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What's the difference? The submersiables are 2x as much money as the hanging ones.

The difference is exactly what they say. One is totally submersible, which allows to better conceal it behind plants, decorations, etc. The hob type tend to be a little less expensive and more e to failure if any water is spilled on the top of them or for some reason gets accidently dunked.

If you can afford them, I personally think the submersible are the best way to go.

Jim

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

They are more expensive because they are totally designed to keep water out. The HOB are not, so their design is more basic.

The reasons the submersible heaters are better? There are several. Not only the obvious as already stated, for hiding and such, but for many other reasons.

One important reason, if placed correctly, then no need to turn off the heater while doing water changes. Thus, no reason for a scare if you forget to turn off the heater. A HOB heater is highly e to crack if left on during water changes, especially if the temp is kept very much higher than the outside air temp. With the submersibles, they are placed so that they are always under the water, even during a water change.

Another reason is they heat the tank better, or more evenly than the HOB. The thing is, you place them at either a horizontal angle, or at least at a 45 degree angle. Heat rises. So the HOB heaters will turn on and off more often, because the heated water rises up to the thermometer switch in the top of it, and thus shuts off as if the water has been heated. But it has not. So then it turns back on, and so on. With the submersibles, if placed at the correct angle, the freshly heated water will rise past the thermometer switch, and thus the water will keep heating until the entire tank is heated to the correct level.

Another reason is, because you can place them anywhere in the tank, then you can place them in the flow of the current. Thus getting a better heating quality through out the tank. Where as the HOB heaters are limited placement.

One trick I have used them, is to place them in the gravel with a reverse flow UGF. It worked great, and was totally hidden, as I ran the cord down behind the HOB filter intake tube.

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There is always a bigger fish...

Also, most fully submersible heaters are damn near bulletproof, so they can handle those big ugly cichlids that like to hit things, especially heaters.

I feel the heater is the single most important piece of equipment in the aquarium, and money buys quality.

The first heater I ever bought was a HOB store brand one from one of the large chain petstores for my 10 gallon tank.

The last heater I (have so far) bought was a submersable jager for my 30 gallon.

The HOB I've never had a problem with, yes it's somewhat obvious but the plants have grown up blocking it. The submersible I've always had trouble with being about 5 degrees off.
Not that I really suggest it but I've also never had a problem with water line issues neither when doing water changes or through evaporation.

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