I have several Hydor THEO heaters. (I think I have 3 - 200W and 1 - 50W.) I bought these because they were the shortest length per watt, so easier to squeeze in somewhere in my sump.

All of them I have turned down to the lowest temperature setting (67 F) to maintain around 80 F. (I only use one in my tank right now.) I was OK with this before because it was working, but now summer ending and slightly cooler weather I am trying not to use the AC and the house is slightly warmer. Result is I actually need to turn the heater back a degree or two as it is getting up to 82 now. But it is already set at min!

Anyway, I could throw one of these in in the winter when I need extra heating and it will be fine, but I need a better heater for summer use. I was looking at titanium heaters and found the ViaAqua VA300T Titanium Heater (http://www.marinedepot.com/ps_ViewItem~idProduct~VA1163.html) What I like about this heater (and looks like most titanium heaters) is it has a remote unit to adjust the temperature setting. That way I could stick it in the bottom of my sump where I dont have easy access to it and still be able to tweak the temp.

My other option would be to get a temperature controller. But the only reasonable priced one I found is the Hydor HYDROSET Electronic Thermostat with temp dial (http://www.marinedepot.com/ps_ViewItem~idProduct~HD03301.html) ($55). Great another Hydor product...

Can anyone reccommend any heaters with remote adjustment? Or an affordable temp controller? (Affordable being no more than buying a couple new heaters.)

Thanks!

I use a Ranco Dual Phase Temperature Controller. I bought it about a year ago from this seller eBay Seller: kooltanks: Pet Supplies, Home Garden items on eBay.com (http://search.ebay.com/_W0QQsassZkooltanks) on eBay. It seems well made and works great.

I have 2 ViaAqua Titanium heaters. Mine work great besides being off a couple of degrees.

I guess I could have told you that I have a VisiTherm Deluxe in my 54 and a VisiTherm Stealth in my nano.

Thanks! I think I will get one ViaAqua and see if I'm happy. Then maybe add another some time. I figure I need at least 400W (maybe even 500W?) in the winter because the basement can approach 60 F.

I'm just debating what size I should get...

I would go with a couple smaller ones because that way you have back up in case of failure.

I wouldn't trust anything but a Jager.

I wouldn't trust any heater not on a controller. After being in the reptile hobby for many years I swear by the Ranco controllers.