Accuracy counts.
Written: Jul 20 '01
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Fully submersible, stronger glass, reasonably priced, holds constant temp
Cons: Temperature is poorly calibrated
The Bottom Line: Precise but inaccurate. Calibrate the unit by heating a bucket of water and measuring the temperature with an accurate thermometer before using it to heat your tank.
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| alexmd's Full Review: EboJager Automatic Aquarium Heater |
Introduction:
After reading the three positive reviews describing the precision of the Ebo-Jager aquarium heater, I went out and bought one, anxious to try it out.
Ease of Use:
Setting the temperature of the Ebo-Jager heater requires simply turning the dial at the top to the desired temperature set point. The unit attaches to the aquarium with dual suction cups. When mounting the Ebo-Jager heater, remember to fully immerse the unit for best results.
Accuracy and Precision:
Since I am skeptical by nature, I set up the heater in a bucket of water, and let it operate for 24 hours. The Ebo-Jager is indeed precise. Fluctuations in water temperature were within 2 degrees Fahrenheit over the 24 hour period. However, the temperature set point was not accurate. The temperature was consistently 5 degrees above the labeled set point. Thus, while precise, the heater was inaccurate.
The unit was returned and exchanged for another unit, with the same problems.
Is this item healthy for fish?
Clearly, narrowly controlled temperature is thought to be ideal for fish (however, anyone who has actually been to a reef can attest to the fact that water temperatures are constantly changing). The Ebo-Jager regulates temperature within a narrow range. Purchasers are cautioned to ensure that this or any heater is accurately calibrated using the technique I described above.
Comparisons with other Heaters:
The Ebo-Jager is more precise than other heaters I have used. The regulation of temperature via a calibrated dial is more convenient, although the calibration is inaccurate.
Which size to purchase:
There are a number of websites that can assist purchasers in determining the power/size of heater required. Most of these can be found by searching for keywords "aquarium" and "calculator". Once the required wattage has been calculated most experts suggest buying TWO heaters each designed to provide half the required wattage. For example, if your aquarium requires a total of 300 to 400 watts of heating power, purchase two 200-Watt heaters. Doing so will avoid the two most dangerous heater-related problems: (1) fusing in the ON position -- thereby cooking your fish, and (2) fusing in the OFF position -- thereby freezing your fish. With two heaters, if one goes berserk in either way, the other can compensate in the opposite direction.
If I solve the reason that this unit appears to be inaccurately calibrated I will publish an update on my aquarium page at www.krob.com/aquarium
Recommended:
No
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Epinions.com ID:
alexmd
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Member: Alexander
Location: North Carolina, USA
Reviews written: 17
Trusted by: 3 members
About Me:
Medical Professional in NC, USA.
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