Rena Smartheater

[backtotropical]

I was considering buying one. All the reviews i have read have been good.

Anyway, i asked in the LFS and the guy said they are rubbish. He also said that they are really big and bulky, but i've never actually seen one, so i don't know, i've only seen pictures. I tend to take his advice with a pinch of salt, but thought i'd ask opinions on here to be sure.

Any comments welcome.

Cheers

BTT

 

[BigC]

I've never seen one in the flesh myself yet but I have a magazine (Marine World) which is carrying a pretty substantial review in this months edition.
They claimed to have completly revolutionised the aquarium heater market. No glass tube, extra long lead 2mtr. 2 year guarantee and they say you can drive a truck over it.
The mags staff have been trialing the heaters and they have had them running for 2 months now with no problems.
Pricewise they are pretty reasonable.
No word on dimensions though.
Regards
BigC
http/www.petsmart.com/product/zoom/index...oductId=2752392

 

[fishstick]

I have a SmartHeater by Rena. So far so good although I have only had it for 2 weeks. I got it because it does away with having a separate heater and exit hose for the external filter. It is like a large heater in size but you don't notice the dull black of it as you do a glass reflective heater. The only problem was that I could not make the hose of the 305 Fluval connect with the Rena without a (not supplied) Rena connecting piece, although Rena said that it had been extensively tested and should fit most normal external filters without the extra part. Once I had that it was easy to fit. HTH.

 

[vonjankmon]

I'm using two right now with Rena XP canisters and I love them. IMO if you have a Rena filter, whether HOB or canister there is almost no reason to not have one of these. They're a little bit thicker than a normal heater but a bit shorter, the real benefits are in that they really are tough (I dropped mine twice...don't ask...) and they're a space/eye sore saver as they act as the input tube for the Rena filters.

I've also been pleased with how precise they are on maintaining the temperature you set on them, I've had problems in the past with cheap heaters keeping the right temperature, the Rena's keep it spot on.

 

[pastabake]

Anyone know if I could attach one of these to the output from my powerhead. What kind of connector do they have, dia etc.

Thanks

 

[stardust2me]

I have the filter and the smartheater. I love it and have no complaints about it. I have had mine for about 4 months.

 

[eelpout]

I'm using two right now with Rena XP canisters and I love them. IMO if you have a Rena filter, whether HOB or canister there is almost no reason to not have one of these. They're a little bit thicker than a normal heater but a bit shorter, the real benefits are in that they really are tough (I dropped mine twice...don't ask...) and they're a space/eye sore saver as they act as the input tube for the Rena filters.

I've also been pleased with how precise they are on maintaining the temperature you set on them, I've had problems in the past with cheap heaters keeping the right temperature, the Rena's keep it spot on.

Yes!. I'm so glad I found someone using a SmartHeater with their XP.

I just received a SmartHeater myself, but it doesn't fully connect with my XP2. If I use my existing intake parts, there is about a 1/4" gap when inserting the the down tube. It appears I need some sort of slim connector that isn't packed with the heater. The instruction manual shows an accessory part, #ADC830600, which looks to be tapered and is what I need. Is that what you used for your XP's? I can't seem to find anyone in the States that carries this and am waiting to hear back from the local Rena distributor.

 

[Scotty001]

I was considering buying one. All the reviews i have read have been good.

Anyway, i asked in the LFS and the guy said they are rubbish. He also said that they are really big and bulky, but i've never actually seen one, so i don't know, i've only seen pictures. I tend to take his advice with a pinch of salt, but thought i'd ask opinions on here to be sure.

Any comments welcome.

Cheers

BTT

Found this if its any help

Specifications:
Dimentions
2" X 1" X 8" with 6' cord 50W & 100W
2" X 1" X 9.5" with 6' cord 150W
2" X 1" X 11.5" with 6' cord 200W
2" X 1" X 13.75" with 6' cord 300W

Temperature range of 69-93 degrees F
Freshwater and saltwater aquariums
UL listed
2 year manufacturer's warranty against defects in materials & workmanship

Alternatly you could look at the ETH 200 In-Line Heater 200W f/12mm-1/2"Hose, but needs a canister heater and connects to the outet hose so doesntgo into the tank itself.

this american webside which wil have some details you may want to read HERE im in the uk and you can get these int he uk too i just came across the US site 1st

 

[pastabake]

After reading this I went out and bought one to replace the dodgy Hagen heater I had that looked broken inside.

Its great, it sticks out a little more than a traditional round one, but its black and made of plastic - so it looks a hell of alot better.

Can't exactly say how it rates with other heaters as my other ones (2xJewel and an undertank vivarium mat heater) also do a good job.