humvee Posted May 23, 2009 Report Share Posted May 23, 2009 I have several brands of heaters (all fairly new - under 3 months) an all of them seem to regularly go AWOL and either don't heat when they should or heat when they shouldn't. I target 25deg with all my tank and after getting it stable for a few days I often find a tank has dropped to 22deg and the heater is not on or it has risen to 28 and the heater is still on. Are there any models/brands that are more accurate/reliable Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aquatopia Posted May 23, 2009 Report Share Posted May 23, 2009 Hi - a lot of it depends how / where you place your heater and what kind of water circulation you have in the tank (which will depend on what kind of filter you have and how it is set up). Also, the size and shape of the tank has an effect and the wattage of the heater. Describe your setup in a bit more detail and I am sure we can all make more educated rather than generalised suggestions :-) * what dimensions is the tank? * does it have lids? * what filter do you use and where is it located - if canister, where are the inlet and outlets located? * what size heater do you use, where is it located compared to the filter, and how is it orientated? * where is the tank situated in relation to a draughty door or hallway or window etc? * what are you using to measure the temperature and where is it situated compared to the heater? With a picture from the above info, it will be a lot easier to give specific advice. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kiwiplymouth Posted May 23, 2009 Report Share Posted May 23, 2009 I have four of these heaters. http://www.aquariumproducts.com.au/cata ... 36&catID=7 They are the best heater that I have found for accuracy and being consistant. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
suphew Posted May 24, 2009 Report Share Posted May 24, 2009 If you invest in a temperature controller you wont ever need to worry about the dodgy heater controllers again. The one I have is a dual channel so will also turn on fans if things get to hot. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ryanjury Posted May 24, 2009 Report Share Posted May 24, 2009 Without a temp controller most heaters should maintain tank temp within a few degrees at all times (assuming normal range of outside temperatures and correct sized heater for tank). What brands do you have running? I have a jebo that does that, I set it to around 26 it keeps it stable at that for a while sometimes goes upto 29 for a while then sometimes down to 22.. I would recommend a jager or fluval heater, aqua ones seem to be alright as well.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
David R Posted May 24, 2009 Report Share Posted May 24, 2009 I've found Jagers to be well worth the extra dollars over the cheaper types, much more accurate and reliable thermostat. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alanmin4304 Posted May 24, 2009 Report Share Posted May 24, 2009 I like the jagers as well. They can also be adjusted so the temperature you set for is what you get. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
humvee Posted May 24, 2009 Author Report Share Posted May 24, 2009 I have several tanks so I will answer your questions several times * what dimensions is the tank? 90x45x45cm * does it have lids? yes * what filter do you use and where is it located - if canister, where are the inlet and outlets located? fluvil 403, intake 6 inches from heater outlet on back wall at other end of tank * what size heater do you use, where is it located compared to the filter, and how is it orientated? 200w 45deg angle * where is the tank situated in relation to a draughty door or hallway or window etc? yes it is near a door, but not draughty and it has curtains * what are you using to measure the temperature and where is it situated compared to the heater? currently hanging off outlet bar, but have also placed it nearer top of heater and i still saw the same inconstancies * what dimensions is the tank? 90x50x60cm (10mm Glass) * does it have lids? yes * what filter do you use and where is it located - if canister, where are the inlet and outlets located? aqua one cf1000 outlet near heater intake at other end of tank * what size heater do you use, where is it located compared to the filter, and how is it orientated? 150w virticel - some might say this heater is to small but more oftern then not the tank gets to hot rather then cold * where is the tank situated in relation to a draughty door or hallway or window etc? no draughts * what are you using to measure the temperature and where is it situated compared to the heater? currently on middle of back wall (in bubble wall) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ryanjury Posted May 25, 2009 Report Share Posted May 25, 2009 What brand are the heaters, some are rubbish.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skaffen Posted May 25, 2009 Report Share Posted May 25, 2009 I have two 300W Sera heaters in my 440 L, it's stable at 25.5. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
suphew Posted May 25, 2009 Report Share Posted May 25, 2009 A temperature controller will cost you $130 and you will never need to worry about your heating again. What does a high end heater cost?? A little little extra outlay at the beginning and you'll never need to buy expensive heaters again, far cheaper in the long run. http://www.deepblueaquarium.co.nz/Controllers%20&%20Montitors.htm Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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