FYI: Stealth Heaters suck

[jcs11236]

i just picked up a stealth heater a few weeks ago. It looks well made and reliable. But from what i can see now- it sucks! I have my RKL controlling my heater. This morning the temp went below 79 so heater kicked on (red light) The temp in the tank is set to 80.5 which it still has not reached and the dumb heater already shut off(green light) and it hasnt come back on while my RKL is still on for heat!. I have it set at the max which is 86 and nothin! THis heater is inaccurate and unreliable! i just dont get how a heater could be off by 6 degrees?! dont buy!
What heater you suggest i buy everyone

 

[bizarrecorals]

I had the same problem, these heaters are great for freshwater discus or cichlids, difinity don't recommend for marine tanks, you can also contact the manufacture, they probably won't refund your money, but will probably send you another.

 

[TRIGGERMAN]

I had the same problem, these heaters are great for freshwater discus or cichlids, difinity don't recommend for marine tanks, you can also contact the manufacture, they probably won't refund your money, but will probably send you another.

What's the difference? How would it be better in a freshwater tank than a salt? I have one in my cichlid tank no complaints although I do hear that people have issues with them I know Awilda HATES them lol she has made that crystal clear on numerous occasions I heard other people have issues as well I guess I just got lucky. The Eheim jager heaters are good. There is also another one I can't think of what it's called but it's gold and expensive.

 

[beerfish]

Just read this thread a week or two ago. I'm not generally alarmist, but this kind of made me think...

http://www.plantedtank.net/forums/equipment/103155-beware-marineland-stealth-pro-heater.html

 

[TRIGGERMAN]

wow..that SUCKS lol I would go nuts on them I would def be getting a new better tank

 

[jaa1456]

I thought the Stealth has a built in shut off that will not let go past 82 degrees unless you do some weird turning of the control knob on it.

 

[masterswimmer]

Heaters are the worst part of our hobby IMO. They are arguably the #1 piece of equipment to fail. Having it on a controller, whether it's a Ranco or a RKL, Apex, etc is the only way to go.

We've been having good results with the Via Aqua Titanium Heaters.

Russ

 

[125reefer]

ive had the same via aqua heater on my setup for 4 years now.so far never had a problem

 

[wonderballz]

I went with the Via Aqua Titanium on Russ' suggestion, and it's running on my RKL without problems so far!

 

[THEDLO]

jager heaters for me

 

[fallenlordz]

I have the older stealth heater - that has no light identification to tell you when its on.
The temp was all over the place.

Had to get a RKL - now temp stays at a nice stable 79f

 

[MIKE NY]

I've been telling people for years they suck...and told Awilda too..LOL...don't use just one heater..use multiple smaller ones. It's harder with smaller tanks, but it's the only safe way without a controller.