Won Brothers Pro Heater Malfunction?

[JakeLevenson]

So, I've had two Won Titanium Pro IC Heaters for about 8 months. Both have them have malfunctioned resulting in the heater staying constantly on and cooking the tank. I really like the whole titanium heater idea, but everyone I've owned so far has malfunctioned. Anyone have any advice?

Thanks

 

[JayM]

great....I just bought two of them yesterday

 

[marco67]

Every one that I've ever used or sold eventually has failed. The thermostat / controller they use is junk, but the heat tube seems to last (I have some going on 5 years) Best thing to do IMO is ditch the T-stat and add a quality heat control like the Ranco.

FWIW I spoke with them at MACNA about this and was told there is nothing wrong with their heaters, "they have never seen one fail that wasn't the users fault" Ummmmmm dude ....do a search on any board and adjust your customer service /attitude accordingly.

 

[Liam]

i cut off all my controllers too,mine stuck on. I am using the heating elements just as marc is describing.

 

[Mike A]

Which controllers are we talking about - the digital display ones or the red dial ?

 

[littlep93056]

Which controllers are we talking about - the digital display ones or the red dial ?

There both junk , I'm sick of buying heaters This time I ordered 2 - 500 watt tube only Finnex Which will run on my Ranco or AC Jr (which I just got today)

 

[Liam]

Which controllers are we talking about - the digital display ones or the red dial ?

i had the red dials Mike.
I think that was the same heater Armando had the problem with too

 

[mloebl]

There both junk , I'm sick of buying heaters This time I ordered 2 - 500 watt tube only Finnex Which will run on my Ranco or AC Jr (which I just got today)

Ditto here too running off the Ranco. Nothing like seeing the power spike by 1kw when they run

-Mike

 

[Mike A]

I only use the red dials to heat water for water changes, that said - I've never had a problem with the Won and they are over a few years old. They're only used once a month for a few days and then put away, which is most likely why they've lasted.

On my system, I use an aquanetics 1000 watt fireplug heater. It's got a built in temp. controller. Knock on wood, it's been really solid since I've put it online.

I agree that 95% of all heaters made for aquarium use are junk and are prone to eventual failure. Always keep a backup !!

 

[ScottM]

There both junk , I'm sick of buying heaters This time I ordered 2 - 500 watt tube only Finnex Which will run on my Ranco or AC Jr (which I just got today)

FYI,
Finnex has serious issues with Heaters larger than the 300w model failing. Causing electrical shock, overheating etc...
(500, 800's)

They do come in a nice red box but thats about it....

 

[marco67]

I've had a good track record with the Jali, we use the 300, 500 and 800
I've sold/ installed ~75-100 and do not know of one that failed in the water (I can promise you they don't last long out of water though )
Oh and they come in a pretty red box too.

 

[Andy O]

FYI,
Finnex has serious issues with Heaters larger than the 300w model failing. Causing electrical shock, overheating etc...
(500, 800's)

They do come in a nice red box but thats about it....

How does the tube itselft overheat without the controllign element? Isn't it reliant on the controller being on for this to happen and I believe that the 300, 500, and 800 all use the same controller.

 

[ScottM]

How does the tube itselft overheat without the controllign element? Isn't it reliant on the controller being on for this to happen and I believe that the 300, 500, and 800 all use the same controller.

The wiring inside the tube shorts out. not uncommon for the tube to even turn black. I had 6 go bad.

 

[Nemo555]

I bought one and used it for like 4 months before it cooked my tank. However, my friend has one for the last two years and it still work great. Sometime you just get bad luck i guess. I found Stealth heater is pretty reliable so far.

 

[Andy O]

I have been using two of finnex 300w tubes with 2 finnex controllers for about 1 1/2 years now and they have worked great. Only problem was one controller stopped working so I sent it back and they replaced it.

 

[Gina McReeferson]

I have four of the digital ones, all three placed into the reef failed, they started reading my temp and 180+ degrees. I guess I am very lucky they failed this way rather than thinking the temp was low. I still have one on a freshwater tank that has been going strong 2-3 years now, IME they just can't handle the salt.

-Dave

 

[Liam]

I have been using two of finnex 300w tubes with 2 finnex controllers for about 1 1/2 years now and they have worked great. Only problem was one controller stopped working so I sent it back and they replaced it.

i had a problem with a finnex controller too