The Ng Thing
Non-member
Same here .. I replaced the ones I had with Fluval M only to find out they aren't much better ...
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******* To read about the changes to the marketplace click here
***Warning and recall of Stealth Heaters***
- Thread starter stingythingy45
- Start date
Same here .. I replaced the ones I had with Fluval M only to find out they aren't much better ...
I just got a note from Marineland. The story seems to be a tad inconsistent across the board as to how/when you can get a refund vs a replacement. I will likely replace my two NEW unused 300 watt heaters (which I have receipts for) for a cash refund. My 150w heater which is 1 year+ old, which I am sure I don't have a receipt for.. I'll try to return to Petsmart for a credit/refund/exchange.
But.. this is the email I got.
"The Stealth style heaters are currently under quality review and we have placed a stop sale on them. We have two options to offer you. We can either replace your heater with a new Visi-therm Deluxe, glass style heater of equal quality and wattage, or we can refund your money for the heater. In either case, we would like to send a call tag to pick up the heater, at no charge to you. If you prefer to receive a refund, please provide us either with a receipt for your heater or a printout from your store or online retailer regarding what it would cost you to replace the heater, and we will refund the cost. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause you. If you have any questions, please let me know or call 1-800-338-4896."
But.. this is the email I got.
"The Stealth style heaters are currently under quality review and we have placed a stop sale on them. We have two options to offer you. We can either replace your heater with a new Visi-therm Deluxe, glass style heater of equal quality and wattage, or we can refund your money for the heater. In either case, we would like to send a call tag to pick up the heater, at no charge to you. If you prefer to receive a refund, please provide us either with a receipt for your heater or a printout from your store or online retailer regarding what it would cost you to replace the heater, and we will refund the cost. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause you. If you have any questions, please let me know or call 1-800-338-4896."
N
number1gsxxr
Guest
I just got back from returning my 200W Stealth Pro to PetSmart. Since they didn't have any heaters above 200W they gave me a cash refund. I had absolutely no issues with PetSmart and and I bet they would give you a cash refund either way. In fact I'm pretty sure I got the heater at Petco and I didn't have a receipt or packaging. If you read the first post in this thread, the email states that they will give you a refund or exchange. For anyone that isn't satisfied with a replacement I urge you to kindly press them for a refund and I bet you will get it.
Now to take the $40 I got and purchase a Eheim Jager.
Now to take the $40 I got and purchase a Eheim Jager.
lilrodyreefer
Non-member
i called something fishy in east providence and the replaced mine with a hydroa heater. it seems to be working fine.
aiaman
Non-member
I was working on another project and just realized I owned a stealth heater.
What is a good replacement and how do I know how to determine wattage for my tank size?
It is probably time to replace (2 yrs)
I heard that 2 are better than one but I don't use a sump so 2 heaters in a 36gal may be a real estate problem.
any suggestions on how to determine heater size and recommendations on manufacturer.
What is a good replacement and how do I know how to determine wattage for my tank size?
It is probably time to replace (2 yrs)
I heard that 2 are better than one but I don't use a sump so 2 heaters in a 36gal may be a real estate problem.
any suggestions on how to determine heater size and recommendations on manufacturer.
OP
OP
"any suggestions on how to determine heater size"
Generally,3 watts per gallon would get you close to the correct size.
Generally,3 watts per gallon would get you close to the correct size.
A 100 watt might be ok, but I tend to upsize by one notch. I'd say a 150watt should be plenty. 3-5 watts per gallon and you are good.
Awesome!! I just bought 4 more 300 watt ones from Drs foster and smith and they are still selling them. I also just had a $200 JBJ true temp heater go after 2 months in use. The titanium element stopped working. I used to swear by Ebo Jagers until I had 10 of them go on me in a few weeks time. There isnt a reliable heater out there anymore. I have a 30 year old Supreme heatmaster on freshwater tank that still works flawlessly. How freaking hard is it to make a heater work reliably these days?
N
number1gsxxr
Guest
I like to use this calculator since it factors in the difference between room temperature and desired tank temperature. Since the room that my tank is in is usually colder than the rest of the house I usually go with a bit more watts.
http://www.kernsanalysis.com/HeaterCalculator.cgi
http://www.kernsanalysis.com/HeaterCalculator.cgi
I think the common theme with the krapification of so many products these days: tight budget manufacturing and dubious raw material suppliers. Far too many companies build products for limited life (intentionally), rather than producing a solid long lasting product. The term is Engineered Obsolescence. We live in a throw away world. I am guilty of falling for it myself. I don't know the last time I actually brought an appliance to a local repair shop (radios, Tv's, microwaves, etc) and the like. These days we just replace it. Junk for junk. Sure it's cheap, but over a few years you end up paying more.
I'll pay $50, or even $75 for a proven quality LONG lasting heater. I was looking at the Fluval E, though I don't really need all the built in electronic gadgetry. Hard to say if it is built better, or just costs more due to the electronics. What caught my eye was that their US 'repair' facility is in my state (MA). Less than a 1 hour drive from my house. I have been eying the Ebo Jagers, but the potential for local repairs/replacement of the Fluval is extremely attractive. I still have not decided.
I'll pay $50, or even $75 for a proven quality LONG lasting heater. I was looking at the Fluval E, though I don't really need all the built in electronic gadgetry. Hard to say if it is built better, or just costs more due to the electronics. What caught my eye was that their US 'repair' facility is in my state (MA). Less than a 1 hour drive from my house. I have been eying the Ebo Jagers, but the potential for local repairs/replacement of the Fluval is extremely attractive. I still have not decided.
Bobbofin
Non-member
Petsmart took back my Stealth Pro 250 and I replaced it with a Fluval 200. Not too happy with the Fluval, continuously cycles on & off even though I have plenty of flow going through the sump. Takes forever (like 2 hours) to heat .5° on the Aqua Jr. controller display. 200 watts should be enough for 60 gallons of water volume. Gonna return it and get a Aqueon heater with a three year warranty.
Just ordered replacement heaters. I decided to foot the bill for Fluval E's. 2x 300 watters for the new big tank, and 1x 200 watt heater for use in my current tank. Once everything is shuffled around the 200 watt will probably be used in the quarantine and/or a backup heater.
Marineland is giving me a cash credit for all three of my Stealth Pro heaters. The two new ones (300w), and my 1 year old 150watt that I don't have a receipt for.
Marineland is giving me a cash credit for all three of my Stealth Pro heaters. The two new ones (300w), and my 1 year old 150watt that I don't have a receipt for.
.Not happy to see so many others with heater issues, but glad I am not the only one! I have spoken with Marineland so many times over the years about different issues, especially since the stealth heaters came out. I have had everything from the heaters internally exploding to the cord completely frying off the heater unit! shocking! I am so glad I didn't try any of their newest heaters you guys are talking about, but still the quest goes on. I agree, I would be more than willing to pay more for something so important that needs to be reliable!
Bruno
I NEVER LEFT
All you need is a controller and you don't have to worrry about anything
http://reefbuilders.com/2011/02/23/aquarium-heaters-fail/
http://reefbuilders.com/2011/02/23/aquarium-heaters-fail/
The Ng Thing
Non-member
Petco jumped in on this. They took back the Stealth pro Petsmart wouldn't.
Royalty
Reefer In Training
I just went to petco near my area and they gave me a Aqueon 300 watt heater instead cause they didn't have the marinland brand heaters I'm very happy I seen this post on the forum saves me from buying a new heater.
7IHd
Wrasse Enthusiast
I did just this. My Jager works so much better than the Stealth and keeps the temp much more constant. Very pleased with it so far after a week or two of use.
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