Been installed for about 1 weeks, but have only begun to see it in action as my tank is in the basement and the lighting pretty much keeps the tank around 80. Past couple of nights have dropped down to freezing and the basement temperature has dropped to about 70 with a 220g and 125g. Guess I can't post an Apex snapshot, but the two past nights it uses about 660w for around 20min to keep me within half a degree then shuts down for an hour. I have mine set at 78 degrees so it drops a 1/4 and goes over 1/4 of a degree.
At least the price has come down from when they first came out, high upfront cost, but hopefully it outlasts some of the others. Started looking earlier this year when my Apex temperature probe when haywire in both directions, things stabilized with a new sensor, but that is just a situation none of us want to be in. It's okay when a heater stops working, but when it is controlled by something that can't make up its mind then it is time to start shopping.
Innovative Marine is proud to introduce HELIO, our new line of heaters utilizing ultra-safe PTC (positive temperature coefficient) technology.
Up until now, the way we chose to heat our aquariums have been electric immersion heaters that use resistance wires as the primary source of heat. This is the same technology commonly used in toasters. When these types of aquarium heaters are exposed to air or become covered with debris, the heat is unable to dissipate quickly enough resulting in a rapid temperature spike, reduction in operation life and eventually catastrophic failure of the aquarium.
When developing the HELIO, we looked at the aquaculture industry and how PTC technology was utilized. After scrutinized detailed analysis, we extrapolated how to efficiently heat (in both cost and thermal dispersion), as well as minimizing the danger of air exposure and for everyday use.
PTC technology utilizes solid state ceramic chips that are programmed to reach only a certain predetermined set temperature. As compared to resistance wires that continuously increase in temperature until the element ceases.
When the temperature of the ceramic chip heating element increases, the sensor on the chip itself reads the increase and will increase its electrical resistance resulting in decreased heat output. This simply means that as the heating element gets hotter, it will become relatively more difficult to become hotter. Safety is inherently built in and not added on.
Now, after we reengineered and redesigned as well as incorporated the latest reef aquarium technologies, the PTC self-regulating heater and its components are ready to operate safely and efficiently in a harsh marine reef aquarium ecosystem.
The mastermind behind the HELIO Heating System is our PTC smart controller, which bridges the gap between hobby grade and commercial heating systems. The smart controller’s processor goes hand in hand with the PTC heating elements to keep your temperature stable. Communicating back and forth with the elements and alerting you immediately after any fluctuations in temperature have been detected.
The PTC smart controller has been fitted with a titanium remote temperature sensor and dual heating element power lines. Since each heating element has its own built in temperature regulation system, there’s safety in redundancy from the controller’s temperature sensor. And if dual heating elements are employed, there is yet another level of safety added to the system.
Each piece of the HELIO heating system was created to work harmoniously together. Commercial grade titanium heating sheaths and screws prevent corrosion. Rare earth magnetic heating element holders allow optimal water flow. Quick disconnects for the controller’s temperature sensors and heating elements make for easy maintenance and upgradeability.
After years in development, the HELIO heating system possesses powerful features that exceed current reef aquarium heater expectations and achieve three main objectives: Increased safety. Improved reliability. And to provide a new reef aquarium heating technology superior to the long held standard.
HELIO PTC Titanium Heating System.
Smart. Safe. Stable.
Helio 1000 Watt PTC Smart Heater - [2 x 500W] Single Element
Aquarium Size: 170 - 250 Gallons
*Based on +10°F water temperature increase from current ambient temperature.
Heating Element Dimensions: 15.25" L x .80"D
Remote Sensor Dimensions: 2.3"L x .31"D
Helio PTC Smart Controller Specifications
Factory Preset Temperature: 77°F
Factory Preset Low Alarm: 74°F
Factory Preset High Alarm: 80°F
Temp Set Range: 59° - 95°F
Low Alarm General Range: 57° - 93°F
Low Alarm Minimum Range: -2°F from Set Temperature
High Alarm General Range: 60° - 96°F
High Alarm Minimum Range: +1°F from Set Temperature
Accuracy: < ±1°F
Resolution: 0.1°F
Calibration Range: ±9°F
Error Code Quick Guide
E1-Remote Sensor Not Connected: The remote sensor is not connected. Check the connection between the controller and the remote sensor.
E2-Element(s) Not Connected: One or both elements are not connected. Check the connection between the controller and element(s).
E3-High Temperature Alarm: The aquarium's water temperature has exceeded the high temperature set point.
E4-Low Temperature Alarm: The aquarium's water temperature has subceeded the low temperature set point.
E5-Element (I) Error: Element (I) is out of water or low water flow detected around element (I).
E6-Element(II) Error: Element (II) is out of water or low water flow detected around element (II).
E7-Remote Sensor Error: Remote sensor has been detected to be out of water or a sudden temperature swing.
Warranty & Extended Warranty Details
Innovative Marine offers a 5-year warranty on all Helio heater kits and element only. This includes the controller, remote sensor, and element. The magnet holder has a 1-year warranty.
Customer Reviews
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2+ weeks,, so far, so good! Nov 5, 2021
Innovative Marine Helio 200 Watt PTC Smart Heater unboxing
We are taking a look at Innovative Marine HELIO, their new line of aquarium heater utilizing ultra-safe PTC (positive temperature coefficient) technology.
05/18/2021