Review on ViaAqua 200-Watt Quartz Glass Submersible Heater: Ultimate Temperature Control for Aquatic Environments by Dana Jones

First off, let me say this heater works GREAT! Well, when it comes to temperature controller/thermostat accuracy, there's a bit of a learning curve here. It's a little lower than what the gauge says, about 3 degrees - that's what they say after you "calibrate" it with a good thermometer (I used two swimmers for comparison until I saw that both lasted a week displayed the same and the same temperature for a long time ) - I took one out. This heater's "sensor" was set at 80, maybe 82 - the water temp was set at 77. Not bad. Just an information tool. I've had this for 4 months now and it works. Great - once you get the hang of the gauge as I think they are all a little different you will know where to set it - I put it this way if I lower it two degrees it will lower water temperature by two degrees and vice versa. It stays in place although the suction cups have to be on longer poles as the top of the heater presses against the rim of the tank and the top suction cup barely touches the glass - a 1/4 inch longer pole from the heater clamp to the cup would be ideal. But as I said, he stays in place, so the mission is barely complete. The temperature adjustment knob turns tight - which ig you feel better than if it were loosened, but you have to grip it to set the temperature. I love the glowing amber light that shows it's on, and the warm red glow you can see through the glass lets you know it's heating up evenly from top to bottom on the wired network. I've had pricier heaters that heat unevenly - And I was skeptical because of the cheap price, but the build quality is really good. So far this is a solid little performer. As for longevity? Just take a look! (I bought a second one for my new 75 gallon tank) - When I first connected it to the 20 gallon tank, the water temperature was room temperature 70 degrees (F) - It took a minute (colloquial) to to get it to 80, but since then it's been stable - maybe 6-8 hours to get there - IDK - I didn't really time it. After figuring out that this is the "Idiosyncrasy” dimension, I figured out where it hits 77 even though the sensor reads 80-81? It's more of a sliding scale anyway, so judge for yourself. As for me, I like it.