Replacing heaters

[Reeferparty]

How often do you guys replace heaters? Wanting to be proactive in avoiding heater failure..


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[Vinny Kreyling]

Proactive is putting the heater on a controller like Ranco.
Have a spare for backup just in case.
Some last years some don't.

 

[PhreeBYrd]

I've been using a couple of Jalli titanium heaters on Reefkeeper 2 controllers for more than 10 years. Might actually be closer to 15 years than 10. No sense in replacing something that works. I do keep a spare on hand, just in case, and check the tank temperatures almost every time I walk by.

 

[ca1ore]

Heaters seem to be among the most likely cause of tank crashes. Some simple things can be done to significantly reduce risk. First, use multiple units to get to your required wattage rather than a single stick. For example, I need 900 watts for my system in the Winter, so I run four 300 watt eheim-jäger. Second, use a controller to control the heater and the internal thermostat as high-level redundant control. Third, have a new heater on hand just in case. I don't replace heaters until they fail.

 

[sleepydoc]

+! to the above comments. There are 3 basic ways for a heater to fail:

1. The thermostat fails in the 'on' position. This is the most common issue. most heaters use relatively cheap bi-metal thermostats with a metal strip that flexes depending on the temp. When it flexes, it closes a contact and turns on the heater. A common mode of failure is for the metal pieces of the thermostat to fuse together, turning the heater permanently on. This is what usually causes a tank crash.
2. The heating element itself can burn out (or the thermostat fails in the 'off' position) This will leave you with a cold tank, but usually not a dead tank.
3. The heater can crack or explode. If you have a GFCI outlet, this will generally cause it to trip but can obviously be a safety issue. Several years ago, Cobalt had an issue with its Neotherm heaters leaking goo that was toxic to the tank. (I think they've fixed this.)

The best way to avoid #1 is to use an external controller. As a stand alone controller, many people have been happy with Ranco controllers. An aquarium controller like Apex or Profilux will also server the same function. If you do this, I usually recommend setting the heater thermostat a degree or two higher than than controller thermostat. This way if the controller should ever malfunction you have the heater thermostat as a backup. A controller can also send you an alert if the temp of the tank is out of range, either hot or cold, giving you an early warning of the problem.

Having multiple heaters is also a good idea. If one fails 'on' then it's less likely to cause catastrophic overheating, and if it fails off then the other heaters will likely be able to keep the tank warm enough to keep the inhabitants alive.

 

[jda]

All of the above is good.

I would warn folks not to trust a hobby grade probe alone. If you must use a hobby grade controller like Apex or RK, make sure that your heaters have internal thermostats as well.

A Ranco is an indispensable piece of equipment, IMO. It is commercial grade and have never reported to fail "on." They are a much better solution to a hobby grade controller IMO.

If you must run a non-thermostat titanium or other heater, I would strongly caution you to use a Ranco or find an old Medusa.

 

[ComforablyNumb]

I replace mine every 3 years regardless. I use an Inkbird for backup.

 

[Alfrareef]

I always have 2 heaters. Don't track time between replacement but from last 20 years I suppose a heater in my tanks lasts 3-4 years.