Inline heater

[njbudman81]

I bought a hydor 300w inline heater to attach to my marineland c360 for my 75 gallon tank. I haven't installed it yet but just read some mixed reviews on amazon. People have suggested installing a hydro thermostat with it.

Here are my questions

Is this a good heater?

Is a thermostat necessary?

Does the thermostat sound an alarm or cut the heater it it sticks on?

 

[deeda]

I've had excellent results with my Hydor ETH inline heaters and haven't needed any external thermostats.

I don't think the external thermostat is necessary but some people do add an external heater controller bought separately.

The external controller should have a separate probe that goes in the tank and once it's set temperature is reached, it shuts off the heater. No alarm as far as I know.

 

[soupa2]

I have own 3 hydor heaters. 2 are installed to my 180 with controller since I want the 2 turn on at the same time. Other one is installed to a 75 gal tank. All have great results and it's be 6-7yrs for the 180 and about 3 yrs for the 75..external controlller isn't really needed unless ur willing to spend extra fail safe...

 

[duanes]

I had 3 Hydors (where I live now, heaters are unnecessary), but as with any heater, there is a possibility that a malfunction can occur. I had one get stuck in the "on " position and start to melt the connecting plumbing, so a controller is an added measure of safety.
Luckily I noticed the melting PVC before the actual tank water got too hot.
Also, after I had one burn out after a power outage (because it went dry), I put a check valve underneath to prevent water from back siphoning out during outages.