The one item most likely to fail....

Of all the components required to put a tank together, I find the one item failing more frequent than any other would probably be the heater....
I bought 2 heaters yesterday..... Both were rated 300w, (so both expected to do the same job), but the one cost R109 and the other R336 (more than 3 times as much). They were (brand names) "rising sun" and "Eheim Jager" respectively.....
Would the difference in Brand name enhance the quality to the extent that it is justified to buy expensive??....

Personally, I think (w.r.t. heaters) - and considering the consequences if it fails, the quality is determined by the price......Don't even look at brand names... Look at the price when you by this item, and get the most expensive one for your peace of mind.

 

Im actually not sure but i know the jagers are very expensive, i think they have electronic thermostats, the other one will have the usual bi mettalic strip thing that wears out and sticks after a few years

 

Pistol shrimp is correct.

And let me put it another way... You CANNOT go wrong with Jager. Period!

I know some members who have had their Jagers going for over 10 years.

 

I have two heaters in each tank...just in case. I keep them far apart so I can see if they switch on.

I have read that some people change heaters every 24 months.

Talking about items likely to fail, has anybody on this forum heard of 90' brackets that self adhere to the corners of tanks to assist in strengthening the silicone joints. I have had a tank split on me before.