Glass vs. Titanium heaters

[Mistago]

Hi,

I'm kind of clueless when it comes to heaters. I've always used glass heaters (I currently have 2 Hagen Tronic heaters) and they keep my water temperature pretty stable - quite reliable.

That, however, is not the problem. I really want to get the safest alternative for my animals (prevention is always best) and I just want to know what are some of the safest and most reliable heaters on the market (brand, materials, etc).

Are titanium heaters safer than glass heaters? If so, what brands should I be looking for?

Also, are there things I should look for in terms of maintenance?

Thank you Aquatic Gurus!

[Dave66]

Titanium heaters are primarily used in aquaculture but the upshot is, titanium heaters are safer for heating water than glass heaters are, since glass can easily burst over time, electrocuting the life within them.

Down side is titanium heaters are basically a hot metal rod which can easily burn fish that come into contact with them. Titanium heaters are best used in a sump rather than the aquarium it is servicing.

I use titanium heaters in the sumps of my aquariums because of the safety compared to traditional glass heaters.

As to brands, don't go cheap. Buy a titanium heater that comes with a digital controller and that states the heater's accuracy.

Dave