heater failure

[angyles]

I'm looking for some advice on aquarium heaters. I have several, from different tanks, that are all several years old now. About 2 years ago I got a very nice submersive heater that I put in my 55G. Shortly after, one of my small heaters apparently shorted out somehow and boiled my ADF and Betta in a 2.5G tank.

I'm now wondering, is this common? Was it the age of the heater? Should all heaters be replaced every couple years to prevent this, or is it determined by the brand of the heater? I would be devestated if I came home and found my 55G boiled! So do I replace the expensive submersive heater now, at about 2 year old, or trust that it's better quality? any toguhts?

[Squawkbert]

If they're a good, reputable brand of heater, you're probably OK.
If you are not certain, get Visitherm Stealth or Hydor inline (if you have a canister filter) heaters. Finnex also makes some well regarded heaters.

It's also a bit safer to get a pair, each at half your total tank wattage requirement so that if one goes South, it can't (as easily) kill your stock.

So, for a 55g, you're looking at a pair of 150W heaters.

[jaygnar]

I have tried various brands over the last ten or so years and Ebo Jaeger are the brand that I turn to for reliable heat. I also recommend the previously mentioned idea about using two heaters of 1/2 the necessary wattage each. "Just in case"

[Mgamer20o0]

i would go for Stealth but ebo are good too.

[angyles]

thanks so much for the feedback. It never occured to me that by getting two heaters at half the wattage, it would lessen the chance of destruction! great idea