Stupid Stealth Heaters

[DaveB]

I just bought 2 250w stealth heaters for my 125, which had been heated by 1 Ebo 250w unit. I know they're working because there are bubbles on them both, but they're set at 82 and my water temperature is 74. The fish don't seem to mind but this annoys the heck out of me, as does the fact that they don't have an indicator light to let you know if they're on.

I thought these were supposed to be incredibly reliable within 1 degree. Should've gotten the Rena heaters.

Has this ever happened to anyone else?

Is it possible that they shut themselves off because a bit of it was no longer submerged? The tank seems to have had its usual level of evaporation (about an inch) and I had it so that the red knobs were above water level when I put them in. Could it be that the feature of shutting off when there's no water applies to even a tiny bit at the top of the heater? Because that seems like bad design.

 

[Austin]

mine have no problems...

 

[DaveB]

I was wrong, the water level didn't even get below the bottom of the red dial when it evaporated. So it was totally submerged the whole time.

Funny, I run way less wattage than I should for nearly a year, finally decide "I shouldn't push my luck with this anymore" and now doubling the wattage lowers the temperature.

 

[orinocensis1]

mine have no probs either but it seams like yours is not powerfulll enough

 

[r3d]

ive got absolutely no problems with mine. its three years old and runs great
although the lack of an indicator light really is annoying

 

[seangtat2kc]

I have 6 250watt stealth heaters on my 400 and have trouble maintaining 80. they are turned all the way up, but it is the winter time in the Kansas city. perhaps I should buy 2 more... but then spring is right around the corner. sturdy and completely submersible but actual ability to heat... not exactly satisfied.

 

[calisucks]

I ran two 250 watts on a 450 with no problem keeping the temps at 88.

 

[COLDasICE]

How is your water flow along the heaters? I get more reliable results when I put heaters next to a HOB intake or Canister intake. I figure the warmest water should be pulled into the filter and would be circulated throughout the tank best that way.

 

[Pharaoh]

I have decided against Stealth heaters. I haven't had much luck with them new, used or indifferent. I won't buy another.

 

[dennisdeng2002]

I find the best way to heat a tank is to get a ranco temp controller for around 80 dollars and 2 250 watt stealths. Aquarium heaters are almost guaranteed to break at somepoint but with the ranco the temp won't go crazy. And with the stealths lifetime warranty you won't have to spend any more money on heaters.