Aquarium heaters

[Anna94]

I'm looking at getting a new heater. The one I currently have is an EHEIM Jager, but the blue dial is extremely hard for me to turn, even if I use my teeth. So I'm looking at buying a new one that will be easier to turn and is just as good. The ones I'm looking at are the Aqueon 100 watt, the Aqueon Pro 100 watt, the Fluval E series, and the Fluval M series. Which one is better and which do you recommend?

 

[NickNaylor]

I don't know about the other models, but I have the Fluval E and am very happy with it. The temperature is easy to read, the multicolored LCD makes it very easy to see the status of your tank/the heater, and I haven't had any trouble with it thus far (it's been in my tank for about a month).

The one thing to note is that the temperature displayed on the screen is only displayed in 0.5 degree increments. Not a huge deal but something to keep in mind if that's something you would care about. I have a second LCD thermometer on the other side of the tank and the two are usually in agreement to within 1 degree.

Overall, the Fluval E is a solid recommendation based on my experience with it thus far.

 

[nirbhao]

I have two Aqueons, and I'm not 1,000% thrilled with either.

One of them has notches so you can tell each degree you turn the dial, but it's miserably calibrated. The other has a smoothly turning dial that I never really look at. I adjust the temperature against a little floating thermometer.

I can't remember which lines they are. They work fine as long as you use a separate thermometer.

 

[NickNaylor]

I should add that in terms of performance, the Fluval E was able to keep my tank at 86 +/- 0.5 degrees throughout my cycle. This was despite an ambient air temperature of 76-78.

 

[Anna94]

I want to buy the Fluval E, but I don't think my mom will let me spend $50 on an aquarium heater

 

[woodcatl493]

Yeah, my heater has a layer of condensation and my dad doesn't understand the $50 it's worth is well worth it...

 

[Barliman]

I don't know about the other models, but I have the Fluval E and am very happy with it.

Seconded. I have a 50W E-series on a 10g, and the temp has been steady as can be. The only thing I don't like is the bulk: it has a nice protective plastic cage around the actual heater, but that makes it take up even more space. A minor complaint, but I thought I should mention it. Overall, this has been a great heater.

 

[Anna94]

I researched the Cobalt Neo-Therm and decided to buy that one

 

[woodcatl493]

Good choice!

 

[IllusionX]

My aqueon died after 1.5years. I'm not very thrilled..

Did you submerge the eheim? It should be easier to turn when submerged.

 

[Anna94]

Yes, I did, but I have a physical disability so that's also a factor.

 

[IllusionX]

Yes, I did, but I have a physical disability so that's also a factor.

Maybe then. I just turned mine, and it does take some force to turn past one click. It is not light like the thermostat of a home for instance.