SOBO Stainless Steel Aquarium Heater HC-300

SOBO 300W Stainless Steel Aquarium Heater HC-300

Special Features of SOBO 300W Stainless Steel Aquarium Heater HC-300

• 304 Stainless Steel Body

  • Built with high-grade stainless steel, making it more durable, rust-resistant, and less likely to crack than glass heaters.

• Adjustable Thermostat

  • Offers temperature control so you can set the heater to the exact range you want.

• Temperature Range

  • Can be adjusted between 12 °C – 34 °C based on vendor specs.

  • Some sources mention a typical working range of 20 °C – 34 °C.

• Fully Submersible Design

  • The heater is designed to operate fully submerged, with double waterproof sealing (IP68 rating in some specs) for safety.

• High-Sensitivity Heating Element

  • Efficient heating element that warms water quickly and maintains stable temperature.

• Thermometer-Style Indicator

  • Has a visible scale or indicator on the heater so you can see the set temperature easily.

• Mounting Clips / Suction Cups

  • Supplied with strong support clips (suction cups) to securely attach the heater to the aquarium wall.

• Auto-Protection / Overheat Cut-Off

  • The heater has a safety mechanism: it stops working (or the heating element won’t operate) if the room or water temperature goes beyond ~35 °C.

• Durable & Safe for Freshwater and Saltwater

  • Reliable for both fresh and marine aquariums.

• Long Service Life

  • Built using a high-resistance heating filament for extended usage.

• High Corrosion Resistance

  • Stainless steel construction helps resist corrosion, making it more suitable for long-term or aggressive environments.

SOBO 300W Stainless Steel Aquarium Heater HC-300 packages contains :

• The heater rod unit itself (300 W stainless-steel body) with attached power cord.

• Strong support clips for attaching the heater to the aquarium glass.

• Adjustable thermostat scale on the heater body (built-in) so you can set the temperature.

Specifications of  SOBO 300W Stainless Steel Aquarium Heater HC-300 :

1. Tank Size

   • According to Chennai Aqua Studio, the HC-300 model is suitable for 3.5 ft to 5 ft long tanks.

   • United Reptiles lists this 300 W version for aquariums of 200–300 litres.

2. Water Type

   • Both freshwater and saltwater setups.

   • Corrosion-resistant 304 stainless steel body supports use in marine aquariums.

3. Fish / Inhabitants

   • Suitable for tropical fish species that require stable warm water, e.g., community fish, cichlids, gouramis, etc. (as mentioned by SNK Aqua Pets)

   • Also good for larger or more aggressive setups because of its durable stainless design (less likely to break compared to glass heaters).

4. Use-Case

   • Ideal for large aquariums where a high-power heater is needed to maintain temperature.

   • Useful in environments where heater durability is important (e.g., tanks with active or large fish, or where accidental bumps might happen).

⚠️ Things to Consider When Using It

• Because it’s 300 W, it’s not ideal for very small tanks (too much power → could overshoot / short-cycle).

• Make sure there’s good water circulation around the heater so heat distributes well.

• Use a separate thermometer to verify the water temperature, rather than solely relying on the heater indicator.

• Ensure proper mounting (suction cups/clips) so the heater stays stable and fully submerged.

Installation Tips for SOBO 300W Stainless Steel Aquarium Heater HC-300

• Mounting the Heater

  • Position the heater fully submerged in water. Do not plug it in if any part is out of the water. Many heater guides emphasise this to avoid damage.

  • Choose a location with good water flow (near a filter outlet or circulation pump) so the heated water distributes evenly. One user on Reddit noted:

    “Yes… the heater should be close to the filter intake…”

  • You can mount it vertically or horizontally (depending on what your tank setup allows) but ensure it isn’t in contact with substrate, rocks or decor that could trap heat or cause uneven heating.

• Securing the Heater

  • Use the included suction cups or mounting clips to attach the heater to the aquarium glass wall. Ensure they are clean and sticking firmly.

  • Make sure the heater is not dangling loosely or touching anything that might move and bump into it.

• Cord & Electrical Safety

  • Before plugging in, ensure a drip-loop in the cable: the cord should loop down into the water then up to the outlet so any dripping water falls off the loop and doesn’t run down into the socket.

  • Plug the heater into a properly grounded outlet (in India: e.g., a 220-240 V socket with earthing). Make sure the plug and socket are dry and not splashed.

  • Avoid using the heater if the power cord is damaged or the plug is loose.

• Setting Before Powering

  • After mounting, fill the aquarium with water or ensure the water level covers the heater fully. Let the heater sit for 15–30 minutes before switching it on. This allows thermal acclimation and avoids thermal stress on the unit.

  • Use a separate aquarium thermometer to cross-check the actual water temperature. Don’t rely solely on the heater’s built-in scale/indicator.

• Adjusting the Temperature

  • Set the thermostat knob on the heater to your desired target water temperature (for tropical fish tanks, typically around 26-28 °C unless specified otherwise).

  • Monitor the actual water temperature over a few hours to ensure it reaches and holds the set point. Adjust if necessary.

  • Note: The heater will cycle on and off to maintain the temperature. This is normal.

• Avoiding Common Mistakes

  • Do not operate the heater out of the water — this can overheat the element and damage the unit or even break the casing.

  • Avoid placing the heater where it touches the substrate or block of decor; trapped air pockets or insulating surfaces can lead to hot spots.

  • Don’t place the heater too close to the water surface if it’s in a low-flow zone; better to have it in moving water so heat distributes well.

  • Avoid abrupt large water changes (especially big temperature swings) right after installation; this adds stress to the heater and the fish.

• Maintenance & Monitoring

  • Periodically check the heater for algae, mineral buildup or scale on the steel tube. Gently clean the surface (unplug first) to maintain efficient heat transfer.

  • Keep an eye on the temperature over time. If you notice the heater is frequently on for long periods or the temperature fluctuates widely, it might indicate circulatory issues or heater malfunction.

  • Before major water changes or unplugging/relocating the heater, allow it to cool and submerge fully again before powering back on.