Fish can`t regulate their body temperature. In the wild, they naturally breed in locations where they can survive. Of course, when you buy fish for your tank at home, you need to take precautions to ensure that your fish are warm and comfortable to ensure their survival.
To maintain the temperature of your home fish tank, the best aquarium heater is a must. Of course, there are several features to consider when choosing a fish tank heater. The temperature range ensures that your fish have the perfect conditions while the size and tank capacity tells you which aquariums the heater is best suited for. If you’re in need of the best aquarium water heater but don’t know where to start, the following information can help.
More features: dual sensors, fully submersible, toggle lever, LED screen, integrated fish guard, saltwater compatible
The Fluval E300 is one of the best submersible aquarium heaters on the market, thanks to the waterproof design that allows you to position it as needed in your tank. This model features simple controls, a digital display for either Celsius or Fahrenheit, and a microprocessor with dual sensors for the most accurate readings possible. There is also a colored alert system that shows green for safe temperatures and changes to blue when it’s too low or red for too hot.
Anyone who wants the best 300-watt aquarium heater that is extremely accurate and easy to use will love this model, thanks to the simple controls, color-coded readout, and independent mounting bracket.
More features: submersible, 5.6 ft cord, saltwater compatible, automatic shut-off, TruTemp dial
This aquarium heater by Eheim Jager is a fully submersible model that includes fantastic features, including the top temperature dial for easy adjustments and an on/off indicator light so you always know when it’s running. It also has some great safety features, like shock-resistant, shatterproof glass, double sealing, and heat protection. The extra-long cable is double-insulated for extra protection.
The Eheim Jager Aquarium Thermostat Heater 125W is the perfect heater for medium-sized tanks since it is made of shatter-proof glass, has an auto-shutoff for low water levels, and is fully submersible. It is also easy to install using the included clamp and suction cups.
More features: automatic safety switch, 6 ft cord, top dial
The Marineland Precision Heater is a powerful 300-watt aquarium heater designed for 75-gallon fish tanks. It has a ton of great features, like a handy dial on the top for easy temperature adjustments and a glass thermometer so you can always see where the tank is at. It also features a thermal switch to shut off the heater when it has reached the right setting and on again as the tank cools off.
This model is great for those who want the best saltwater aquarium heater that is built to last. The advanced heating element uses a mesh heating element with a mica core for the best heat transfer possible.
More features: 8 ft power cord, preset on 78° F
The Tetra 26445 Fauna Aquatic Reptile Heater is one of the easiest aquarium heaters that you can purchase. This is because it has a preset temperature setting of 78 degrees Fahrenheit, so all you need to do is mount it into the tank and plug it in. The case around the heater is durable plastic, with an 8-foot cord and two large suction cups to hold it in place wherever you want it.
This is the best 100-watt aquarium heater for those who like to keep turtles, frogs, newts, and other reptiles in their home. It is built to last, even with active animals that may knock the heater around during their play.
More features: LED indicator, submersible, automatic shutoff, shatter-resistant
The Aqueon Preset Heater is a compact model that fits nicely into any small 30-gallon tank. It includes a preset temperature of 78 degrees Fahrenheit, so you don’t need to adjust any settings to use it. This heater is made of shatter-resistant glass and is fully submersible. A LED light on the side of the unit comes on when it’s running and turns off when the water is heated to the proper temperature and triggers the auto-shutoff.
For those on a limited budget who still want a decent heater for their aquarium, the Aqueon Preset Heater may be a good option. It has a great low price without sacrificing durability.
More features: LED indicator, shock resistant exterior, automatic shut off
Those who need the best small 10-gallon aquarium heater may want to check out the Tetra HT Submersible Aquarium Heater. It is fully submersible, with both horizontal and vertical installation options, and an automatic temperature setting of 78 degrees Fahrenheit. This 50W aquarium heater also features an indicator light that turns red when heating and green when the temperature is reached.
This little aquarium heater is best for those with aquariums that are between 2 and 10 gallons that also include a lid. This helps maintain the proper temperature for a more comfortable environment for your fish and requires the heater to run less often.
