Aquarium heaters are a must-have tool for both aquarists and fish-keepers. The right aquarium heater can make all the difference. If you’re new to fishkeeping, picking the right aquarium heater may seem daunting. While some aquarium heaters offer extra features, nearly every aquarium heater is easy to set up. Choosing an aquarium heater is as simple as assessing your tank’s needs and finding a quality heater that meets them.
The Aqueon 50W Pro Heater, is a great choice for both beginners and veteran fishkeepers alike thanks to its reliability and ease of use.
Before rushing out to buy an aquarium heater for your new fish tank, there are a couple of key things to research beforehand. Certain fish, such as goldfish and guppies, do not require heated water and actually prefer to live in cooler, room-temperature water. Tropical fish, like betta fish, need warmer water temperatures in order to live healthy lives.
If you have a planted aquarium, an aquarium heater will do wonders for your live plants. While some aquatic plants like cooler water, most will grow larger in warmer conditions.
There are a few types of aquarium heaters on the market. The most common and recognizable type are submersible aquarium heaters. These heaters can be fully submerged and often include suction cups in order to secure the heater to the back of the tank.
There are also heaters designed to be buried under the tank’s substrate. Substrate aquarium heaters are a great solution for those who don’t want the cluttered appearance of having a submersible heater or hang-on-tank heater.
If you want to compare different types of aquarium heaters, you can check out BestReviews aquarium heater buying guide.
Some aquarium heaters come with a built-in thermometer. If you opt for a model that doesn’t have a built-in thermometer, it’s always a good idea to buy a separate one. If your aquarium heater fails, your fish may die due to the drop in temperature. Even with a reliable heater, it’s best to monitor your tank’s water temperature regularly.
Most aquarium heaters will offer a more simplistic way of monitoring the water temperature via LED lights.
The amount of wattage you will need from your aquarium heater is determined by the size of your fish tank. For example, a 5-gallon tank will only require a heater of 15-25 watts, whereas a 40-gallon tank will require a heater of 75 watts. Double check the size of your tank to make sure your heater is of the proper wattage for the size.
Some aquarium heaters, such as the Aqueon Pro Adjustable Heater, come with a remote and offer adjustable temperature settings. This is a great feature, but it isn’t entirely necessary for beginner aquarists, all fish or aquatic plants.
Having a fish tank is just as much about the design and aquascape as it is the fish that call it home. If you’re worried about a heater distracting from the aesthetic of your tank, you may want to consider an in-line heater, such as the Hydor In-Line External Heater. Alternatively, creative placement of aquatic plants and other material can hide or lessen the visual impact of an aquarium heater.
Aquarium heaters can range anywhere from $15-100 depending on the brand, wattage and quality of the heater.
A. In short, yes. If your house or the room where your tank is normally on the colder side, your aquarium heater will have to work twice as hard. If you live in a colder climate, opt for a heater with a higher wattage to avoid this issue.
A. Most aquarium heaters that do not offer any control over the temperature are set to maintain the water temperature at around 78 degrees. This preset temperature is normally comfortable enough for most fish. Double check the preferred temperature for the fish in your tank before settling for a preset temperature or heater without temperature control.
What you need to know: With its adjustable temperature and reliability, this aquarium heater is great for novice and veteran fishkeepers.
What you’ll love: It is made from thermoplastic material, which means you won’t have to worry about shattered glass when installing the heater.
What you should consider: Some parts of the heater may corrode if exposed to hard water.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Eheim Jager Aquarium Thermostat Heater
What you need to know: This budget aquarium heater is a great option for larger tanks.
What you’ll love: This heater has both temperature presets and temperature indicator lights.
What you should consider: You may experience some problems with the heater overheating the aquarium water. Be sure to monitor water temperature regularly.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Fluval E Series Advanced Electronic Heater for Aquariums
What you need to know: Fluval is a trusted brand when it comes to aquariums, and this heater is exemplary of Fluval’s quality.
What you’ll love: This heater comes with dual temperature sensors to provide you with more accurate temperature readings. It has an LCD display in both Fahrenheit and Celsius and comes in various sizes and wattages, making it a good option for any tank.
What you should consider: This heater works best when placed near the tank’s filter as it will need water circulation to heat the whole tank.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
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Addison Hoggard writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
