Habitat - Indoor :: Marineland Stealth Heaters?

[Seroster]

Re-posted here since it doesn't seem to've gotten many views on the equipment board:

I've been trying to get things ready to upgrade Herman's tank to a 75+ gal setup, but I've come across a troubling trend. I'm currently using a 50 or 100 watt Marineland Stealth Heater and I'm pretty satisfied with it. Herman likes to wedge himself between the corner and the heater and go to sleep at night, and since it's basically unbreakable I think it's a pretty good item. Thus when I was planning for upgrades I was thinking I'd just get a larger Stealth heater for the appropriate gallonage.

Problem is, on several different websites I've seen aquarist user reviews where the thermostat broke on the heater and basically cooked their fish. This may not be as big a deal with Turtles as if they get too hot they could retreat to their basking area, but this still concerns me since it may not be immediately noticeable and could lead to hyperthermia in our little friends.

So has anyone here had any problems with the stealth heaters or know someone who has? Does anyone have opinions on whether they would be relatively safe given the ability of turtles to leave the water? Does anyone have a recomendation for a different brand of non-breakable heater? I've heard a bit about titanium heaters, but not much, and not what kind/which brand to look for. Thanks for any input!

[steve]

I have 3 Stealths and one has a broken thermostat. I think the 2 older ones are doing fine and they should all have a lifetime warranty. The heaters probably wouldn't get warm enough to be a concern (unless you have way more wattage than you need or these are used in a small tank) and I find it's always a good idea to have 2 different kinds of thermometers on hand.

I'd say the Ebo Jagers are probably the best heaters out there. Some have complained about some recent changes, but they have preformed well for me.

[ytse411]

Great - one more thing to keep me up at night....

I've been using one for well over a year, and have had no problems with mine.

Sylvia has broken countless heaters (she's a hefty 6lbs, approx 8"x11") so I had to search for these, and am thankful someone invented this product!

I've never heard of Ebo Jagers (sounds like a liquor!) - I'll put that on my list if my current heater goes awry...

[Seroster]

Hrm, thanks for the input, I think at this point I'm probably going to go with a rena smartheater since I plan to get a XP3/4 filter, it can double as the intake and things will be spiffy.

[marisa]

I think I responded you your questions in your other post.


I will say, that I now only use Ebo Jager heaters and really think they're of good quality. I also like the idea of having an indicator light so I know that the heater is actually working (Stealths lack them).

[gwennie]

The reviews I've read regarding the stealth heaters say that you shouldn't go by what they suggest on the package - their heaters are really powerful and often heat the water a little too easily.

[elwray]

I use one in a non-RES aquarium and really like it. Mine at least seems to be spot on with the temperature on the dial versus the water thermometer. Only thing I would like is an indicator light telling me when it's on, but then I guess it wouldn't be Stealth, would it?