Need a new heater. Any ideas???

[NMreefer]

Well, I found the source of stray electricity in my tank. It was my Won Bros heater. It was the cheaper one, not the one with a digital display. I can't really complain, it's about 6-7 years old. Any recommendations on a replacement? It will be for a 70 gallon tank and sump installed.

Thanks,
Phillip

 

[candide]

How does one check for "stray electricity" in a tank? Just notice a tingle when your hands are in it or use a meter or something?

 

[Len]

I'm using the titanium variety these days ever since I had glass breakage. Was your Won Bros the titanium one? Mine never leaked stray electricity.

 

[NMreefer]

Yes Len, it was. Like I said, it was the older less expensive one, maybe that's my problem. Candide, I was getting a tingle on my hand in the sump last night while doing maint. I unplugged the heater any the tingle went away. That's how I found mine.


Phillip

 

[Anonymous]

I'd avoid the Won with a digitial read-out. I have one and have to use a separate temperature guage as the read-out is waaay off.

Mind you, I bought mine a couple of years ago, so it's possible they've addressed this. I certainly wouldn't buy one until you have a positive recommendation from a number of people though...

 

[NMreefer]

Hey Thanks. Actually, the old style Won that I had, was way off as far as the reading on the knob versus actual temp. I had hoped they'd fixed that in 7+ years, but maybe not. Anyone else?

Thanks,
Phillip

 

[Anonymous]

This is what I use now. The Ebo-Jagers are well built and have a good reputation for reliability. The Won, btw, has been relegated to water change duty (set to the wrong temperature, which I know produces the right temperature :roll: ).

http://www.marinedepot.com/aquarium_heaters_ebo-jager.asp?CartId=

 

[Anonymous]

It is a good idea to get a grounding probe for your tank no matter what. I was running almost 12 volts in the tank before I got the grounding probe. It is cheap (you can even make your own) and takes all of about 5 minutes to install. Stray voltage can come from your lighting, pumps, heats, basically anything near the tank, as salt water is an excelllent conductor.

I tested for it with an electrician's circuit tester. I have a really complicated one, but they can be bought at home depot for like $15. Good to have around anyway.

As far as a heater, i use a curling iron. I feel it works best, and is always ready in case i need to fix my hair.

 

[Anonymous]

I use the Won Pro non-digital myself...for 5 years now in my 180. I'll have to keep this in mind.


Thanks for sharing the secret behind your beautiful hair, ctgretzky99. :wink:

 

[Anonymous]

I was gonna suggest a candle but a curling iron was waaay better lol. How about sterno? I am lucky enough to where my house temp keeps my tank at the appropriate temp so I have no need for a heater, although I do have 2 I don't use them and they are in storage. As winter gets here and we sink down into the 70's I will dig them out.

 

[NMreefer]

Thanks everyone for your input. I've decided to use a new for of heating called geothermal heat recovery. All I have to do is dig a 100 foot shaft in my yard install thousand of dollars in equipment and it should work flawlessly for the next year or two. After that it should cost hundreds of dollars to maintain on a yearly basis. Just kidding. I guess I'll have to try the new Won Bros Digital, maybe they've improved.

Thanks again for all your replies.

Phillip