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Anyone have any experience with this item.

http://www.bigalsonline.com/catalog/product.xml?product_id=22117;category_id=2887

I'm setting up a new tank and want to eliminate as much hardware from in the tank as possible, so I was curious if anyone else has one of these in use. Thanks.

Jim

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Water, taken in moderation, cannot hurt anybody. -- Mark Twain

I've never heard much about the Pentair Module. But I have heard a lot of good things about the Hydor In Line heater. Here is a 200 watt version...
http://bigalsonline.com/catalog/product.xml?product_id=32334;category_id=1731;pcid1=3231;pcid2=
I think they make a 300 watt as well.

I've been checking out the inline filter for the last couple of days for much the same reason old timer is (reduction of in tank clutter).
the modular is nice if you hav a modular system or are planning to get one.
but if you already have ..say a canister system then the inline is the way to go...and the do have a 300 watt version.

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/Product/Prod_Display.cfm?pcatid=11369&N=2004+113767
http://www.hydor.it/index_en.htm

Hi,
Gosh, I had no idea that you had either that many tanks,
or that large a tank! Those heater sections are generally
a part of a much larger filtration system that is designed
to filter hundreds and hundreds of gallons of water.

Here is a typical setup:

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/Product/Prod_Display.cfm?pcatid=3627&N=2004+113427

It seems that the plumbing required to run that heater
(PVC tubing, clamps, pump, and heater section) would be
vastly more expensive than simply purchasing one or two
submersible heaters and hiding them in the back behind
some hardscape or plants.

Frank


-->>> The Confidence of Amateurs, is the Envy of Professionals <<<--

Thanks all, that's why I was asking for any input Frank was because I wasn't sure of the setup on this particular unit. I like the idea of using the Hydor model as it is a simple in-line type heater for a canister filter setup.

I even actually located them at a LFS here last night and they were even cheaper (this time) than the on-line stores. Which is highly unusual.

I actually have 2 - 55 gallon, 1 - 38 gallon, 1 - 30 gallon long, 2 - 29 gallon, 1 - 20 gallon long, 1 - 20 gallon hex & numerous other smaller tanks.

This heater is for the 38 gallon tank that I'm currently setting up still.

Jim

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Water, taken in moderation, cannot hurt anybody. -- Mark Twain

I've been looking at those for a while, along with their fluidized bed filter, but never had the large tank to justify it. I just might if i ever get my 180. I think they're a good investment, but not alone. If you use them with other modules, they make more sense in my opinion. I'd have the fluidized bed filter and the heater, at least. Good stuff if you ask me, but i kinda agree with frank. It's an endeavor for a small(er) tank. Hey, if you have the time why not?

i say it depends on what kind of filtration system you plan on running. if you have a sump, you can go with either the hydor or the pentair. the hydor requires a 1/2" or 5/8" return hose from a canister or a sump pump. really, the easiest and cheapest way to go is the hydor. i have 2 of them and love them. been using them for almost 2 years now. very simple, reliable design. the pentair version requires you purchase a standard glass heater, you have to plumb it too. if you dont have a sump or a plumbed system already, it is a lot of extra work. i use the pentair mechanical filter on one of my tanks and really like them. it would be worth it to plug in all the different modules they have and use them together. it is a very slick system. it just requires some extra work and materials to get it going. but sweet once it is up and running. it doesnt seem right to just get the heater module if you arent going to use the other modules at the same time.

If you had a sump you could just use a normal cheap submersible in the sump.