heater-preset or adjustable

[wildroseofky]

I am getting another heater for my 29 gallon tank. I have a 10 gallon with a tetra heater for 10-15 gallon tanks. I am trying to decide if I should spend a little more and get a heater you set yourself or stick with the tetra brand that comes set for a specific temp. The one I am considering is a Jager 100 watt Thermostat Heater. Do I really need to be able to adjust the temperature?

 

[fort384]

The adjustable ones are better for a few reasons:

Usually the thermostat is of a higher quality and the deadband a little narrower to keep the tank at a set temperature, and also if you should ever be unfortunate enough to get ich in your tank, you will have to go out and get a new heater to treat the tank, since with a preset you cannot raise the temperature.

Everything I have ever read also says the adjustable ones tend to last longer and be more reliable as well. To that I cannot speak directly, as I have never owned a preset heater.

 

[wildroseofky]

Thanks for the reply. I am going to go ahead and order the adjustable one. It is on sale and only $4 difference in price than the cheapest preset one I can find. It also says it can be calibrated. Supposed to make it more accurate. Never knew getting a fish tank could get this complicated. LOL

 

[fort384]

LOL oh just wait - today it is adjustable heater or no, tomorrow it will be zeovit reactors and 2 part autodosing solutions