[Ratpack]

I am looking to get the heater for my next system so I can cross that off my list. I want one with and external controller so that I do not have to reach into the water to change the setting. So what are the best options? I don't want to spend a lot on one. I saw several brands on Aquacave and Finnex stood out to me but are they any good? What about Gen-X?

[Reefland]

I wouldn't worry about this actually. I would find a good quality submersible heater, no need to look for hte external control. The reason is, once you set the temp on the heater, you should never have to touch it again.

[Ratpack]

Thanks, I know I won't have to mess with it once I get it set, but I still have to get it set and it would be nice to do that without having to reach into the water. Also, if I decide to make adjustments later, it would be much easier.

[Reefland]

That's true. However with my Ebo Jagers I set them on 80, drop them in and never touch them after that.

[BinaryReefer]

I use a Ranco digital thermostat on my heaters...more reliable...no malfunctions.

With that said the ViaAqua titanium heaters are very nice and have a remote controller and temp probe. These are the heaters I am using.

[Ratpack]

The Ebo's are not fully submersible though, right? I have been reading some on other boards as well and it seems the visitherm stealth and ebo's are the choice two heaters. Via-Aqua was mentioned but not a lot of info on them. Is the controller reliable and accurate? I really can't afford another controller like the Reef Keeper right now.

[BinaryReefer]

It has been reliable for me over the last 3 years. I like them because the temp probe is remote of the actual heater so it will get a temp reading of the main tank and will not be thrown off by the warmer water near the heater.

Even if some heaters "allow" for this, I prefer a temp probe.

[Reefland]

Yes, the Ebo's are completely submersible. Have used them for many years with no problems.

[Ratpack]

Originally Posted by BinaryReefer

It has been reliable for me over the last 3 years. I like them because the temp probe is remote of the actual heater so it will get a temp reading of the main tank and will not be thrown off by the warmer water near the heater.

Even if some heaters "allow" for this, I prefer a temp probe.

Are you saying the Via Aqua controller is reliable or the Ranco? Even though the Ranco is cheaper than the reef keeper, it is an expense I prefer not to have until I get all the other goodies I need to start the system.

[Samper]

I'm running the Ranco on two systems now and haven't had a problem yet. Both are running biotherm heating elements recommended by DonW. I have ebo jagers as backups in the systems just in case. They have been in operation for a few months and my temp swing is < 2 degrees,

[BinaryReefer]

Originally Posted by Ratpack

Are you saying the Via Aqua controller is reliable or the Ranco? Even though the Ranco is cheaper than the reef keeper, it is an expense I prefer not to have until I get all the other goodies I need to start the system.

I think the Via is reliable in itself as well, but I use the Ranco stat and I recommend them if you can swing it. Even if it is down the line, I would add a good thermostat.

I have used Ranco since before I was even in fish to control the heating in my herp cages.

[rosewood022]

We've been using biotherm heaters in our systems for a year or so with good results. The controller can be set to read in Farenheit or Celcius and has a wide adjustment range. Titanium probes are available in 250, 500, or 1000 watt configurations. They are made be AquaMedic.

Pat
Amazon Stingrays

[JR719]

I use an aqua controller II for my system. My heater is turned all the way up, full blast. My aquacontroller does the on/off by the presets I've set. No problems and works like like a champ.

[The R/C Man]

One of the first heaters I ever purchased was a Won Pro titanium heater with a controller. Unfortunately I didn't have it long before the control unit shorted out. (maybe it was a fluke) Personally I now shy away from using them, with the possible exception of the more expensive brands. My aqaucontroller pro 3 will control the heaters (Jager) via an X10 switchable wall socket. If the controller has an issue and the power to the heater is left on it doesn't matter because the heater has an internal setting. Just an idea. Even there smaller unit the Jr. controls a heater. It could be a good option and also give you many additional features as well.....

"I use an aqua controller II for my system. My heater is turned all the way up, full blast. My aquacontroller does the on/off by the presets I've set. No problems and works like like a champ."

Maybe you should set the temp on your heater to the desired temp in case the controller fails....

[Samper]

Binary...what sort of herps are you keeping?