Lost an Aqueon Pro heater..

[FreshyFresh]

When I got home from work (late) on Tuesday, I noticed my oscar and severum where kind of hiding together in the back corner of their tank like they'd been spooked. Very unusual for them. The glass felt cold, but it was like 15F out, snowing and blowing. I felt the water and it was cold to the touch. The water temperature was 67-68F. Uh oh! The heater had a constant green light, but nothing was happening. All I had as spares were a cheap generic marineland 50w and 100w that had both come with kit tanks at one time. I put the 100w in there just to hopefully add some heat.. The 100w took the tank up to about 71-72F over about a day. I had no way to go out and get another heater until late the next day.

Wound up picking up a standard 200w Aqueon (glass) heater from Petco for $39, and this was after 20% off (Ugh..)

Upon further investigation on the Aqueon pro, I had it sitting on the work bench in the basement over night. I plugged it in to troubleshoot and noticed a bead of water forming from what appears to be a seam on the tip. As the water bead contacted my skin, I was feeling a strong electrical tingling from that spot as well.

I had the Aqueon pro in service for two years and never had the dial end under water. I still have the receipt and box from when I mail-ordered it form the Docs. $22.99. Quite the deal at the time. Per the paperwork, they do have a lifetime warranty. I may try to pursue it.

I'm not knocking the product. I know failures happen. I just wanted to share my experience given these heaters are highly regarded.

 

[smitty]

I don't think you will have any difficulty getting it exchange. But I have never had to deal with them over a heater. My friend Tommy 210 gallon tank sprung a serious leak and they replaced it with no problem. I have the Aqueon heaters and have never had a problem. But like I always say no one make a trouble free heater. No One! I have returned several Visi-Therms and they always stepped up.

 

[FreshyFresh]

I just called Central Garden and Pets warranty number. Very nice folks. All I had to do was scan and email them a copy of the receipt! Apparently they'll send me out a replacement heater. Way easier than I thought!

 

[smitty]

Great news. Also good that you posted your experience so others know who to patronize and who not to patronize.

 

[FreshyFresh]

Kudos to Aqueon / Central Garden and Pets! UPS just dropped off a brand new Aqueon Pro 200w heater. This was about 5days after I contacted them about the failed heater. Save those receipts and get a freeby when one fails.

 

[fishorama]

Good for you & good on Aqueon! A nice end to an always iffy heater story. I still keep finding old visitherms, I think they still replace/refund them. I don't expect perfection from heaters but a good warranty is great!