Good heaters

[Gilby]

Was going to do water change on a 10g planted shrimp tank today and when I put my hand in the water it felt really warm, so I got my thermometer and it read 92°F. Surprised all the shrimp looked healthy. I presume the thermostat on the heater wasn't working. This is the second time in the last week this same issue happened on two different tanks, though they were the same model of heater, the tetra preset one. Amazon reviews show this is a common problem. I've also had problems with other heaters though too on my larger tanks, that were different brands. They'd eventually just not be able to keep the temp up to what it's set anymore.

 

So until I get my fish room set up, which would have it's own climate control, my tanks are spread throughout the house and I am looking for what experience and recommendations you have for heaters. For small tanks (2-10g), I want something that can easily be hidden. For larger tanks i just need something reliable, and preferably one that wont break if I don't unplug it when doing a large water change. I'm also wondering about substrate heating using heating wires and a thermostat on my huge tanks (120g+).

[Soothing Shrimp]

I don't think there is one that won't break if you don't unplug it when doing water changes.  I solved that problem when I was using heaters by  moving them down lower beneath the water change line.

 

Cobalt aquatics I've heard nothing but praises about, but cost $$$.  Their Mini-therms are reasonable though.

 

I've used titanium heaters, and I like the outside the tank control, but my major complaint is that if your power trips  (mine has a lot this winter), it has a bad memory so resets at 80 deg if digital.  I have a manual outside remote, and that stayed the same temp naturally, because of a dial.  I bought that from Ebay for around $30 I think.

 

The absolutely best heater I used was truaqua digital heaters.  They retain memory after a power trip, but no out of tank remote.  No biggie really since once you set it, put it in and forget it.  I like the digital read out on the front to let me know things are still working well.

 

As with any heater I had, I had a cheap suction cup therm on the tank to let me know how hot it actually was.  It helps ID problems as soon as possible.  Just part of the daily checking routine.

 

I'm experimenting this year though, and have unplugged all my heaters as of about a month ago.

[Subtletanks91]

I've used many heaters.

Aqueon, topfin, fluval, all glass aquarium and some other brands, so far the only one that hasn't crapped out on me yet has been the fluval. There not sully submersible, but it has kept my tank steady during winter at 70* and now in my 25 cube at 78*

However I would like to try the inline heaters as I'm starting realize the less equipment inside the better it looks lol.