What is the best heater?

[krishj39]

I have 2 heaters right now in my 90 gallon, a 200w and a 250w. I don't know what brand of the top of my head, but they are just your typical submersible heaters. The problem I am having is they aren't sensitive enough to keep the temp from fluctuating a few degrees. Right now, the temp is almost 83 when the lights go off in the evening, and then around 81 the next morning before the lights come back on. I have tried fiddling with the heaters to get them to pick up the slack at night to keep the temp at 83 (I know this is a bit higher than I want it to be, but the only way I can get it cooler is to get a chiller, which I don't want to do), then basically turn off during the day and let the lights do the heating. What brand of heater is the most sensitive, that will keep the temp to within a few tenth of a degree? Also, I'd prefer to get one more powerful heater, if possible (the heater would be in my sump). Thanks guys.
Kris

 

[robchuck]

I use Ebo Jager, and have had nothing but success with their products. The temp in my 29gal has remained stonecold consistent at 79 degrees, even with ambient temps changing around the tank.

 

[simm]

I use visi therm and have not had a problem with it fluctuating. It keeps it pretty consistant.

 

[viper12775]

i like pro heat 2 from won brothers with the digital controll box

 

[krishj39]

Thanks all, I'll look into those at the LFS tomorrow.

 

[bigbonedee]

I use two ebo jagers. ---- happens to me so I like insurance.

 

[saltyrich]

Ebo Jager is by far the superior heater. There are many good heaters out there, but the Ebo is the most consistent, reliable, accurate, and durable heater on the market. Trust me on this one.

 

[krishj39]

Thanks, you have convinced me that Ebo's are the best. Turns out that my current heaters are doing a better job now though. Now the temp only wavers from 82.7 in the evening b4 the lights go out to 82.3 in the morning b4 they turn on, so everything is cool for now! Hopefully I won't have a problem any time soon, but if I do, I'll buy that Ebo!

 

[sal t. nutz]

I have both an Ebo and a Won Titanium. The Won heater is FAR superior to the Ebo. The Ebo works ok, but the temp setting is hard to adjust and not very accurate. The Won actaully has a calibration on it to get it calibrated exactly to the correct temp.

 

[broomer5]

I'm with Sal T.
I have Ebo's too - great glass heater - no problems
I have (2) Won Brothers titanium with remote temperature set point.
Solid State Electronics - no moving parts inside for making/breaking electrical contacts ~ less chance they will ever "stick on"
LED for on/off indication.
Make temperature adjustments without reaching in the tankwater.
No glass to break - ever.
Hard to beat IMO.

 

[radge69]

I have a Won Brothers titanium also. Very nice. Also, can't beat the remote set point.

 

[saltyrich]

Matter of opinion I guess. If you want to pay an additional 10-12 bucks for a Won of the same size you can. I'd be willing to try one, but I would not go so far as to say they are far superior to Ebo. Maybe comparable. Testing should indicate this. I haven't seen anything as far as test results on Won Bros. like I have Ebo. When I said superior, I will still sand by Ebo's being superior to the brands sold at Walmart. I'm not convinced that Won Bros. is superior to Ebo yet until results are available. Anybody have a link? In most cases, cheaper items are usually cheaper in quality, but I don't think so in this case.I'll stick with Ebo until I see results that compare the two and if Won is far superior, I'll gladly switch. Just my .02 cents.

 

[sal t. nutz]

Well, I can't post a link to an online store, but the one I frequent the most has the Ebo 250W for $20 and the Won 250W for $23. So it's only a 3 dollar difference, not 10-12. Plus how can you dispute that Ebo's are glass and can break, don't have any calibration, and have moving parts for a thermostat that will most likely stick eventually? Like I said, not knocking Ebo's, for a glass, spring thermostat, heater, they are the best IMO, but they can't even compare to the new technology of Titanium heaters. That all being said, I can't think of 1 thing that the Ebo has over the Won other than the $3 price difference. JMO

 

[saltyrich]

Email me the store. My online search came up with a 1-12 buck difference.

 

[saltyrich]

Sorry, 10-12 bucks. Am I to assume that titanium heaters will never fail. My ebo is beyond accurate as I have tested it with a pharmasuetical grade thermom. JMO. I am willing to try other things though. I would not imply that all things are error free, regardless of who makes them. I'll stop now because Sal T. and I seem to agree on disagrreeing. Hey, Sal T. email me your source for Wons online. I would not mind trying it out.

 

[saltyrich]

After searching, all I could find was around $23 for a 100 watt. There does not appear to much difference in price from 100-250 watt Won Bros. heaters. I'll probably try it for prosperity's sake, but I can get an Ebo 100 watt for $13.

 

[broomer5]

Hey saltyrich,
Ebo's are wonderful heaters - no doubt about it.
Won Brothers are pretty cool too.
Not one being better than the other - they both heat water and come on and off.
I'f I had to make a bet - I'd have to bet on the Ebo.
Only because they've been around a lot longer, and are tried and true - ya know.
The titaniums offer some nice features too though - I must admit.
But - everything fails eventually - even Ebo's and solid state titanium heaters

 

[sal t. nutz]

Rich,
What is your email? You have it blocked on the board.