favorite heaters?

jamest0o0 · 06/03/2009, 04:35 PM

What is everyones favorite heater?

Sisterlimonpot · 06/03/2009, 04:46 PM

jager seems to be more reliable

shaginwagon13 · 06/03/2009, 04:51 PM

+1 on Jager I use them for my tank and water holding tanks

Tswifty · 06/03/2009, 05:09 PM

Blue Line Biotherm Titanium Tube w/ Ranco Controller or some type of controller like the Neptune Systems ACjr, AC3, etc... which turns the heaters on or off via a calibrated temp probe.

jamest0o0 · 06/03/2009, 07:02 PM

Would you recommend an aquarium controller for a nano? I have no experience with them, but I'm trying to start my new tank off right and I plan on eventually having SPS.

jlt23 · 06/03/2009, 08:28 PM

I like the visatherm stealths.

saltjohnswharf · 06/03/2009, 09:10 PM

Visi-Therm. Never let me down and are pretty inexpensive.

Tswifty · 06/03/2009, 10:12 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by jamest0o0
Would you recommend an aquarium controller for a nano? I have no experience with them, but I'm trying to start my new tank off right and I plan on eventually having SPS.

I think controllers can be even more useful on a nano than than a larger system. Since small mistakes can cause big problems, anything that helps catch errors before they happen, or adds stability to the system is well worth it IMO.

ILoveReefer · 06/03/2009, 10:14 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Tswifty
Blue Line Biotherm Titanium Tube w/ Ranco Controller or some type of controller like the Neptune Systems ACjr, AC3, etc... which turns the heaters on or off via a calibrated temp probe.

+1 I had a tank fry because a jager heater didn't turn off like it was supposed to back in my FOWLR days. I now use an aqua logic tempurature controller, same as the Ranco, with a titanium tube and now I can once again sleep at night. My tank is always within one degree now.

jamest0o0 · 06/03/2009, 10:14 PM

Good point

, is there a certain one you'd recommend? I'd like to read more into them because they do seem very useful.

Tswifty · 06/03/2009, 10:16 PM

I'd set a budget, then pick a controller based on that. Some of them can get very expensive quick! I'm partial to Neptune Systems products, and use the AquaController 3 on my 40g tank.

jamest0o0 · 06/03/2009, 10:26 PM

Yeah I have seen the prices some are a bit scary :O... I have a good bit saved up atm, but I don't want to overdo anything and spend more money than needed. I might look into something that will keep the basics under control. Can you add to the controllers at all?

Whys · 06/04/2009, 12:46 AM

I won't speak to a particular brand, but I really like titanium heaters. I'm pretty sure I would have destroyed mine by now if it were glass. I have an apparent subconscious desire to destroy all heaters. There are others who share my sickness.

HowardJ · 06/04/2009, 12:59 AM

Visi-therm Stealth

reefscape15 · 06/04/2009, 03:59 AM

+1 for Titanium heater with remote temp dial! The most convenient type of submersible heater out there.

THE ROOK · 06/04/2009, 06:48 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by reefscape15
+1 for Titanium heater with remote temp dial! The most convenient type of submersible heater out there.

+2 Much better chance of not malfunctioning, IMO, as the electronics are not subjected to salt or spray.

Juruense · 06/04/2009, 06:55 AM

I used to be a huge Ebo Jager fan but now I use the one's with the glass free design. Also, the Ebo Jager is technically not fully submersible and after a few years I always observed water and corrosion through the glass (very small amounts but definite moisture present inside the glass).

SirToppemHat · 06/04/2009, 08:01 AM

visa therm stealth (or deluxe if you need an on-light).

Sisterlimonpot · 06/04/2009, 08:14 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by jamest0o0
Yeah I have seen the prices some are a bit scary :O... I have a good bit saved up atm, but I don't want to overdo anything and spend more money than needed. I might look into something that will keep the basics under control. Can you add to the controllers at all?

Depends on which one you get. Some are limited to controlling 4 outputs. And on the other end of the spectrum they are virtually limitless. If you wait another month it's possible to see that used AC III are going to flood the market at decent prices due to the new Apex that is coming out.

surge19us · 06/04/2009, 08:21 AM

Titanium is the way to go. I use these.
http://www.marinedepot.com/ps_ViewIt...=&child=VA1161

CloruroDiSodio · 06/04/2009, 08:47 AM

+1 visitherm, they are bulletproof. I still use my old visitherms for my QT tank and they are about 13 years old.

lucas73 · 06/04/2009, 09:58 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by CloruroDiSodio
+1 visitherm, they are bulletproof. I still use my old visitherms for my QT tank and they are about 13 years old.

+2 Visi-Therm Deluxe,I have used them for years and never had a problem.

jamest0o0 · 06/04/2009, 11:07 AM

Since I have about 55 total gallons in my system, should I get two heaters that are rated for about 40g tanks?

thanks

Tswifty · 06/04/2009, 12:41 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by surge19us
Titanium is the way to go. I use these.
http://www.marinedepot.com/ps_ViewIt...=&child=VA1161

I used to use those as well. They seem to have a life of only around 1 year though. I used 2 in my system... One failed after 10 months... the other around 12 months.

The titanium heaters with the attached/built in controllers are the ones you want to avoid. They're just notorious for failing, which is why I suggest the titanium tube, but purchase a Ranco Controller (or something similar) to monitor/control the temp for you.

Tswifty · 06/04/2009, 12:42 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by jamest0o0
Since I have about 55 total gallons in my system, should I get two heaters that are rated for about 40g tanks?

thanks

Splitting the load between 2 heaters is always a good idea.

