Hydor ETH In-Line heaters

Ekrindul

Guru Class Expert
Jul 9, 2010
114
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16
Euless, TX
Anyone have any experience with the Hydor in-line heater?

I'm interested in getting one for my 55 gallon tank, but would like to hear from others about their quality/reliability. Also, I'm not exactly sure which size I will need. They come in 1/2" and 5/8" sizes. I am using Eheim filters, so my tubing is 12/16mm ID/OD, so I assume I would have to go with the 1/2" size, which unfortunately means I cannot use the 300 watt model. I think the 200 watt model would be fine though.
 

dutchy

Plant Guru Team
Lifetime Member
Jul 6, 2009
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Hi,

I have two on my 180 gallon tank. Very accurate and no defects until now. No restriction on flow. The 200 Watt model is more than enough for your 55 gallon.

regards,
dutchy
 

Ekrindul

Guru Class Expert
Jul 9, 2010
114
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16
Euless, TX
Thanks, Dutchy. Are the different sizes they sale based on the inner diameter of the tubing? I'm assuming it is, but want to be sure since I'll have to order online. No one locally is selling them.
 

dutchy

Plant Guru Team
Lifetime Member
Jul 6, 2009
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Yes, It's based on the inner diameter of the filter tubing. So their heater with 1/2 inch connectors is perfect for your 12 mm inner diameter tubing.

regards,
dutchy
 

hbosman

Guru Class Expert
Oct 22, 2008
277
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18
Leesburg VA USA
I have a Hydor ETH 300 Watt on a 46 gallon Bowfront and its been the most accurate and consistent heater I've ever had. I got the 300 watt because my basement gets cold in the winter time.
 

Oreo

Guru Class Expert
May 6, 2010
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16
I have a 300w on a 110gal. It's been flawless.

Keep in mind that there is a glass tube under the plastic housing, so don't drop it or get too rough with it.

Also, I'd recommend going with the 300w with 5/8" connections for no other reason then allowing room to grow, should you ever have a need for more flow. I was able to get about 7gpm max out of mine. Not sure what the 1/2" is capable of.
 

Ekrindul

Guru Class Expert
Jul 9, 2010
114
0
16
Euless, TX
I installed the 200 watt 1/2" Wednesday. I set it to 77 and it's been stable at 77 ever since. So nice not having to look at submersible heaters for a change.

Oreo, good advice. I probably won't have any upgrades in tank size for a while, though. I just upgraded to a 55 and a 20 gallon long set of tanks from a pair of bowfronts. About as much as I can fit into my apartment, unless I start tossing out furniture. Fortunately, they are very affordable heaters. I am really impressed that I'm getting consistent temperature across the entire 48" length of the tank, as I have it attached to the left side canister. Using a submersible, I always had at least 1 degree variance from side to side.

Dutchy, you were absolutely correct on the size. 1/2" worked perfectly with the eheim hose.