[Sueet]

Anyone use these? Are there any particular features to look for? Brands to avoid? I'm thinking of getting a few of them, and I don't want to get 'burned'.

Is there a better alternative that is not super-high priced? Thanks for any input

[Reefland]

I am a fan of Ebo Jager heaters, I've used them for years without any problems. Despite what their packagins says, I use them compltely submersed.

[Sueet]

Originally Posted by Reefland

I am a fan of Ebo Jager heaters, I've used them for years without any problems. Despite what their packagins says, I use them compltely submersed.

Ok, do they shut off if they overheat? Also, how strong/reliable is the glass? I'm asking because I keep seeing horror stories about heaters bursting, or 'sticking on' and I would like to be sure that my creatures will be safe!

[dougc]

There is no such thing as a foolproof heater, whether it is glass or titanium. Heaters can and do fail, often with disastrous consequences. The only advantage to titanium is that it eliminates one hazard, breakage. I have had pretty good luck with Won Bros. heaters, although others dislike them. I tried Gen-X heaters and, after the third failure, will not buy another. All of them started leaking current into the tank after a short time, tripping the GFCIs. Because the consequences of a stuck thermostat are so dire, I will not rely on just one. I have an AquaController acting as the primary control with the heater thermostat as a backup if the AquaController should fail. Whatever you choose, plan on having 2 heaters, both undersized for the gallons you are heating. This provides some redundancy and if one should stick in the "on" position, it won't overheat the tank as fast.

[da colts]

i use a jalli 500 watt titanium heater after my visa therm fell apart and almost did my corals in. at the lfs i work for we had a visa therm explode in 1 of our sumps and it took out the side of the sump when it went. my jalli is almost 4 years old and i love it, very well made, very accurate. i will never use a glass heater again. i just took a visa therm out of a customers tank that was stuck in the on position. i am going to replace hers with a jalli this week.