Replacing heater? When?

[Mr Miagi]

When do you find its about time you changed your heater, cause ive had to chuck mine about 3 times in 2 years. Is it the quality of these heaters im buying, or is this just regular?

 

[xxSarahxx]

I've had my heater for over a year now and it's stiull going strong. What has made yours give up in the past to the extent that you have had to replace? Is it just that the tank is not maintaining it's temp or has it cracked, etc?

 

[Mr Miagi]

Well, when i first started fish keeping, i bought one way to big, and it burnt out. But that was years ago.

2003: My most expensive one built up condensation, then rust on the wire, then died. The second stopped heating, it had to go. (Dont know why, presumably condensation)
2005:Then the one i have now is insufficently heating my tank. Its dropping down too cold at night. (Ive also notice condensation, could this be causing it?)

 

[xxSarahxx]

Your tank will automatically build up condensation but not a severe amount of it. Where did you get it from? I would suggest going back and saying...oi!! Then see what happens.

 

[inflexion]

i know it might be obvious but you turn it off when you water change right?

this can cause many problems because none of my heaters get condensation in them?

 

[Bloo]

I still have my original Juwel filter that came with the tank. It keeps a constant temperature so is obviously still working after 3 year. My others are Visitherm I've had for around 8 months or so and they are absolutely fab.

Prior to that, I've never (yet) had to replace a heater - my one tank I had for 6 years but then i was moving around quite a bit for a few years and set up new tanks every couple of years depending on which country I lived in - never replaced any of them during the time I had them. Can't remember all the brands though.

Edit: are these all the same brand giving you problems ?
If so, I would take it up directly with the manufacturer and see what they have to say.

 

[Mr Miagi]

Your tank will automatically build up condensation but not a severe amount of it. Where did you get it from? I would suggest going back and saying...oi!! Then see what happens.

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LOLOL! Yeah, im gonna now, by the sounds of things, heaters should last longer than this!

i know it might be obvious but you turn it off when you water change right?

this can cause many problems because none of my heaters get condensation in them?

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Yeah, i do turn them off mate! Thanks for the idea anyway!

Edit: are these all the same brand giving you problems ?
If so, I would take it up directly with the manufacturer and see what they have to say.

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IM afraid not. I got a refund from my second heater, i think i may have to hunt down my receit for this one too. I read in the PFK mag this was one of there most 'decorated' and trusted heaters so i bought it lol! didnt do me much good lol!

For a 30gallon, what Watt heater would yall recomend?

 

[Bloo]

It depends a bit from brand to brand and also at what temperature you want to keep your tank at. But on average for a 30US gallon, a 200w will do just fine.
Check here for a better table about the Visitherm heaters and how to work it out.

 

[Mr Miagi]

Thanks Bloo! Great link! I keep it quite high at 28C and the temp outside varies ALOT so im inbetween a 200 or 300. I think thats right anyway. Ill go to an LFS whenever i can!