IM Helio heater seems good so far

[flourishofmediocrity]

I've had the 200 Watt (Dual Element) Helio PTC Smart Heater for about a month now on a 20 gallon IM AIO and I have to say, I'm kind of impressed. Both of the elements have LEDs in the cord end so you can see when each is actually on which helped when they were deep down in the bottom of the filtration area. The controller display is simple and easy to use and comes with sticky velcro strips for mounting, and hold well. It has a cheesy retro 3D effect, but in a good way. The temperature probe also looks like it is titanium which is kind of a nice touch. I've had it set to 78 the entire time and I just now pulled out the NIST validated temp probe and it read exactly 78 in several spots in the tank. I hope the longevity lives up to the hype and I would definitely recommend these heaters.

The only thing I would change is the low temp alarm when setting up the tank. I wish they would add some logic that if the controller was just powered on, don't alarm for low temp unless a certain amount of time goes by without the heat rising a certain amount.

Helio PTC Smart Heaters

The new definition of Smart, Safe & Stable heating. The Helio line from Innovative Marine are a new line of aquarium heaters utilizing advanced PTC (positive temperature coefficient) technology to exceed current reef aquarium heater standards for improved safety and reliability. Unlike...

www.bulkreefsupply.com

 

[Lavey29]

I have had the dual 200 for 9 months now and rock solid.

 

[Innovative Marine]

Great News for Helio PTC Heater Owners!
All electrical components of the system will be warranted for 5 years. If you have already purchased a Helio, you will automatically be upgraded to the 5 year warranty.

We appreciate support and want you to know we support you too.

IM Team

 

[DopamineKata]

@Innovative Marine Do these play nicer with battery backup systems?

 

[Innovative Marine]

@Innovative Marine Do these play nicer with battery backup s

Putting heaters on battery backups are tough since they draw so much wattage. Most battery backups won't last long enough.

IM Team

 

[flourishofmediocrity]

For me, it makes more sense to have some powerheads on battery and a backup generator if the power is going to be out more than a couple hours.

 

[tautog83]

Looks like good unit but just a little too much (cost wise)when heating a 200 gallon . Although I did buy a 200 int from my lfs (still waiting for 2 months now) and I've thought about it. They look solid

 

[rob taft]

Great heater. I'm very pleased with my 200 watt dual element heater. Very stable, small foot print and comes with mag holders etc.

 

[GoReefin]

Very pleased with mine as well.

 

[Tamberav]

Love mine! Been up and running since release. 5 year warranty is not something we often see in the hobby either!

 

[Innovative Marine]

Love mine! Been up and running since release. 5 year warranty is not something we often see in the hobby either!

We think it's about time heaters come with a longer warranty too.

 

[Innovative Marine]

Looks like good unit but just a little too much (cost wise)when heating a 200 gallon . Although I did buy a 200 int from my lfs (still waiting for 2 months now) and I've thought about it. They look solid

Thanks for the consideration, we know that cost may be a barrier to entry. But we believe the Helio system is the safest and most precise heating system currently on the market. Hopefully the 5 year warranty can add value long term. Congrats on the new 200 int!

 

[Oredigger77]

I just picked up the 700w system for our sr-120. Our current controller could only handle 1 heater at a time and the 200W we had was already too tall for the tank and was having trouble keeping up at night. I'm pretty excited about the 5 year warranty too.