It is a common misconception that a fish needs less attention, which is why many people take up aquarium keeping instead of adopting a pet such as a dog or cat. This is not true, however, as there are many tasks involved in maintaining your pet’s environment. You will also need an immersion heater to condition the water temperature.
However, this type of heater is sold in several models and has different capacities. If you are not sure which model to buy, we suggest the Fluval E Electronic Heater, which is considered easy to use. It has an indicator light to show its operation. The Cobalt Aquatics Flat Neo-Therm Heater delivers a power of 150 W allowing it to keep the heat of the tank for a long time according to the settings you have made.
Buying guide – What to consider
To provide an environment that is favorable to the well-being of your fish, you must recreate the natural living conditions of its ecosystem. To do this, it is imperative for you to get the best aquarium heater. In order to find the most efficient one, here are some criteria to focus on during your search. These tips will also allow you to find the cheapest one according to the range that will best suit you
Power and capacity
To start this buying guide for the best aquarium heaters, we will talk about the power and capacity of the gadget in question. We have combined these two factors because they are interdependent. Indeed, the latter is a function of the former. In order to determine which device to choose, you must first define the volume of your bin.
If your item performs too well in a small space, it could result in the death of your fish. You should also consider the heating of the tank’s installation room. If the room conditions are optimal (18 to 19°C), 1 W will correspond to 1 L.
If you have a cold room with a temperature between 15 and 18 °C, use the following formula: Tank capacity x 1.5. In an even cooler environment, opt immediately for items with 200 W or more.
That said, heating will also depend on the species of fish you decide to keep. In general, the ideal water temperature should be around 24 to 26 °C. However, some breeds require more specific conditions. You will need to consider this before making a purchase.
The type
In order to know how to choose the best aquarium heaters of 2022, you must first of all master the difference between the four categories under which this type of item is presented.
– External heaters: The main advantage of this type of model is its consistency. Thanks to this device, the constant temperature in the tank is better maintained. Moreover, with this installation, your fish will remain safe, because they will not be able to be in contact with the device that could burn them in the process. That said, they must be associated with external filters.
– Heating cables: These are used mainly for planted aquariums. They are hidden in the floor of the tank. This installation allows to create a real ecosystem in the tank. Its only disadvantage is that it treats only a small quantity of water. To make up for this, you will need to purchase another device.
– Models integrated with the filter: This is a two-in-one product. It removes unnecessary substrates and at the same time heats the water that passes through it. Nevertheless, this type of device has a big disadvantage: when one of the mechanisms is defective, the other one follows.
– Internal heaters: They are also called thermal plungers. There are two categories. The first one is fully submerged while the second one is only partially submerged. We appreciate them especially for their easy use. However, be careful not to sink them into the ground, as their performance would be diminished.
Ergonomics
What is the best aquarium heater on the market? To answer this question, you will need to take stock of the settings available on the equipment you are interested in. Ideally, you should be able to choose the appropriate temperature for the operation of the device. Indeed, on some specimens, this setting is absent. So check if the model you have selected has a thermostat.
These devices are much more practical, as they will heat the water according to the needs of your fish and stop working once the conditions are reached. When the liquid tends to cool down, the gadget will automatically turn back on.
Regarding the controls of the product, it is still preferable that the control knob or button is easy to grip. It is therefore necessary that this adjustment device is of a fairly large size. To check the accuracy of your settings, a digital display is necessary. This will give you greater precision.
That said, it is also important to consider safety criteria. Sometimes there is a risk of overheating. To avoid this, an automatic shutdown system should be built into the product. Especially if the product is submersible. Such a device is also of great help in case of a drop in the water level. This way, the liquid will not become so hot that it kills the fish that swim in it.
Best aquarium heaters for beginners – out top 2 picks
Fluval E Electronic Heater
This 300W heater can fully submerse, which is great for 100 gallons. It also comes in 4 versions, the 50W one can handle up to 15 gallons. The best part is the LCD display of temperature so you know what it’s set at!
You can set it up as you please and rotate in all angles possible. The manual warns against setting the device horizontally and there’s a step-by-step guide on how to do it.
Pros
- It offers accurate temperature settings with its dual temperature sensors.
- It comes with an LCD display.
- The fish guard is integrated, so that your fish doesn’t get in contact with the heating element.
- It’s even protected against shocks from bigger fish species.
Cons
- Setting it up horizontally may void the warranty.
- You’ll need to follow the steps in the guide when setting it up.
Cobalt Aquatics Flat Neo-Therm Heater
This compact, fully waterproof heater is perfect for tight spaces. You can use it to heat a 40 gallon tank from 66°F to 96°F – but only in a vertical position.
This thermostat is very accurate, with readings that are accurate to up to 0.5 degrees Fahrenheit, and includes a clear LED display showing the temperature difference between the set and actual temperature of the tank.
It shuts off automatically before it overheats and has outer casing built to be shatterproof.
Other wattage available are the 50W, 75W, 100W, 200W and 300W.
Pros
- The temperature accuracy and display is terrific.
- Its durability is fine.
- It’s also easy to use with its “one touch” control system.
Cons
- Possible malfunctions with the 200W version.
Frequently asked questions
Q1: How do I install a heater in an aquarium?
One of our first tips is to place the equipment vertically, not horizontally. Usually, the manufacturer provides suction cups to fix the product to the tank wall. Do not allow the plunger to touch the floor of the tank. This could limit its heating performance. Before submerging the item in water, adjust it to the desired temperature.
Also, check to see if the model you have purchased is fully submerged or not. There may be a gauge on the equipment that should not be exceeded during assembly. If not, the gadget may get damaged. And you will not even benefit from its warranty. Read the instructions carefully to avoid this inconvenience.
Q2: Where should the heater be placed in an aquarium?
The ideal location is on the back side or inside the box where the water comes from the filter. Glue the plunger with the suction cup provided for this purpose, or buy one if it is not included in the package.
There are also the so-called cable models. These are placed under the floor of the aquarium. You will have to empty the aquarium to be able to put the equipment in place. Once the equipment is in place, cover it with the substrate of your choice before adding the plants that will decorate your tank.
Q3: How do I know if the aquarium heater is working?
It is very easy to tell if the device is working or not. In most cases, there is an indicator built into the device. When it lights up, your equipment is working. When it doesn’t light up, the item is off.
If the model you have does not have an indicator, you can use a thermometer to check whether or not the gadget is working properly. Test in a bucket of water to avoid disturbing your fish in case the product is defective. Some consumers have killed their fish by carelessness.
Q4: How do you heat an aquarium without a heater?
There are several ways to do this. The simplest is to use a lamp. However, you should make sure that the light you use is not harmful to your fish. Indeed, some species do not tolerate too much light. There are even breeds that live only in the dark. Take this into account before opting for this solution. Also note that this alternative will not permanently heat your tank.
There are also other types of installations that are effective. We are talking about the terrarium heating mat. This device is attached to the wall of the bottom of the tank. The advantage is the lower cost of this action.
Among the materials that some aquarists also use is the programmer. With it, you will be warned when the water is not at the right temperature. It plays an interim role in case of a defective thermostat.
I’m Benjamin, an aquarium, and fish hobbyist for more than three decades now.
My passion for aquarium fish never wavered after so many years. I keep consuming everything about fish tank, aquariums and alike.
As a result of my experience with aquariums and fish, I have decided to build this blog.
My goal is to answer all your questions – and even those you haven’t asked yourself yet – so you can take care of your fish and aquariums. From one passionate to another passionate!
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