Why do You Need a Heater?

Unlike mammals, fish can’t maintain their body temperature; they are cold-blooded, which means that their bodies do not produce heat. That’s why fish are entirely dependent on the environmental temperature. Some species feel good at room temperature, and others (especially tropical fish) need warmer water. Even if your fish live at room temperature, you need to keep in mind that the temperature in your room is not constant. It tends to fluctuate throughout the year and even throughout the day. So, a fish aquarium heater is a must-have anyway.

Types of Aquarium Heaters

Though all heaters perform one and the same function – regulating water temperature – they can significantly differ in terms of their construction. They are chosen based on the aquarium size, fish species, and personal preferences of a fish owner. Here are the main types of these aquarium devices:

1. Immersion heaters that are hanged over the tank’s wall. Their heating element is hidden in a glass tube that is placed into water.
2. Submersible heaters that are fully placed right in the water. They are safer and more convenient than immersion-type heating devices.
3. Filters with built-in heaters. Two-in-one devices can be convenient but beware that you won’t be able to regulate the temperature, and if a heater goes down, you’ll have to replace the entire unit.
4. External in-line and in-sump filters. The first one is placed between the sump and the tank, and the second one – inside the sump. They are used for larger aquariums and are more expensive than compact devices.

Immersion and submersible heaters are most popular in the market. They are affordable, easy to use and compact. Submersible models are safer and more efficient, so they are more frequently recommended by experienced aquarists.

Benefits of Using a Heater in Your Aquarium

In fact, there is one major benefit of using a heater: it helps to maintain the needed temperature of water in your aquarium without any efforts. It is crucial for the life of most types of fish. So a heater can be rightfully called a mandatory element of an aquarium. Another benefit of this device is that it creates an optimal environment for tropical plants (if there are some) in the aquarium. Finally, it makes filtering of the water easier, which is also a benefit.

Things to Consider When Buying an Aquarium Heater

To make the most of using an aquarium heater one needs to choose the right type and model of a device. Thus, if you have a large aquarium, a small unit will be inefficient. In turn, a large and powerful heater will be equally inefficient and even dangerous for a small tank. Here are the main characteristics that need to be considered.

Type of a Heater

Submersible filters are most frequently chosen by relatively small home aquariums. In some cases, an external unit will be a preferable option. Choose the heater type depending on the aquarium size and location, as well as your climate zone.

Size

Apparently, the heater size and power depends on the size of an aquarium. You can roughly calculate what power you need, using a formula: 25 W per every 5 gallons of water. Thus, for a 50-gallon tank, you’ll need one 250 W heater or two 120-150 W heaters.

Ease of Maintenance

Basically, all submersible filters require minimum maintenance. All you need to do is to clean them gently from time to time and check for the signs of rust. Though modern devices are commonly quite long-lasting, you’d better to change them at least once in two or three years.

Placement

Think in advance where and how you are going to place the device. Some models can be placed only vertically; others – only horizontally. If you are placing two small submersible heaters in a large aquarium, you’d better put them in the opposite corners of the tank. If you choose a single heater, try to place it closer to the water inflow to provide even heating.

How We Picked Out the Best Models in the Category of Aquarium Heaters

To choose the most popular and most reliable aquarium heater models of the year we made a deep analysis of this segment of the market. We’ve studied several hundreds of aquarium heater reviews of real customers. It helped us to single out main pros and cons of every heater and nominate prospective leaders.

The second stage of our research was real-life testing of the chosen models. To test the samples we used two standard aquariums 15 and 30 gallons (without live fish, just with water). One of them was filled with salted water, another – with fresh water. Our goal was to estimate the build quality, design, the accuracy of temperature measuring, the consistency of water temperature and some other key parameters. As a result, seven best models were chosen. All of them are efficient and reliable enough, and all of them are highly estimated by real customers.

