Equipment Review and Discussion :: Topfin submersible heaters, are any good?

[wilso720]

My husband went out and bought two submersible heaters by Topfin from Petsmart and I was wondering if anyone has heard about them or used them before? They were about $20 each and have adjustable temperatures on them. I have one that is a 50 watt for up to a 10 gallon tank and a 25 watt for up to 5 gallons.

I have two different tanks they will be going in, one is for a hatchling they other is for a young turtle [not yet an adult]. They say aquarium heater on the package and it makes me a little nervous because fish and turtles are quite different.

If they are good heaters, what can I put around it to provide more protection for my turtles from the heater? If anyone has a recommendation of another brand that they trust to be turtle friendly and won't cost me and arm and a leg, I would greatly appreciate it!

Thanks!

[SINI5T3R]

Ide Suggest getting something a little bit more powerful if you have a large tank. I got one that can support up to a 80 gallon tank for my 55 gallon tank and it keeps it almost perfect for my turtles. Also every submersible heater wont burn ur turtles, there made to not be hot like that so u don't have to hide them anywhere, the turtle may bite at it at first but after a few minutes they leave it alone from then on.

[BullDog]

I tried the 25W Topfin for my 5g, and wasn't happy with it. It was either too cool, (76) or too warm (82+), no matter how I adjusted it. It might have just been a bum heater (I've heard other people are satisfied with their Topfin heater). I ended up going with the Elite 25W, which was about $5 than the topfin. Worked perfectly. I've also got an Elite 300W in Frankie's tank, and I've always been happy with that.

For my 10g, I've got a 75W Petcetera brand heater, which looks exactly the same as the topfin, so I assume they're from the same manufacturer. That heater works just fine.

Anyhow, give it a try for a week or two, and if it doesn't work to your expectations, take it back. I've found Petsmart is really good for taking things back.

As for a heater guard, I've seen people take a piece of PVC pipe and just drill a bunch of holes in it to allow for sufficient water flow. Cheap, and keeps your turts safe

[wilso720]

Between Topfin and reptomin which would be better?

[seanwb]

Easier than drilling holes in PVC piping and just as cheap is buying a Fluval Heater guard.

[marisa]

Ooh---Fluval makes heater guards? I have a number of Tronic heater guards, but when I went looking for them last year, I was told that they weren't making them anymore (I still see the small sizes being sold online sometimes, but never the larger sizes).

[seanwb]

They certainly do, and they are the best I have ever seen. They are even resistance to my highly destructive Mississippi Map.

[marisa]

If they can be gotten online, I'll be looking for them.

[turtletats]

I bought a "Tetrafauna- Aquatic Reptile Heater" at Petsmart for around $30. It is for up to 30 gal. I have it in my 55 gal about 3/4 filled and it keeps the temp between 76 and 78. It is preset to keep a temp of 78. It comes with a protective cover. I couldn't be happier with it. I hope that is of some help?