[RyanR]

Just had our first heater failure... I noticed it was on, no reading on the thermometer (stops at 86*F), so I put my hand in the tank, and the water was HOT! Dumped all of our ice cubes and ice packs in there, and it looks like the crisis was averted. Everyone survived. Just tiger barbs in that one (I'd be bummed to lose them, but not "cichlid" bummed), but I almost put our little chocolate cichlid in there just this afternoon. Good grief.

Question is, are there any heaters that fail "safe"? I'd rather have cold vs. "croc pot" temps. I guess either is bad. What about a separate thermal switch that would cut power to the heater?

What do you guys do?

Thanks,
-Ryan

 

[remarkosmoc]

I use this heater and haven't had an issue. The thermostat isn't exposed to heat or moisture so it is less likely to fail.