25 replies to this topic

[Cawdor]

So far I have only used the standard heaters that sit in the tank. No problems at all.

There are two shortcomings though:

1. you can't adjust the temp easily
2. they are an eyesore in the tank and also take up room

Inline heaters seem the answer. However, having to heat water as it flows through, it seems to me they would use more power than a standard heater. Has anyone looked into that?
Any other experiences with inline heaters, things to be aware of?

[Mr_docfish]

The Hydor inline heaters are the best bet.... hard part is finding them at a good price..... there are more brands coming out soon.... maybe in time for next winter....

[Krystal]

I cant give much info in terms of 'efficiency' compared to standard glass heaters. I run 3 of them in my house and am very happy with them. One word of advice is to give them a clean every 6 months or so with a pipe cleaner brush (same as you do for canister hoses) This just ensures it works at its optimum.

Keep in mind that the 200w have a 12mm barb on either end and the 300w have a 16mm barb either end.

[Cawdor]

Cool. I think I'll give one a go and check it out. So you don't stock them?

[Krystal]

Thats a negative. We used to but our supplier no longer carries them, I'm sure there will be other alternatives available in the near future.

[Cawdor]

Define "near" please

[Krystal]

Near (nîr)
adv. near·er, near·est
1. To, at, or within a short distance or interval in space or time.
2. Just about
3. Almost
4. With or in a close relationship.

Apart from this I cannot say, I will let you know as soon as I do

[Cawdor]

Thanks

[Krystal]

Haha...Your welcome

[Barramundi]

I've used waterbed heater under my tank with alot of success. I had the heater sitting on the timber base & then foam over the top then the tank. Orientate the lead so it is right on the edge. Electrical costs weren't much different however, so no saving there.

[woodsy]

Age of aquariums have them, i baught one and it works great, only took about 3-4 days to arrive

woodsy

[Cawdor]

Thanks for the replies.
I ordered one from AoA yesterday to try out and I'll wait to see what Aquotix can get in the near future
Waterbed ones are interesting - but I couldn't install one myself under my 6x2x2 and would dread the hassle of replacement when it needs it.....

[BiGz]

I've just received my two 300watt inline heaters. Problem is I don't think they are going to fit my fx5. If they don't suit me than if you want you can buy mine for what I payed? Never mind just reread your above comment

[Ronny]

If the barbs don't fit your hoses, grab some adaptors from bunnings, they got em in the hose section

[Cawdor]

Yep, my backup was what Ronnie said. Plenty of adapters to choose from, a few cm of hose and some clamps.
I may still be interested in yours if you haven't used them or sold them by next week.

[BiGz]

Well I don't want to bottle neck the flow. I'll let you know as soon as my fx5 arrives hopefully next week.

[morg]

Does anyone have an idea on how efficient these things are ?
Would you still need a couple of 300 watters for a 6x2x2, or could you get away with just the one ?
Thanks.

[Cawdor]

I don't know yet how the inline one will perform, but the standard 300W glass one I have in my 6x2x2 does the job fine by itself...

[Ronny]

Hey Morg, have a look at this, in particular post #7...

http://www.perthcich...showtopic=24760

I think it would also apply to inline heaters

[BiGz]

I spent ages at bunnings today trying to find adapters to suit but no luck. I was thinking about having a T piece and running both the inline heaters simultaneously and not restricting the flow as badly.