Hi Josh, I got an aqua medic controller and a 500 watt heater this summer and its been in operation for a couple of months but can't predict how long it will last. It was kind of spendy abut 85 bucks for both pieces from Champion Lighting. So far I'm happy with it. Give me a call if you have any questions. I'm sorry I can't make it to your meeting saturday, we are taking our last bigger run on the motorcyle this weekend. We'll be in the U.P. hope we don't get too wet.