Finnex 50-Watt Hang-On Electronic Controller Aquarium Heater, Titanium Tube, 10 to 20-Gallon

It's often hard to find decent equipment for the nano/pico tank, and when my previous Finnex heater with an external controller bit the dust (after years of service), I was glad to find this 50 Watt model available. It has been working perfectly for a nearly a month, now, so I expect to get several years of service out of it. Once you've had a heater with an external controller, why would you ever get one without it? They are just SO much more convenient to use.

My only complaint about this model would be the very short cord (approx. 6") between the controller and the plug that goes into your electrical outlet. This definitely compromises the places you can put the controller within easy access, depending on the location of your tank and your outlets.

Otherwise, a fine, much appreciated product!

Pros:

reliably maintains constant temperature

adjustable external to the tank

Cons:

warranty is reprehensible (see below)

cord is very stiff and thick

suction cups don't really work adequately

temperature control is cheap quality

instructions are sparse, translated English

First of all, it gets 3 stars because it reliably maintains a constant temperature, unlike the ViaAqua.

My main complaint is the 180 day warranty!!!. For the price why doesn't it have a lifetime warranty like the Marineland heaters? Next time I need aquarium stuff, I think I will go to an aquarium store/site.

I do like the convenience of being able to adjust the temperature external to the tank, but it is not worth any down-sides, since a decent heater only needs to be set once.

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This heater will do the job if you have a 10 gal unit. Looks smaller than pictured, but heats very well. My house gets 67 at night an 75 during the day and water stays 78.All I could ask.

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If you have a Fluval Spec V (or another type of nano tank), I would recommend this heater based on my experience so far. (have been using for close to a month)

The 3 best features:

1. small size with enough power to get the job done

2. the controls are on the outside of the tank making it easy to adjust without ever having to move the heater.

3. it is metal instead of glass. therefore, a lot more durable.

The reasons I did not rate 5 stars:

1. when the heating element turns on/off, the controls make a pretty loud click. This can be a little annoying at night if you are trying to sleep next to it. (all aq. heaters do this, but most are quieter because they are underwater)

2. I wish the cord length between the heater and controller was a bit longer so it would be easier to hide the controller.

Bottom line: This heater is tough and keeps the water of my 5.6 gallon tank evenly heated at 77-78 degreed F. I suspect it would have no trouble with a bit larger tank too (the controls allow form more heat than that). It is convenient to use, and very compact.

side note: the instructions say to only position the heater horizontally, but I have had no trouble leaving it vertical in the hidden pump compartment of my Spec V.

UPDATE: 2 months in the tank and still going strong.

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This is a good product. I have a 10 gallon tanks and it was getting pretty chilly in the night. I just plugged the heater in and it works great, it keeps the temperature steady. It has been working for a couple of months now, with no problem at all. I am very satisfied, I definitely recommend this product.