen]

You had one blow up did ya? Do you know what happened to make it do it?

Oh yeah, blew up big time. After my dad and I looked at it, we think some water leaked into the heating element part, creating a build up of steam....then BAM. Here are some pics to discourage use :)

Can you guess where the heater was? When it blew, it shot the heating element across the sump, nailing the glass.

 

[skinz78]

WOW that sucks, I bet the heater was behind the skimmer?

Is that one a Hydor Stealth?

 

[btkrausen]

WOW that sucks, I bet the heater was behind the skimmer?

Is that one a Hydor Stealth?

The heater was in between those baffles on the bottom. Thought it would be a good spot to heat the water since it had to pass right over on its way to the return pump. That thing just shot like a rocket across the sump. I was at work, and it was a crappy thing to come home to.

Its actually a Marineland Stealth Pro, so looks like you might be safe. :)

 

[litenyaup]

i wonder if the stealth is limited to the 250 watt one blowing up.....i have 2 300 watters for my new tank and so far everyone that has had this happen to them has been the 250's.

 

[btkrausen]

I can't remember if it was, but it does ring a bell that it was the 250w. Do some research on RC, as you should find some recent threads as well. I was just commenting on one yesterday about another one that blew up.

 

[nixer]

Oh yeah, blew up big time. After my dad and I looked at it, we think some water leaked into the heating element part, creating a build up of steam....then BAM. Here are some pics to discourage use :)

Can you guess where the heater was? When it blew, it shot the heating element across the sump, nailing the glass.

looks like a good time

 

[btkrausen]

Yeah, it was a blasty blast :) Nothing like having to redo your sump last minute to get your tank back online. haha. At least it was fall like weather, so when it blew, the tank stayed pretty warm. It did blow my GFCI circuit though, so everything was off.

 

[ReefRacer]

That's terrible! I haven't had any blow up (THANK GOODNESS), but none of the various heaters I tried appeared to be very good an maintaining a steady temp. Even in my little 75. I recently got a standalone titanium heater (no controller) and hooked it up to my Reef Keeper. Much more steady results.

 

[btkrausen]

I'm running through my controller now, and its much better. I'm just hoping that the titanium heater stays healthy and keeps chugging along. I'm looking into the Ranco controllers as well, as people here and RC highly recommended them

 

[swannyson7]

i wonder if the stealth is limited to the 250 watt one blowing up.....i have 2 300 watters for my new tank and so far everyone that has had this happen to them has been the 250's.

My heater didn't actually explode like btkrausen's, but it shorted out and started burning inside the tank. It was bubbling like crazy and smelled horrible. Luckily I caught it before it burned too long and was able to do a huge water change w/ fresh carbon running to prevent any losses. IMO, I'd just stay away from any stealth heaters. I read the horror threads about a $30 heater wiping out $2500 in livestock all too often.

 

[Captain Nemo]

And that is why I will NEVER use a stealth heater again! Mine didnt blow up but it sure cooked my tank! 91 deg= CRASH!