Maintaining a stable and appropriate water temperature is crucial for the health and well-being of aquarium fish.
It’s understandable that many aquarists may prefer to simplify the process of selecting a heater for their aquariums.
While it’s true that researching and comparing multiple heater options can be time-consuming, it’s important to make an informed decision to ensure the well-being of your fish.
By taking the time to make an informed decision, you can increase the chances of selecting a heater that meets your aquarium’s needs and ensures the comfort and health of your fish.
Here are some guidelines to help you choose a suitable heater.
Is it necessary to have an aquarium heater?
The need for an aquarium heater depends on several factors, including the type of fish you plan to keep and the ambient temperature of the room where the aquarium is located.
Different fish species have specific temperature requirements. If you are keeping tropical fish species, such as bettas, tetras, or angelfish, they generally require warmer water temperatures (usually between 75°F and 82°F or 24°C and 28°C) to thrive. In such cases, an aquarium heater is necessary to maintain a consistent and suitable temperature for your fish.
If the room where your aquarium is located consistently maintains a temperature within the preferred range for your fish species, you may not require a heater. However, it’s important to consider seasonal variations in room temperature. During colder months or in regions with fluctuating temperatures, the ambient temperature can drop, affecting the water temperature in your aquarium.
Even if the room temperature remains within the acceptable range, it’s important to ensure temperature stability within the aquarium. Fluctuations in water temperature, even within the acceptable range, can stress fish and negatively impact their health. A heater with a built-in thermostat can help maintain a stable temperature and prevent sudden changes.
If you plan to breed certain species of fish, they may have specific temperature requirements for successful breeding. In such cases, an aquarium heater becomes essential to create the necessary conditions for breeding.
It’s important to note that while an aquarium heater may be required for many fish species, there are some exceptions. For example, certain coldwater fish species like goldfish or White Cloud Mountain minnows can tolerate lower temperatures and may not require a heater in certain circumstances.
How to choose an aquarium heater?
Choosing the right aquarium heater for your tank involves considering several factors.
Different fish species have specific temperature requirements for optimal health. Research the preferred temperature range of the fish species you plan to keep. This will help you determine the appropriate temperature your heater needs to maintain.
Choose a heater that offers precise temperature control and accuracy. Built-in thermostats or external heater controllers can help you set and maintain the desired temperature range.
Consider your budget when selecting an aquarium heater. There are various options available at different price points, so find a balance between quality, features, and affordability.
The size of your aquarium is a crucial factor in selecting an appropriate heater. Larger tanks require more powerful heaters to effectively heat the entire volume of water. Check the heater’s wattage recommendations provided by manufacturers to ensure it can adequately heat your tank.
The wattage of a heater determines its heating capacity and ability to effectively heat the water in the aquarium.
Generally, the larger the tank volume, the higher the wattage required to heat the water effectively. Larger volumes of water require more energy to maintain a stable temperature.
As a general guideline, it’s often recommended to use a heater with a wattage of around 3-5 watts per gallon of water. However, this is a rough estimate and can vary depending on factors such as the ambient room temperature, desired temperature range, insulation of the tank, and whether the tank is covered or open-top.
For a 10-gallon (38-liter) tank: A heater with a wattage of around 30-50 watts would be suitable. This would provide enough heating power to maintain a stable temperature in the tank.
For a 30-gallon (114-liter) tank: A heater with a wattage of around 90-150 watts would be appropriate. This higher wattage accounts for the larger volume of water in the tank.
For a 55-gallon (208-liter) tank: A heater with a wattage of around 165-275 watts would be needed. This higher wattage ensures efficient heating of the larger volume of water.
In larger tanks, it may be beneficial to use multiple heaters distributed evenly throughout the tank to ensure better heat distribution. This helps to prevent temperature variations and cold spots.
It’s important to note that these wattage recommendations are general guidelines, and it’s always best to check the specific recommendations provided by the manufacturer for the heater you are considering. Additionally, factors such as room temperature, insulation, and other environmental conditions can impact the effectiveness of the heater, so monitoring the water temperature with a reliable thermometer is crucial.
