Every morning, I take a shower and prepare for the unknown adventures that await me just outside my door. Typically, I perform this hygiene ritual without much thought. However, as I was preparing to hold a small talk with a local group of reefers, my mind wandered to the upcoming topic: reef tank water temperatures.
Throughout my preparation, I outlined specifications and best practices for maintaining proper water temperatures.
While both novice and experienced aquarists understand the importance of precise temperature control, I feel we typically generalize this topic.
Author:
As a lifelong aquarist, Yuliya has an endless curiosity about our underwater universe. After graduating with a bachelor’s in Environmental Engineering, she transformed her passion into a successful career. While working at the Institute of Environmental Protection in Moscow, her passion for saltwater and reef aquariums only increased. Moving to the United States in 2013, Yuliya embarked on another impactful journey by sharing her unprecedented experience for all aquarium hobbyists ... Read More.
As aquarists, whether freshwater or saltwater, we’re charged with the responsibility of replicating the natural world. On the surface, this task seems like a broad statement. But, as you allow this statement to engulf your mind, its subtext takes on an entirely new meaning.
In terms of water temperature, without precision and efficiency the health and livelihood of coral, fish and other inhabitants is put in jeopardy.
It’s far too easy to wrap ourselves in other care topics, such as water nutrient parameters and lighting, but improper water temperatures is just as detrimental as incorrect lighting or sluggish water circulation.
As we move deeper into the 21st Century, advancements in reef tank equipment are transforming how aquarists maintain and manage their self-created ecosystems. When it comes to water heaters, few products demonstrate such technological upgrades as the NEO-Therm Heater by Cobalt Aquatics.
So, what exactly makes this heater different from the many others crowding the reef aquarium marketplace? Moreover, does its features and functionality actually boost tank stability and inhabitant health? Let’s take a moment and dive into the warm waters of precision, innovation and ease…
Achieving Accuracy and Safety - NEO-Therm Heater Review.
How important is the quality of your reef tank heater? Well, how important is your clothing when stepping outside on a blistering hot day or a chillingly frigid morning?
Okay, so it’s a little bit of a stretch to compare a tank heater to a sweater or tank top, but hear me out. Just like any wild creature, tank inhabitants survive only under specific temperatures.
Should your tank dip too cold or become too hot, then your beautiful underwater world may become a beautiful underwater cemetery. If you take away anything from this review, let it be this: water temperature is the foundation of any tank, regardless of size or scope.
This being said, how does the NEO-Therm Heater support the necessary warmth your coral and other inhabitants require?
To understand this, I feel it’s important to learn about the company. While almost every tank heater manufacturer claims to be the best, few offer the experience and demonstrated industry expertise as the development team at Cobalt Aquatics.
A Brief Overview of Industry Excellence - Cobalt Aquatics.
Without getting into too much detail, Cobalt Aquatics was founded in 2011 by a team of three self-proclaimed fishgeeks.
While the first products focused primarily on a few products, the past several years has witnessed exponential growth in not only product offerings, but product reputation throughout the aquarium industry.
Dedicated to the progress and validity of this industry, the development, research and managerial team at Cobalt Aquatics has cultivated some of the most respected and solid heaters, pumps and food sources for modern aquariums.
Now that we’ve covered the makers of NEO-Therm, let’s dive into the heat of the topic.
Quality, Precision and Simplicity - NEO-Therm Heater.
This biggest mistake you can make as a reefer is assuming all heaters are essentially the same. Sure, their purpose seems straightforward. However, if you’ve ever suffered a tragic crash due to an incorrect temperature readout or a sudden heater malfunction, you understand quality and dependability are paramount.
Heater Design - The Appearance of Advanced Precision.
Okay, let’s start at the beginning: its exterior design. Upon first glance, you’ll notice Cobalt Aquatics chose a slim profile highlighted by a circular LED display. I really appreciate the ease and muted design of its readout display.
Along with the sleek and modern design, its outer casing is shatterproof and seamlessly blends into the background of the tank. If you’re serious about your aquascaping, then you’ll really appreciate its appearance.
Lastly, its internal circuitry is safeguarded by a thermal protection coating. Basically, this means the heater won’t fry itself due to consistent high water temperatures.
Temperature Accuracy - Is It Actually Precise?
I can’t tell you how many heaters I’ve come across in my day that promised precise temperature control and readouts, only to deliver the opposite. Thankfully, the NEO-Therm Heater isn’t one of them.
In my testing, and confirmed by fellow aquarists, the temperature variation hovers right around 0.5 degrees. Out of almost any other heater, this is the lowest variation, which means greater accuracy for happy and healthy tank inhabitants.
With a maximum temperature of 96 degrees Fahrenheit, it’s perfect for most reef tanks.
Installation and Use - Yes, It Really Is This Easy.
Before closing out, I have to dive into just how easy the NEO-Therm Heater is to install and operate.
Simply attach the mounting bracket with its included suction cups inside of your tank. Make sure it’s fully submerged underwater and in a location with adequate water flow. When first installing, wait around 10 to 15 minutes before plugging it in to make sure suction cups are securely attached.
From here, plug the power cord into an electrical outlet and confirm power by viewing the LED control panel. Select the Set Temp by pushing the button on top of the device. Each press increases temperature by 2-degrees Fahrenheit. Once you reach your ideal temperature, the LED light will indicate the temperature.
As for monitoring water temperature, if the temps dips below your Set Temp then the LED will slowly blink. If the water temperature is too hot then the LED will blink in rapid succession. When Water Temp matches Set Temp, the LED remains solid (no blinking).
Cobalt Aquatics NEO-Therm Heater - Final Thoughts.
In closing, this is among the most competent, precise and visually pleasing reef tank heaters on the market.
What are your thoughts? Have you used the NEO-Therm Heater? Let us know your thoughts, experience or questions by visiting our Facebook page and sending us a message!
On behalf of the entire Reef Hacks team, Happy Reefing!
by Yuliya Ivanova for ReefHacks.