Finnex heater+controller

  • We are currently upgrading MFK. thanks! -neo
X

x HEAVYHITTER x

Feeder Fish
MFK Member
Jan 1, 2012
200
1
0
Michigan
Has anyone used these long term? Was going to orginally get a ranco controller, but I figured the finnex comes prewired and with a 800 watt titanium heater for under $100. Description also says it has a audible alarm. Only reviews I could find were on amazon and its hard to tell how long reviewers actually used them for. I want something that is reliable and accurate I don't mind spending some extra coin if somone thinks there's a better heater/controller combo out there.

Any feedback is greatly appreciated!

Sent from my SGH-T999L using MonsterAquariaNetwork App
 
The whole point to having a controller is that 2 electrical devices have to fail for your fish to fry should your heater goes awry. The Finnex 800w titanium is just a heating element that requires an additional controller to operate it. So, if the controller goes haywire and leaves the heater "on", your fish will be cooked. With a heater with a built in rheostat plugged into a controller, both devices will have to malfunction at the same time for this incident to occur. Also, with only one heater, if the heater stops working altogether your tropical fish can perish from lost of heat. So, I would pass on it. However, I do have this inexpensive Finnex analog controller and its been working great. I have 3 heaters plugged into it and the temp has been right on the money
http://www.kensfish.com/aquarium-supplies/aquarium-heaters/finnex-hc-0800-heater-controller.html
 
This is just my opinion. Aquarium heaters for the most part are cheap. Half of the heaters i have that have failed simply would turn on and not heat at all.

If that happens the controller won't help. There's much better quality element heaters for various things then the aquarium heaters we can buy. except your using a much better quality controller this way. In my eyes the danger is less altogether staying away from aquarium heaters.

Sent from my SM-N900W8 using MonsterAquariaNetwork App
 
Almost all of my heaters are finnex titanium. I buy mostly the 500W from Kens Fish for somrthing like $28. My oldest are about 2years now with no problems. I have 3 500 & a 300 with a Ranco as backup for a sump that runs 2 tanks. I have a few glass ones as well. They are the only brand of heater I have owned and not had a failure. I went to titanium years ago because they can't break, although the seals could still fail and let water in. I am considering giving one of their lights a try.

Sent from my SCH-S960L using MonsterAquariaNetwork App
 
xraycer said:
The whole point to having a controller is that 2 electrical devices have to fail for your fish to fry should your heater goes awry. The Finnex 800w titanium is just a heating element that requires an additional controller to operate it. So, if the controller goes haywire and leaves the heater "on", your fish will be cooked. With a heater with a built in rheostat plugged into a controller, both devices will have to malfunction at the same time for this incident to occur. Also, with only one heater, if the heater stops working altogether your tropical fish can perish from lost of heat. So, I would pass on it. However, I do have this inexpensive Finnex analog controller and its been working great. I have 3 heaters plugged into it and the temp has been right on the money
http://www.kensfish.com/aquarium-supplies/aquarium-heaters/finnex-hc-0800-heater-controller.html
Click to expand...

You make a very good point. Also I noticed the finnex allows +or- 2ºs I think the ranco is only 1. Now I just need to decide on a reliable heater and buy 3

Sent from my SGH-T999L using MonsterAquariaNetwork App
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
MonsterFishKeepers.com
Top Bottom