Consider two situations. In the first case, a 20-gallon aquarium is in a room with a temperature of 70°F. In the second case, an aquarium of the same size is placed in a room with a temperature of 60°F. We want the temperature in the aquarium to be 80°F.
In the first scenario, where the room temperature is 70°F (21°C) and you want to maintain the tank water at 80°F (27°C), you would need a heater with sufficient wattage to raise the temperature by 10°F (6°C) above the room temperature. Here’s an example:
Tank size: 20 gallons (76 liters)
Desired tank temperature: 80°F (27°C)
Room temperature: 70°F (21°C)
Temperature difference: 80°F – 70°F = 10°F (27°C – 21°C = 6°C)
To calculate the approximate wattage needed for the heater, you can use a general guideline of 3-5 watts per gallon. For a 20-gallon tank, the wattage range would be 60-100 watts. However, since you need to raise the temperature by 10°F (6°C) above the room temperature, you might want to choose a heater at the higher end of that range or slightly higher. So, a heater with a wattage of around 100 watts would be suitable in this case.
In the second scenario, where the room temperature is consistently 60°F (16°C), and you want to maintain the tank water at 80°F (27°C), you would require a heater with a higher wattage to compensate for the larger temperature difference. Here’s an example:
Tank size: 20 gallons (76 liters)
Desired tank temperature: 80°F (27°C)
Room temperature: 60°F (16°C)
Temperature difference: 80°F – 60°F = 20°F (27°C – 16°C = 11°C)
In this case, you would need a heater with higher wattage to raise the temperature by 20°F (11°C) above the room temperature. A heater with a wattage of around 150-200 watts would be more suitable to effectively heat the water in a 20-gallon tank in this scenario.
It’s important to note that these wattage recommendations are estimates and can vary based on factors such as insulation, aquarium lid, and the efficiency of the heater. Additionally, using a reliable thermometer to monitor the water temperature and making adjustments as needed will help ensure that the desired temperature range is maintained for the well-being of your fish.
The Best Aquarium Heaters Reviewed
To help you make an informed decision, I have conducted a thorough review of some of the top-rated aquarium heaters currently available.
Fluval E200 Advanced Electronic Heater
Fluval E200 Advanced Electronic Heater, 100-Watt Heater for Aquariums up to 65 Gal., A773,Black
PROS
CONS
I recently purchased the Fluval E200 Advanced Electronic Heater for my aquarium, and I have been thoroughly impressed with its performance and user-friendly features.
Installation of this heater was a breeze, thanks to the strong suction cups that securely attach it to the back wall of the tank. The adjustable bracket made it easy to achieve the recommended positioning, ensuring that the top ½ inch of the heater remains out of the water. Additionally, a side mounting bracket is included for those who prefer attaching it to the side wall of the tank. It’s important to note that the heater should not be installed horizontally to avoid submerging the entire body.
The temperature adjustment lever on the top of the heater allows for precise temperature control in 0.5° increments. The digital display is a standout feature, making it effortless to set and monitor the temperature in real-time. The display changes color if the water temperature varies +/-2 degrees F from the pre-set temperature, alerting you to potential issues. During standby mode, the LCD screen is green, turning blue if the heating element is activated due to the temperature dropping below the set level, and red if the temperature exceeds the set level.
The Fluval E200 impressed me with its reliable heating performance. It easily maintained the water temperature at the desired level, providing a comfortable environment for my aquatic inhabitants. The calibration process was simple, and the heater consistently delivered the desired temperature without fluctuations.
The integrated fish guard offers advanced protection, ensuring that fish and invertebrates cannot come into direct contact with the heater core. The high-quality construction of the guard instills confidence in its durability and effectiveness.
While the Fluval E200 has many positive aspects, there are a couple of minor concerns to note. Firstly, the heating tube underneath the guard is made of glass, making it vulnerable to cracking or shattering. Care must be taken when removing the heater from the water to avoid sudden temperature changes that could potentially damage the tube.
Secondly, the heater lacks a dry sensor, so it is crucial to never allow it to run outside of the water. The instructions emphasize this point, and if the heater is accidentally allowed to run without water, it should be unplugged and left to cool for at least an hour before reintroducing it to the water.
