[teatimecrumpet]

Hi,

My dad's submersible heater exploded (which in turn shattered a side of the tank) about a month ago from a faulty heater.

I've got one set up now and was wondering if a surge protector would turn off power if a heater malfunctioned.

I've got a portable GFCI for another tank but don't want to drop more money on another one.

Thoughts?

Thanks!

 

[BenderBendingRodriguez]

I don't think a surge protector would help in the case of a malfunctioning heater.

My two cents.

 

[creekbottom]

I think what you want is a temperature controller. If a heater explodes isn't it usually because it has forgotten to shut off? So it keeps heating until it gets uber hot and BOOM! A temp controller cuts the power to the heater when the water reaches whatever temp you've set it at.

Doesn't really tell you that your heater is pooched, but might avoid the explosion.

 

[talontsiawd]

I can tell you right now that a surge protector will likely not do anything. I have never had a heater blow up but I have had many that stuck on, which a GFIC did not help either. A temp controller would be a better idea, though I would put in a GFIC outlet just because.

 

[accordztech]

why not just get a heater that wont have a possibility of exploding? Doesnt the titanium heaters NOT explode?

I use a inline heater that is just enough to heat up the tank. If it goes haywire then id likley catch it before it gets to some insane temperature.