25w Heater Recommendations?

[Will91]

Hi all:

Funny thing. By undergoing all this research for my mom's betta, I sort of became interested now too! It turns out, she will probably stick with the 1 gallon bowl for now but I will be sure to take care of weekly water change-overs. I, however, want to go with a dedicated small desktop tank.

Anyway, between the minibow and Eclipse tanks I have discussed with many of you, I am inclined to go with the 3 gallon Eclipse System 3. I really like the Eclipse design. These tanks seem really well engineered - especially the filter assembly built right into the hood. I appreciate the thought and engineering and went into that design. This keeps filters out of view in the tank. I found I can order an Eclipse 3 through www.petsmart.com for like $35 compared to in the store for $49. I figure I can address any water current issues with the diverter assembly people have mentioned.

Here is where I need some more help. Could any of you provide some recommendations as to brands for an excellent quality, fully submersible, 25w heater? If I bump my purchase up to $50 online at Petsmart, the shipping is free. I figure a good quality heater will easily cost $15.

Thanks for any help.

 

[lisie]

I must say, I personally like the Minibow tanks better. The Eclipse tank filters don't have adjustable flows, and it is pretty powerful for a betta. I actually ended up taking the filter out of mine, which kind of destroys the purpose of having an Eclipse tank in the first place. However, either tank is nice, just with the Eclipse you'll have to put lots of plants, or something in the way of the output to help with the current.

As for heaters, definitely go for a submersible. I really like Visiterm ones. Petsmart.com doesn't seem to have any 25 watt submersible heaters, unforunately. Thatpetplace.com has 2, though: here and here.

Also, Petsmart and Petco stores will usually match their online prices. Just print off the thing you want, and if they don't agree right away, put up a fuss and they should.

 

[Will91]

I must say, I personally like the Minibow tanks better. The Eclipse tank filters don't have adjustable flows, and it is pretty powerful for a betta. I actually ended up taking the filter out of mine, which kind of destroys the purpose of having an Eclipse tank in the first place. However, either tank is nice, just with the Eclipse you'll have to put lots of plants, or something in the way of the output to help with the current.

As for heaters, definitely go for a submersible. I really like Visiterm ones. Petsmart.com doesn't seem to have any 25 watt submersible heaters, unforunately. Thatpetplace.com has 2, though: here and here.

Also, Petsmart and Petco stores will usually match their online prices. Just print off the thing you want, and if they don't agree right away, put up a fuss and they should.

Thanks Lisie:

I talked to a local PetSmart store tonight and the fellow said they don't match even their own on-line prices. Perhaps, a print out and talk with the manager might change things.

Anyway, I was interested in what you said about the MiniBow tanks as I also carefully looked at these. In fact, I had a minibow 5, eclipse 3 and eclipse hex 5 all side by side at Petco. My thoughts were that with the MiniBow tank, the Tetra mini filter which was inside the tank but still seemed to hook over the side, had a "waterfall" design. Do you really think the Tetra filters that come with their tanks would be less turbulent? I was planning on going with the Eclipse 3 and then trying to rig up the deflector system made out a piece of a soda bottle or something - but I haven't made any purchases yet.

Oh, one more thing I liked about the Eclipse was that it already comes with the tubular fluorescent light. The MiniBow comes with a standard incandescent bulb requiring one to buy an additional compact fluorescent ... minor point, but just a nice feature of the Eclipse.

What do you think?

 

[Lead]

I'd go with the Eclipse, better biowheel filter and like you said built-in flourescent. Just make your own water flow dissipation gadget, it's not that difficult. As for a heater you really can't beat the Visitherm Stealth, it uses safe durable thermoplastic, has an aluminum heating core, built-in shock foam, it's black, and lifetime warranty. I've used "German-made" Pyrex glass heaters in the past but they just can't compare with their 3 year warranties.

 

[nynex]

Will , that local petsmart guy is wrong! Although I would never buy fish
from petco or petsmart. Petsmart has the best prices on equipment,
food,any other supplies and Yes they do match their online price. You
need to talk to the store manager and if he still doesnt match their own
online price. I would make a quick call to petsmarts corporate office and file
a complaint about that store and give them the managers name. I live
in orlando and I buy most of my supplies from the Petsmart here and
they always match their online price.