Fluval M Heater

[Kmuda]

The site review for the Fluval M Heater can be found here:

http://www.oscarfish.com/accessories/fl ... eater.html

Please reply to this thread with your own review for this product.

I cannot recommend this heater for anything but a community tank containing small fish.

[~RuSh~]

So far, my Fluval M heaters are working just fine. Since I lost several fish to a heater malfunction earlier this summer, I've been keeping a close eye on the temperature on all of my tanks. The Fluvals keep my water temp at 78 degrees F. I do like the look of them better than some heaters as the coating hides the coil and unsightly parts. I have not voted on them yet though. I know that like the Stealths I had, they might malfunction at any time. I've just got to watch them.

[ChowChow]

Got two of these heaters to replace my two Marineland Stealth heaters, because of the recall. But had to take them back, because they are not fully submersible. To use this heater in my 75 gallon. I would have to lower the water level. Which would show the water line when viewing the tank.

[Kmuda]

Just one point... I don't consider any heater as "fully submersible". Let me explain......

I have heaters that ran for over 20 years that I recently replaced. I replaced them because I wanted to, not because I needed to. They were still working.

I don't have heater failures (knock on wood). In over 20 years of fish keeping, I've on.ly had one heater fail and that happens to be the only heater that I fully submersed. It's twin, placed in the same tank on the same day, purchased at the same time, is still running. The one running is not fully submersed.

Why such luck? First off I try and purchase quality heaters (something that is becoming harder to do in this age of Chinese crap). But on top of that, as a rule, I don't fully submerge my heaters..... even those advertised as "fully submersible". I leave the top portion of the heater, at least the temp dial, out of the water. But keeping the "heater" part submerged while keeping the electonic contol part dry drastically decreases the chances of a heater malfunction.

If it is absolutely necessary that you fully submerge your heater, then you need a seperate heater and control unit, allowing you to place the heater component into the tank while the electonic controls remain outside the tank.

[Tom]

First off I try and purchase quality heaters (something that is becoming harder to do in this age of Chinese crap). But on top of that, as a rule, I don't fully submerge my heaters..... even those advertised as "fully submersible". I leave the top portion of the heater, at least the temp dial, out of the water. But keeping the "heater" part submerged while keeping the electonic contol part dry drastically decreases the chances of a heater malfunction.

+1

Did exactly that with my Stealth heaters and the ones I replaced them with.

[1wickedchild]

I bought this heater also but I am not sure if it is that good compared to other heater. I have tried it in 3 different tanks and it seems that the water is never the temp it says. I do not want to say that it is crap because their is always a chance I just got the bad one that is usually my luck but I don't what to try my luck again either. This is what I can say about it.

Pro's
Looks great
Built strong

Con's
Not for big fish like Kmuda said.
Very loud when being banged around

I have it in my 75 gal tank with the turtle and oscar and it is always being slammed up get the glass. I wished they had added rubber donuts at the top and bottom so when slammed it would cut down on the sound. I could always do something like that myself but I plan on replacing it someday.