Top Aquarium Heater 2018: Our Choice

Here is our list of best aquarium heater models. For every brand, we tried to single out pros and cons. Read and decide what top-rated aquarium heater is the best.

Interesting Facts about Aquarium Fish and Aquarium Heating

1. Though fish are mute they are extremely sensitive towards light, smells, touches, sounds, and tastes. Taste buds cover their entire body.

2. Fish are extra-sensitive towards water temperature. Even 2-3 degrees can be crucial for them and even cause death of some species.

3. Never try to heat an aquarium in a natural way by placing it under direct sunlight. It is dangerous for its inhabitants.

4. In 95% of cases, fish die because of improper feeding and housing conditions.

5. Fish are not animals, but like all living beings, they can experience stress, pain, and fear.

How to Care about an Aquarium Heater: Tips for Aquarians

Though for the most part aquarium heaters are quite easy to use and don’t require special maintenance, don’t forget that they are electric devices. It means that you need to observe basic safety precautions to prevent possible dangerous situations. Here are some tips for everyone to consider.

• Choose an aquarium heater size suitable for the size of your aquarium tank. This information is usually provided in the list of the product’s specifications.
• Read a user manual before switching on a heater. It helps to reduce risks. For example, from the Top Fin aquarium heater instructions, you’ll know how to mountain the device correctly for its maximum efficiency.
• Keep in mind that even the best saltwater aquarium heater models tend to rust over time in the salted water. If you see the signs of rusting, replace the heater. If water gets inside, it can result in a short circuit.

Also, try to prevent shattering of the aquarium. Though modern heaters are considered shock-resistant, they still can break. Breakage of a heater inside a tank can be very dangerous.

How and Where to Place a Heater Correctly: Facts to Consider

Beginners in the sphere of aquaristics often wonder where to place aquarium heater inside the tank. In fact, there can be several possible variants. An important thing here is to adhere to some principle rules.

Submersible heaters must be covered by water completely. Some models are mounted only vertically, other – horizontally, and still others can be mounted in any position. If you use several heaters (in a large tank), place them in the opposite corners of the aquarium in order to let water be heated evenly. If you don’t know what size heater for aquarium is best, read the product’s specifications.

Aquarium Water Temperature for Different Species of Fish

Different types of fish have different demands to water temperature. Some of them are more sensitive to the temperature fluctuations, and others are more immune to slight changes throughout the day. These factors need to be considered when you are choosing the fish for living in one aquarium.

Coldwater Fish

Coldwater fish are considered the least demanding, due to which they are rather popular, especially with the beginners. Well-known examples of coldwater aquarium fish are the goldfish, the coi, and guppy. These fish feel comfortable at the temperature of 65-68 F.

Warm-Water or Tropical Fish

Tropical fish can’t live in cold water. The comfortable temperature range for them is 75-80 F, which can’t be maintained a special aquarium heater. These fish are also more demanding in general, so if you have no or little experience in fish breeding, you’d better begin with coldwater species. Examples of tropical fish are the danios, barbs, angelfish, and others.

Verdict and Recommendations: Aquarium Heaters

We’ve reviewed ten great models of aquarium heaters. Your final choice will depend on your particular needs. For example, the Tetra aquarium heater, as well as the Top Fin aquarium heater, are great for small tanks.

For a larger aquarium, you’ll better choose a large aquarium heater like FLUVAL E 300 Watt. If you are looking for a good 50-gallon aquarium heater, consider Aqueon Pro Heater, which has an excellent build quality and a lifetime warranty from the manufacturer.

If you are looking for the most affordable option for a small tank, try the ViaAqua heater – it is cheap, effective, and does its job really well. Finally, the best external device is an electric heater from Hydor – powerful and easy to regulate.

Sources:

https://aquariawise.com/how-to-place-a-heater-in-aquarium/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aquarium_heater

https://www.thesprucepets.com/top-submersible-aquarium-heaters-2925818

Attention!

Aubree Rose

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