Sicce contactless heater?

[jjohnwm]

I've just looked at a number of video reviews of the new Sicce heaters. I like the long warranty...I like the idea of no mechanical contacts, which is usually one of the most problematic areas in typical aquarium heaters...and I like the fact that the temperature can be set as low as 59F, which is below the capabilities of many other heaters on the market. And I love the idea of being able to easily change the temperature setting; I have it in mind to use one of these in a storage reservoir that supplies water to multiple tanks that are at different temperatures, and simply bump the temp up or down to the appropriate level just before doing a water change.

But even Sicce, on their own Q&A video, is a bit mealy-mouthed about this feature. "Why would you want to change your temperature setting?" Numerous reviewers have reported difficulty with the phone app not connecting to the heater.

How about it? There must be some members here who have this heater model; do you love 'em...hate 'em...or are you embarrassed that you fell for the marketing?

 

[jjohnwm]

Nobody using these?

I've pretty much lost interest in them myself. The reviews are less than stellar, but my main disillusionment stems from another source: the use of the term "contactless" implies...to me at least...that they use some kind of electronic thermostat, rather than the primitive and failure-prone bi-metal strip type that is typically utilized. Apparently not. The word is referring to the hands-free adjustment and setting that is done by means of a cell phone...which apparently needs to be held very close to the heater to work.

I'm still pretty old-school; I can't phone my aquarium pumps, my home appliances, my car or my flush toilet and talk them into performing any tricks on their own. I actually have to go over and turn them on and off myself; imagine that! And of all those devices, and most others I own, an aquarium heater is probably the least likely to ever need to be touched once set up.

 

[RD.]

Your last comment reminds me of my recent trip to purchase a new tv. Nice young sales gal was explaining all the various options and upgrades I could get for a few hundred more. I told her that I watched the first landing on the moon, in black and white, on a screen the size of my computer monitor, and had to get up off the sofa to change the channel.

 

[jjohnwm]

Your last comment reminds me of my recent trip to purchase a new tv. Nice young sales gal was explaining all the various options and upgrades I could get for a few hundred more. I told her that I watched the first landing on the moon, in black and white, on a screen the size of my computer monitor, and had to get up off the sofa to change the channel.

So true! I remember watching that event as well; my parents and I were totally mesmerized, watching a screen about 14 inches across...embedded in the centre of a TV set the size of a washing machine...and equipped with rabbit ears!

 

[tlindsey]

black and white, on a screen the size of my computer monitor, and had to get up

Definitely remember those days.

 

[aroijuana]

Just a heads up brother, an ink bird thermostat can make use of heaters at that low temp you're looking for.

 

[Flaring Afro]

I've had a Hygger in my 125G display, 100G sump with an Inkbird as a backup to prevent overheating for a year and so far so good. Looks like it supports 59F and you don't have to reach your hand in the water to adjust.

Amazon.com

 

[jjohnwm]

Just a heads up brother, an ink bird thermostat can make use of heaters at that low temp you're looking for.

I've had a Hygger in my 125G display, 100G sump with an Inkbird as a backup to prevent overheating for a year and so far so good. Looks like it supports 59F and you don't have to reach your hand in the water to adjust.

Amazon.com

Thanks, folks! I've actually been using one for a couple years now, as a fall-back/fail-safe on my single "warm" tank system. The heater in that tank/sump combo is a couple years old, but seems to be working as it should so the separate temp controller has never actually been called into service. I'm loathe to change anything that hasn't caused me problems so I was thinking about getting another Inkbird for the cooler tanks...

...but the cold snap we had in early January made me realize that, while some of my tanks (goldfish, axolotl, rosies) continue to percolate merrily along in the mid- to low-fifties...I don't! I enjoy my fishroom area much more when I can sit comfortably in my easychair without needing to wear a tuque! So after experimenting last winter and the first half of this one with finding out how cool I can manage to keep some tanks...I have come full-circle back to adding a bit of warmth to the whole room with a quartz heater, keeping the ambient air at 60F and using a fan to circulate and de-stratify it to get an even temp from floor to ceiling. The concrete floor is still just above 50F, and a plastic bin on the floor stays that cool, but the tanks on stands are all around 58-59F. This is nice and comfortable for me and the fish, and obviates any need to use separate heaters in any tanks other than the above-mentioned "warm-water" system protected by the Inkbird.

 

[duanes]

I don't need heaters anymore, but I do like Sicce pumps.
Probably because I'm tech challenged , being a geezer, I don't even have a phone. So having one of those programable, wi-fi flow rate gizmos just seems like something else to screw up,, and cost too much to fix.
I like the old fashioned PVC valves, that do the same action, and if it wears out, I can replace it with a hack saw, for $1.99, and to reset just takes a quarter inch tweak (or is it twerk).

 

[jjohnwm]

I don't need heaters anymore, but I do like Sicce pumps.
Probably because I'm tech challenged , being a geezer, I don't even have a phone. So having one of those programable, wi-fi flow rate gizmos just seems like something else to screw up,, and cost too much to fix.
I like the old fashioned PVC valves, that do the same action, and if it wears out, I can replace it with a hack saw, for $1.99, and to reset just takes a quarter inch tweak (or is it twerk).
View attachment 1534956

Absolutely! I have a couple Sicce pumps as well, but they are the older generation, strictly good ol' archaic 110V AC, no WiFi or programming or other exotica. You want less flow? Choke down on the valve.

I don't phone them, and they don't phone me; that's the way I like it!