06/03/2009, 04:35 PM	#1
jamest0o0 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Pittsburgh, PA Posts: 2,325	favorite heaters? What is everyones favorite heater?

06/03/2009, 04:46 PM	#2
Sisterlimonpot R.C. Fraternity President Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Litchfeild Park AZ Posts: 11,490 Blog Entries: 2	jager seems to be more reliable __________________ Jimmy MASVC President Dishes are done man! Current Tank Info: 300 in progress

06/03/2009, 04:51 PM	#3
shaginwagon13 Chartered Accountant Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Toronto, Canada Posts: 2,219	+1 on Jager I use them for my tank and water holding tanks __________________ - Shaginwagon - Current Tank Info: 550 Gallon SPS Reef l 200 Gallon Sump l Skimmer: Vertex Alpha 250 l Return Pump: Reeflo Hammerhead l Tank Circulation: (2) Maxspect Gyre XF280 l Lighting: (3) 400w Halides & (3) AI Hydra 52 HD

06/03/2009, 05:09 PM	#4
Tswifty Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: PA Posts: 14,022	Blue Line Biotherm Titanium Tube w/ Ranco Controller or some type of controller like the Neptune Systems ACjr, AC3, etc... which turns the heaters on or off via a calibrated temp probe. __________________ "Enough light? Heck I could go barebottom and grow SPS in the stand!" - DiscoReefRover

06/03/2009, 07:02 PM	#5
jamest0o0 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Pittsburgh, PA Posts: 2,325	Would you recommend an aquarium controller for a nano? I have no experience with them, but I'm trying to start my new tank off right and I plan on eventually having SPS. __________________ Planning on new tank, been about 5-6 years since I've been in the hobby

06/03/2009, 08:28 PM	#6
jlt23 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Tustin, CA Posts: 712	I like the visatherm stealths.

06/03/2009, 09:10 PM	#7
saltjohnswharf Conscientious Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Carmichael, CA Posts: 524 Blog Entries: 1	Visi-Therm. Never let me down and are pretty inexpensive. __________________ If you had to live the rest of your life in an aquarium what would your minimum tank size be? Think before you buy Current Tank Info: 27 gallon Dying Reef Biotope

06/03/2009, 10:14 PM	#10
jamest0o0 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Pittsburgh, PA Posts: 2,325	Good point , is there a certain one you'd recommend? I'd like to read more into them because they do seem very useful. __________________ Planning on new tank, been about 5-6 years since I've been in the hobby

06/03/2009, 10:16 PM	#11
Tswifty Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: PA Posts: 14,022	I'd set a budget, then pick a controller based on that. Some of them can get very expensive quick! I'm partial to Neptune Systems products, and use the AquaController 3 on my 40g tank. __________________ "Enough light? Heck I could go barebottom and grow SPS in the stand!" - DiscoReefRover

06/03/2009, 10:26 PM	#12
jamest0o0 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Pittsburgh, PA Posts: 2,325	Yeah I have seen the prices some are a bit scary :O... I have a good bit saved up atm, but I don't want to overdo anything and spend more money than needed. I might look into something that will keep the basics under control. Can you add to the controllers at all? __________________ Planning on new tank, been about 5-6 years since I've been in the hobby

06/04/2009, 12:46 AM	#13
Whys Moved On Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Spokane, WA Posts: 3,263	I won't speak to a particular brand, but I really like titanium heaters. I'm pretty sure I would have destroyed mine by now if it were glass. I have an apparent subconscious desire to destroy all heaters. There are others who share my sickness.

06/04/2009, 12:59 AM	#14
HowardJ Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Indiana 47918 Posts: 91	Visi-therm Stealth

06/04/2009, 03:59 AM	#15
reefscape15 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Elmira Heights, NY Posts: 2,812	+1 for Titanium heater with remote temp dial! The most convenient type of submersible heater out there. __________________ A new beginning........... JIM Current Tank Info: 5g standard softie/zoa tank, just starting a 20H

06/04/2009, 06:55 AM	#17
Juruense Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Fort Wayne, IN Posts: 1,138	I used to be a huge Ebo Jager fan but now I use the one's with the glass free design. Also, the Ebo Jager is technically not fully submersible and after a few years I always observed water and corrosion through the glass (very small amounts but definite moisture present inside the glass).

06/04/2009, 08:01 AM	#18
SirToppemHat Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Charlotte, NC Posts: 472	visa therm stealth (or deluxe if you need an on-light).

06/04/2009, 08:21 AM	#20
surge19us Registered Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Willard, Oh Posts: 656	Titanium is the way to go. I use these. http://www.marinedepot.com/ps_ViewIt...=&child=VA1161 __________________ Sean Current Tank Info: 120 gal 30 gal sump/fuge, ATB Econo 840 skimmer, 2 Vortech MP40w, AC Jr., 2-250watt MH 20K Radiums, Lumen Max 2 reflectors, 2 tek T5 retro actinic, Prime chiller, ATO/kalk reactor, drews dosers on two part.

06/04/2009, 08:47 AM	#21
CloruroDiSodio Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: New York Posts: 597	+1 visitherm, they are bulletproof. I still use my old visitherms for my QT tank and they are about 13 years old.

06/04/2009, 11:07 AM	#23
jamest0o0 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Pittsburgh, PA Posts: 2,325	Since I have about 55 total gallons in my system, should I get two heaters that are rated for about 40g tanks? thanks __________________ Planning on new tank, been about 5-6 years since I've been in the hobby