heating

[liamoi]

I was wondering if any one had any advice on cichlid friendly heating for tanks, i was thinking about maybe using one of those under tank heating mats, but have no experience of using them. It would be for a 5x2x2 tank filtered by external filters (not yet bought). Any ideas would be greatfully recieved!
Cheers,
Liam.

 

[hillbilly]

I've used titanium heaters for years. Almost impossible to damage. I do recommend a high quality controller for them though. The ones that come with the heater, regardless of brand, are usually of poor quality, and will only last maybe a year at best.

 

[Nic]

visitherm stealth are very good heaters and reliable plus unbreakable 2 250W would be perfect

 

[fish head )'>]

I like using an over flow to a sump, even if it is small and/or home-made. I have my heaters in there to help keep the tanks uncluttered looking.
it seems to me that the undertank heater would have a slower reaction time. By the time the sensor tells the heater to shut off, the heat traped in the substrate would continue to raise the tank temp. than, on the heat up side, the mat would have to heat up through the substrate to begin to heat the water. seems like the water could flucuate too much. (spelling) Is it cheaper than a regular, in water heater? I am not sure if I see the up side to this heater type. It makes me think of reinventing the wheel, just not making it round.