More features: submersible, push-button adjustment, shatterproof exterior, automatic shut off, LED screen
The Cobalt Aquatics Neo-Therm Pro is an electronic thermostat with a huge temperature range of 68 to 94 degrees Fahrenheit, though you likely won’t need to go that high for most of the fish in your tank. It includes an LED display that tells you the temperature you’ve set and the water’s temperature at the same time, plus it has an auto-shutoff to prevent overheating the water and cooking your fish. The shatter-proof outer case is durable and slim.
For those looking for the best submersible aquarium heater, this may be a good choice. It can be positioned both vertically and horizontally for the perfect fit and the best heating results.
More features: 4.9 ft cord, temperature control knob, LED indicator, automatic shut off, shatter-proof exterior
Not only is the FREESEA Aquarium Fish Tank Heater a great model for Bettas and other freshwater fish, but it can also be used as a heater in a saltwater aquarium for all your aquatic creatures. It features a temperature dial with a range of 64 to 93 degrees Fahrenheit, automatic functioning to maintain the temperature at all times, and auto-shutoff for overheating protection. It is also well-built to increase durability and safety.
This aquarium heater has been upgraded from the previous version to include 2mm Quartz glass. This prevents it from breaking, no matter how aggressive your fish are, plus it is double-sealed to protect your hands and fish from scalds.
More features: LED screen, automatic shut off, 5 ft cord length, corrosion-resistant, built-in temp controller
The hygger Fast Heating Titanium Aquarium Heater is a 500-watt model that’s designed for larger tanks between 60 and 130 gallons. It includes a fully submersible titanium heater surrounded by a black ABS plastic protective guard. It has a range of 70 to 94 degrees Fahrenheit, with an auto-shutoff for overheat protection. Outside the tank is the LED temperature controller for setting the temp you want and monitoring the current temperature of the water.
This is a great model for those who need a powerful heater to warm the water in a huge 125-gallon tank. It works well, with a bright display for consistent temperature monitoring.
More features: knob temperature control, IP68 waterproof, saltwater compatible, LED light, automatic shut off
Those who need a simple aquarium heater that works well and doesn’t cost a fortune may want to check out the Uniclife Aquarium Heater HT-2100. It has a temperature range of 68 to 93 degrees Fahrenheit, with a visible display that shows you the tank temperature for quick monitoring. Other features include a red indicator light to show when it’s running, IP68 sealing for waterproofing, and shatterproof glass for durability.
This is a great choice for those who need a versatile heater for their aquariums. It can be placed vertically or horizontally using the 3 included suctions cups.
An aquarium heater is necessary for all of your aquatic pets since they are used to certain temperatures Trusted Source Aquarium Temperature Control A good aquarium temperature range is 76° to 80°F (25° to 27°C). A reliable heater is necessary for most tropical fishes. www.tfhmagazine.com in the wild. In fact, most tropical or saltwater fish prefer warmer temperatures, so keeping the water between 75 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit will ensure that they will thrive. Even the normal temperature of our home is too cold for them, plus there are seasonal temperature changes that cool things down in the winter or require the use of air conditioners in the summer. A heater will maintain the water’s temperature for more comfortable conditions for any fish or reptiles you keep.
If you’re going to have an aquarium in your home, you need to stock it with fish that can handle the temperatures you set Trusted Source Selecting a pet fish Pets are an important part of the American household. Your pet-owning experience will be most enjoyable if you carefully consider which pet best suits your family, home and lifestyle. Unfulfilled expectations are a leading cause of pet relinquishment, so make an informed decision. Take time, involve your family, and give careful consideration to the following questions. www.avma.org . Not all fish like the same conditions, so you need to choose carefully. For instance, there are several cold-water fish species, like Bloodfin Tetras and Endler’s Livebearer with wide temperature ranges of 65 to 82 degrees Fahrenheit. The Odessa Barbs and Celestial Perl Danios prefer things a bit more stable, between 73 and 79 degrees F. Tropical species like Molly fish prefer things a bit warmer, so keeping your tank between 75 and 85 degrees F is a must.
Installing an aquarium heater can vary from model to model, though most of them include similar steps. Attach the suction cups or other mounting pieces to the heater. Then place the heater at the back or side of the tank, pressing the suction cups into the glass for a firm hold.