HITOP PTC Adjustable Aquarium Heater
HITOP PTC Adjustable Aquarium Heater, Sturdy Fish Tank Heater with Protective Cover, 100W/200W/300W/400W Heater for Fresh/Saltwater Fish/Turtle Tank up to 120 Gallon
PROS
CONS
I recently purchased the HITOP PTC Adjustable Aquarium Heater for my medium-sized fish tank, and while it has some positive features, there are a few aspects that left me somewhat disappointed.
Setting the desired temperature is a straightforward process, thanks to the adjustable range of 63-90°F. Once the temperature is set, the heater automatically stops heating when the water reaches the desired temperature and resumes heating when the temperature drops below the set point. This simplicity makes it easy to operate.
The heater maintains a stable temperature with an error margin of within 2 degrees Fahrenheit.
The detachable protective cover is a convenient feature, offering both protection for your aquarium pets and easy removal for cleaning purposes. The package includes 4 suction cups and a stick-on thermometer to assist with installation.
I must highlight that the installation process was quite challenging. Attaching the suction cups to the heater guard required significant effort due to the small holes on the back of the guard.
The control dial on the top of the heater is indeed easy to read, with clearly marked temperature settings. Adjusting the temperature is a simple process, but I found that the ceramic heating element struggled to adequately heat my 52-gallon (200 liters) tank.
To maintain a water temperature of 76°F, I had to continuously increase the heat by adjusting the dial until it reached 80°F. This suggests that the ceramic heating element lacks sufficient surface area to effectively heat larger tanks. While the heater managed to maintain the desired temperature after several adjustments, it required constant monitoring and fine-tuning.
I believe this heater would be more suitable for smaller setups in the range of 20-40 gallons. In those scenarios, the limited heating capabilities may not pose a significant issue.
Hygger 200W Digital Quartz Aquarium Heater
hygger 200 300W 500W Aquarium Heater with External Digital Temperature Controller Reef Saltwater Fish Tank Heater for 15-120 Gallon Tank (200W)
PROS
CONS
The design of this aquarium heater is unique, consisting of three parts: the heating unit, temperature probe, and control unit. The heating unit, despite being smaller than most aquarium heaters, features a built-in heater guard that protects fish from direct contact with the heating element, reducing the risk of burns.
The temperature probe, connected via a wire, serves as a sensor to relay real-time water temperature information to the control unit. The control unit displays the current temperature and controls the power supply to the heating unit. It utilizes a pronged plug to connect with the heating unit and prevent continuous heating without control.
Setting the temperature is straightforward, and the blue LED digital display provides clear visibility. The temperature can be adjusted precisely within the range of 61 to 90°F (16°C – 32°C) by pressing the set button. The display also features indicator lights that show the standby and active heating modes, ensuring easy monitoring of the heater’s status.
However, I have to highlight a few significant drawbacks with this heater. Firstly, the suction cup for the control unit is not strong enough to hold its weight, resulting in frequent detachment from the tank’s glass surface. This issue required alternative solutions.
While Hygger performed well in my 40-gallon tank, the larger setup posed challenges. I had to increase the temperature on the control unit in order to achieve a stable temperature of 75°F. Additionally, the heater displayed some inconsistency, oscillating between being slightly too warm or too cool. The lack of finer temperature adjustment options added to the difficulty in achieving precise temperature regulation.
Another significant concern is the overheat sensor’s functionality. The heater’s overheat cut-off temperature is set quite high at 97°F (36°C), which is considerably beyond safe limits for fish. Additionally, the sensor does not seem to detect if the heater is running outside the water, which has led to reports of the heater melting when operated incorrectly.
The installation process is more complicated compared to other heaters due to the need to mount all three parts. While the heating unit and temperature probe are easy to attach with suction cups, the control unit’s suction cup lacks sufficient strength to stay in place reliably.
Fluval M200 Ultra-Slim Submersible Aquarium Heater
Fluval M200 Ultra-Slim Submersible Aquarium Heater
PROS
CONS
The installation process of the Fluval M200 is incredibly easy. The heater tube comes with a pre-attached mounting bracket, complete with suction cups. This means that right out of the package, you can simply open it and securely stick the heater to the back glass of your aquarium. The hassle-free installation saves both time and effort.
