I have a question about Finnex heaters...

[Dom]

Back in March, I purchased two Finnex 300 watt Titanium heaters for a 125. They get great reviews and the only warning is not to power them up out of the water.

Well, I was rebuilding the 125 and placed it in the sump. I plugged it in to the controller, thinking the power was off. It wasn't and I didn't notice until I smelled it.

Now, the Finnex is doesn't heat up and I had to install the backup.

The plastic cage around the heater is clearly melted in some spots.

Is there any way to salvage this heater or is it garbage?

@vetteguy53081

Thank you,
Dom

 

[EeyoreIsMySpiritAnimal]

Even if you got it working again, would you really trust it?

 

[Dom]

Even if you got it working again, would you really trust it?

Sure. It would only be a backup.

 

[vetteguy53081]

Back in March, I purchased two Finnex 300 watt Titanium heaters for a 125. They get great reviews and the only warning is not to power them up out of the water.

Well, I was rebuilding the 125 and placed it in the sump. I plugged it in to the controller, thinking the power was off. It wasn't and I didn't notice until I smelled it.

Now, the Finnex is doesn't heat up and I had to install the backup.

The plastic cage around the heater is clearly melted in some spots.

Is there any way to salvage this heater or is it garbage?

@vetteguy53081

Thank you,
Dom

I have had opposite experience but I believe manufacturer advices t allow heater to sit within yank for an hour before plugging in to adjust to tank while I dont see the impact with this. The contacts in the unit may have become stuck and heated itself out

 

[Dom]

I have had opposite experience but I believe manufacturer advices t allow heater to sit within yank for an hour before plugging in to adjust to tank while I dont see the impact with this. The contacts in the unit may have become stuck and heated itself out

So no way to resurrect it?

 

[vetteguy53081]

So no way to resurrect it?

Likely not especially with it being a closed system- you can see part as with glass version. Best now to replace before winter than during the winter season