Polish equipment manufacturer AquaEl has introduced what it calls a Smart Heating System to its Ultra heater range. As well as the shatterproof chassis, overheating warning, and one-touch control, the new Ultra models come with a microprocessor controller that its makers say selects the lowest heating power necessary to maintain the set temperature of an aquarium.
Being able to increase or decrease its own power should mean that it can heat quickly in cold water using full power yet use less power to increase and hold temperature by that last degree when at or approaching it. Something that AquaEl says also increases the lifespan of the heating element.
Up until this point, combined heater-stats had thermostatic control, but only as far as switching a 200-watt heater for example on and off at full power as many times as necessary to reach the set temperature.
And if you’ve seen this style of heater before it has been out for a while, and already undergone some technology changes along the way. AquaEl is the Original Equipment Manufacturer of this design and technology, building every part of this heater, pumps, aquariums, and lights all under one roof in its mega factory in Suwalki, North-East Poland. This under the skin upgrade is new for 2020 and applies to the largest four of its six models, the 75, 100, 150, and 200 watts.
In the days of variable power DC pumps and LED lights it’s nice to see some advancement in heater technology and I wonder if this could pave the way for not only smart heater control but the ability to hand over the reins to the user and enable user-led power consumption control? And Wi-Fi? On an app?
Either way, if it just does what it says it does, it could represent a saving in running costs. It’s marine safe too. Models come with an accuracy of +/-0.25C and temperature control ranges from 20-33C/68-91F.
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