The glass of the Fluval M200 features a mirror finish that aims to blend it better with the aquarium environment. Although the level of blending may vary based on personal perception, I have found that the heater is still noticeable in the tank. Nonetheless, the mirror finish, coupled with the slim profile, imparts a sleek and modern appearance to the M200. Personally, I find the design aesthetically pleasing and it adds a touch of elegance to the aquarium setup.
While this model lacks a built-in heater guard, its slim design allows for the possibility of fitting an aftermarket guard, if desired. This ensures added protection for your aquatic pets.
The Fluval M200 boasts a clear and easy-to-read temperature dial located on the top of the heater. While I did encounter some initial calibration adjustments, a couple of tries were all it took to achieve a steady water temperature.
One drawback of the M200 is the absence of an indicator light for standby mode, as the indicator light only signals active heating mode. This means you won’t have a visual cue when the heater is on standby.
It’s important to handle the glass heater with care to minimize the risk of cracks. If you prefer a straightforward tube heater that delivers reliable performance, the Fluval M200 is a solid choice.
Eheim Jager Aquarium Thermostat Heater
Eheim 3619090 Jager Aquarium Thermostat Heater 300W, Black
PROS
CONS
First impressions of this heater were centered around its size. Compared to my 300-watt Marineland heater, the Eheim Jager heater appeared significantly larger in length, despite being a 200-watt model.
Installation itself was relatively straightforward. The heater comes with a simple bracket and suction cups, allowing easy attachment to the side of the tank. Being fully submersible, there is no need to leave any part of it out of the water. However, the larger size of the tube posed challenges when it came to fitting a standard heater guard.
One positive aspect of the Eheim Jager heater is the large and easily readable temperature dial. However, calibrating the thermometer can be a bit tricky. The temperature dial consists of two moving parts—a blue dial for setting the temperature level and a red dial for calibration. The red dial allows you to align the actual temperature with the indicated temperature, ensuring accuracy. While initially confusing, once understood, this feature can be helpful in achieving the desired temperature.
Getting the heater to warm the tank to the correct temperature proved to be a challenge. Despite setting the dial to 75°F, it initially resulted in a temperature of 2°F higher. Adjusting the heat multiple times eventually allowed me to achieve the desired temperature, but the process was time-consuming and required frequent adjustments.
In terms of pros, the heater includes an indicator light that turns on when the heater is running, providing visual confirmation without the need to touch it. The large and easily readable temperature dial is a notable feature, and the heater consistently maintains a steady temperature once properly calibrated. The presence of a dry sensor adds an extra layer of protection.
On the downside, the large size of the heater may present challenges when finding a suitable placement within the tank. Calibration can be frustrating initially, requiring multiple adjustments to achieve the desired temperature. Due to its size, the heater is not compatible with most standard heater guards. Additionally, the glass construction, while generally resilient, may still be susceptible to cracking.
Which aquarium heater is the best?
Out of all the heaters, the Fluval E200 stood out as the epitome of a set-it-and-forget-it model. When it comes to installation, setting up, and calibration, it couldn’t be easier.
I particularly appreciate its built-in heater guard, which provides added safety for adult fish.
What’s more, the digital display is a feature I absolutely adore. It not only indicates whether the heater is in standby or heating mode but also alerts you promptly in case of any significant temperature issues in the tank. This feature provides clear visibility and ensures you are aware of the heater’s operation status at a glance.
Worried about tank size? Fear not! The Fluval E200 is available in various sizes, allowing you to choose the appropriate model for your specific aquarium size and needs.
Wishing you and your fish the very best of luck with your aquarium endeavors!
In conclusion
Reviewing aquarium heaters is crucial to finding the best option for maintaining the ideal temperature in your fish tank.
The Fluval E200 stands out as the top choice. It excels in installation, ease of use, and calibration. It offers a built-in heater guard for added safety, a digital display indicating standby or heating mode, and alerts for temperature problems. With various sizes available, it caters to tanks of different capacities.
Remember, maintaining a consistent and appropriate temperature in the aquarium is crucial for the overall health and success of the aquatic ecosystem. A well-chosen aquarium heater will contribute significantly to creating an ideal environment for fish, plants, and other inhabitants to thrive.
