How Long Should a Heater Last?

[ajm1961]

I've sent a message to Ken about the shipping costs. I agree that the cost is prohibitive. Of course for one heater, the shipping is almost 50% of the total cost, while for 5 it drops to about 20% of the total.
I think it may have to do with the calculated weight: 2.7 pounds for 1 heater, 11.1 pounds for 5... hmmm
I'll get back once I get a reply.
I've also checked MOPS - they have a 500 watt titanium heater for $54, and you have to buy the controller separately... ouch.

[Rybren]

BRS has the Finnex analog Titanium heater with external controller at prices ranging from $21.99 for a 50W to $39.99 for a 500W. The digital ones are about $5 more.  Their shipping is quite reasonable.  I have a 200W analog version and am happy with it.  I also run a 150W Jager and am happy with it as well. 

I believe that Ray also carries titanium heaters.

I had a Steath heater but replaced it after reading all of the horror stories on RC.

[Saltcreep]

The one that Cbellehumeur quoted was almost 100% of the cost of the heater. It just irks me when you can go online, find exactly what you want at a good price, and then get clobbered by the shipping (and duties, taxes, brokerage fees ..). That's why I always look for the USPS option. I recently ordered a small electronic item online. Cost was about $18 and when I got through checkout, shipping via UPS had been added at $18+. I requested USPS shipping and that dropped the cost to less than $8, about the cost of postage. Also, with USPS, you often end up not paying duty, taxes and all the other ####. In this case, the vendor marked the customs declaration slip as 'promotional item', the 'consumer goods' box was left unchecked. No extra charges.

Sorry about the little T-jack - back to talking about bad heaters. It's beginning to sound like there's not a good brand out there, unless you're willng to spend the big $$$$. Maybe just heating up the fishroom is the answer.