Be sure there is an outlet nearby to plug the heater into. Some models can be placed vertically or horizontally, so you can position them however they fit best to avoid the substrate and other tank items.
Leave the heater in the water to adjust to the temperature before plugging it in. Once it has been acclimatized, plug it in, set the temperature you want for the tank if possible, and turn it on.
For the safest heater, choose one made of durable materials to avoid cracking or damage if it gets knocked by the aquatic life in the tank. Be sure the heater is as submerged as instructed to avoid damage to the device. Place it near the filter to ensure the proper water circulation for the most accurate temperature possible.
If you’re unsure what to look for in a new aquarium heater, the following sections can help determine what you need.
There are two main types of aquarium heaters, including substrate and submersible heaters. The substrate models are best for reptiles and plants, so we didn’t include these in our reviews. Submersible models are designed to be used underwater, so are great for all species of fish, as well as turtles, snails, and other water dwellers.
The best 25-watt heater for aquariums obviously isn’t as powerful as a 200-watt model, so the lower-powered models are best for smaller tanks. If you need more power for a huge aquarium, you can choose models like the hygger Fast Heating Titanium Aquarium Heater. You can also use two heaters in a single large tank for more even heat distribution if necessary.
The tank capacity is something else to consider when choosing a new aquarium heater. The larger the tank, the more powerful the heater needs to be, so you won`t be able to use a 50-watt heater for a 300-gallon tank. The more water the tank holds, the more powerful the heater needs to be for the most efficient heating possible.
Some aquarium heaters, like the Aqueon Preset Heater, have a preset temperature, so all you need to do is install it in the tank and plug it in. Other models have a range of temperature options, like the Cobalt Aquatics Neo-Therm Pro. This allows you to adjust the temperature as needed for the aquatic pets in the aquarium and the conditions of your home. The wider the temperature range, the more options you have on the fish you can keep.
Many of the aquarium heaters on the market include some safety features. One to look for is an automatic shut-off when the water level drops below the acceptable level for the heater or when it starts to overheat. Some heaters are made of glass, so shatter-proof material is a must to prevent a broken heater. The Tetra HT Submersible Aquarium Heater also has a shock-resistant exterior for even more protection.
Most of the models in our reviews have some sort of indicator, which is designed to show you when the aquarium heater is running and when it has shut off, usually due to the proper temperature being reached in the tank. This can be a simple indicator light or a more elaborate one, like the one on the Fluval E300 that is green for safe temperatures, blue for too cold, and red for too hot.
The controls can also vary, from a simple push-button on the hygger Fast Heating Titanium Aquarium Heater to a dial on the Marineland Precision Heater. Which to choose is a matter of preference.
The durability of the heater you use in your aquarium determines how long it will last and how safe it is. The stronger the material, the longer it will last and the less chance there is that it could harm your aquatic pets.
A good warranty will cover any issues your heater may have. Though a 1 or 2-year warranty is fine, the Marineland Precision Heater offers a lifetime warranty, so you won`t have to pay to replace a faulty heater.
Heaters come in varying sizes, so you also need to look at this when choosing one for your tank. If it doesn`t fit well in the tank because it sticks out the top or takes up too much space, it won`t be usable. Check the dimensions of the tank and the positioning options for the heater before choosing one.
Not everyone has an outlet right next to their aquarium, so a longer cord is best. If it is too short, it won`t reach, requiring the use of an extension cord or new placement for your aquarium.
With so many aquarium heaters available, it can be hard to choose one. To help you decide, we have a few favorites we`d recommend.
Our top choice is the Fluval E300, which is a 300-watt model designed for tanks up to 100 gallons. This model is fully submersible, with a wide temperature range and dual sensors for accurate readings. This heater also includes an LED screen with a color-coded display.
The Eheim Jager Aquarium Thermostat Heater 125W is for smaller 55-gallon tanks. It features an auto-shutoff, shock-resistant materials, a TruTemp dial, and an on-off indicator to tell you when it`s running.
For the best aquarium heater on a budget, the Aqueon Preset Heater has a great low price and a set temperature of 78 degrees Fahrenheit. It is easy to install, with an LED indicator, and shatter-resistant glass.
