Dary Electric recommends
The external contact materials are divided into three types: 304 stainless steel heating rod, glass tube heating rod, and
quartz heating rod. Later, a new type of heating rod with a controller and digital display was upgraded on the market, also made of the same three materials, with an added digital display control box for more convenient and safe temperature control.
Second generation thermistor temperature-sensing heating rod, which uses a signal amplifier and a thyristor to control on/off after signal amplification, is often called an external temperature-controlled heating rod or split temperature-controlled heating rod. Its working principle is that the temperature control system outside the tank controls the water temperature inside the tank through a thermistor probe in the water, with the temperature control system and heating system separated for heating.
Advantages include faster heating and more accurate temperature control, allowing the thermistor and heating rod to be placed far apart, thus overcoming the shortcomings of bimetallic strip temperature control. However, other
disadvantages are also obvious. First, there is an extra thermistor wire, making installation more complex. Second, if the thermistor accidentally leaves the water, it will keep heating, leading to a "boiled fish" tragedy. But now, to address this, some market brands have added a water-off power-off alarm function for the thermistor, and many temperature controllers use LCD temperature display for control.
Third generation heating rod is the
smart heating rod controlled via an APP, using WiFi to remotely control the heating rod through a mobile app, and can set the desired safe temperature range. It is the latest heating rod technology. Through the interaction of monitoring unit, control unit, and regulation unit, it is a system that brings the ecosystem from an unstable state to a stable state. Compared with traditional heating rods, traditional heating rods only have a regulation unit, cannot accurately identify temperature, and work mechanically. This is the difference of intelligence.
2. By material: Glass heating rod: Generally uses an explosion-proof glass shell, with the characteristics of low price, wide application range, and can be used in various aquariums. The disadvantage is that it is easy to break. If used in large fish tanks, it must be equipped with a protective cover to prevent damage by fish.
Stainless steel heating rod: Generally uses a stainless steel shell, with advantages such as sturdiness, durability, and texture. However, the disadvantage is that it cannot be used in certain corrosive environments, such as seawater tanks.
Quartz heating rod: Made of specially processed milky white quartz tube, equipped with resistance composite materials, with advantages such as durability, corrosion resistance, and usability in seawater tanks. However, the disadvantage is relatively high price.
Ceramic heating rod: PTC ceramic heating rod is a commonly used ceramic heating rod, composed of PTC ceramic heating element and aluminum tube. It has the advantages of low thermal resistance and high heat exchange efficiency, and is an automatic constant temperature, energy-saving electric heater. Another type, MCH ceramic heating rod, uses alumina ceramic, a new type of high-efficiency, environmentally friendly, and energy-saving ceramic heating element with built-in electric heating wire. Compared with PTC ceramic heating elements, MCH material is more environmentally friendly, saves 20-30% electricity under the same heating effect, and has a longer service life.
Usage precautions:
① Do not power on the heating rod in the air. Because it heats up extremely quickly in the air, it may burn out the heating rod at best, or shatter the glass or burn hands at worst. Even after power off, do not immediately take it out of the water, as the temperature is still very high, which can easily burn people and damage the heating rod.
② It is recommended to replace the bimetallic strip heating rod every one to two years, because the internal bimetallic strip may malfunction after long use, to avoid unnecessary losses. The replaced heating rod can be kept as a spare, and can also be used for heating during water changes.
③ Repairing a heating rod is not cost-effective. Ordinary bimetallic strip heating rods are relatively inexpensive, and there is no guarantee of safety after repair. Ordinary people cannot repair split heating rods, and hiring a professional for repair costs almost as much as buying a new heating rod.
④ When changing water, be careful not to let the water level drop too low, exposing the heating rod.
⑤ Frequently observe the heating rod and thermometer. Do not rely on the indicator light of the heating rod; the water temperature should be the reference.
Note: The above information and technical parameters are compiled and released by Yangzhou Dary Electric Co., Ltd.
