Review on Mini Fluval Marina Submersible Aquarium Heater: Effective Heating Solution for Fish Tanks by Tracy Robinson

I was looking for a compact aquarium heater that would insert into the filter outlet of my Fluval Spec V (5 gallon) tank without being visible in the main body of the Tanks, but my choices were similar to the $22-$25 black plastic non-adjustable Fluval/Marina body, the $20 Hydor heater with no guard on the radiator, or the $28 EHEIM. If money wasn't an issue I would have gone with EHEIM for their great reviews and reputation, but I didn't want to spend that much so I chose this Fluval Marina heater. I've only had it in my tank for about 10 days, but so far I like it. PROS: - Price - very reasonable, half the price of better/more expensive heaters, fourteen dollars - Compact size - fits easily. Filter compartment of my Fluval tank - Adjustable temp for the price of a fixed temp unit - Plastic bumper at the bottom of the glass barrel protects the heater from bumps - Heats a 5 gallon tank to 76*F, 78 could do if I twist the temp knob all the way To the right. CONS: - Unknown reliability. So far so good, but a few weeks is too short to talk. I'll be back in a year or so (hopefully not sooner with bad news) and update the information. The heater is just enough to heat my 5 gallon tank to the lower temperature limit of typical tropical fish. I wouldn't consider using it in a tank over 6 gallons, but again it's only intended for tanks up to 5.5 gallons. CONCLUSION: For now, this heater seems to be exactly what I wanted. It fits my Fluval Spec V perfectly and serves its purpose. I don't really have any criticisms so I'll give 5/5 stars until my experience changes (I hope they don't).