Similar to how we, as human beings, require the ideal temperature to feel out best, fishes need that too. The underwater world in a natural setting has the ideal temperature, however if you get an aquarium, you should be mindful of the temperature of your fish tank. For this reason, many people install heaters and chillers in their aquariums so that the ideal temperature is maintained.
In this article, we will be discussing the specifics of fish tank heaters and how you should pick the best one for your aquarium.
What’s A Fish Tank Heater?
A fish tank heater is a small device that works with electricity and maintains the temperature of the water inside the fish tank. They are waterproof as they are either half or fully submerged in the water of your fish tank. Fully submersible heaters are preferred more as they are deemed as a safer option.
Why Should A Fish Tank Have Heater?
Tropical fishes have a specific temperature requirement, so if you are keeping tropical fishes in your aquarium, then you’ll be needing a heater. A heater ensures that the tank does not get too cool and the temperature stays optimal for the well-being of the fish, during the course of the day and even when the room cools off at night.
If you have not kept a heater, then your fishes may experience weakened immune system and may freeze to death. Fishes have a tendency to become less active in cold temperatures too, which makes it essential to buy a heater for your fish tank.
What’s the Ideal Fish Tank Temperature?
The ideal fish tank temperature falls anywhere between 75-80 degrees Fahrenheit. However, the needs of each fish may vary. It’s best not to overheat your aquarium using a heater, as this can be counterproductive. Your tropical fishes will need the optimal temperature to strengthen their immune system and help them achieve a long and healthy life.
Why is A Stable Temperature Required in a Fish Tank?
If the temperature of the water inside your fish tank changes too rapidly and frequently, then problems may arise. These problems may include tank’s chemical imbalance resulting in algae growth and plant decay. It can also result in various fish diseases and changes in water oxygenation levels, along with impacting fishes’ metabolism. Since such critical aspects of the aquarium are reliant on a stable temperature of a fish tank, it’s important to maintain the optimal temperature at all times.
Factors To Consider Before Buying An Acrylic Aquarium
- Fully Submersible Heaters
As mentioned above, fully submersible aquarium heaters are safe to use, as compared to half submersible, as they are prone to leaking electricity. Fully submersible heaters do not pose a threat of electricity leakage since they are inside the water entirely, and they work effectively too. - Temperature Adjustments
It should be easy for you to adjust the temperature of the Aquarium heaters, so that you can set the desired temperature that enables the optimal environment for the fishes. However, adjustable heaters are pricier than non adjustable ones. - The Appropriate Watts
Choosing the appropriate wattage is also crucial. Every heater comes with a different wattage that is recommended as per the size of the fish tank. The general rule is to have two or five watts for every gallon of water. Here’s a bonus tip – if you reside in a region that has warmer temperatures, then you do not need a high wattage heater. Less wattage heaters consume less electricity, so they can be less pricey too. - Room Temperature
Make sure that you assess the room temperature before getting a heater because the room temperature is a lot different than the outdoor temperature. Since heaters are automatic, they shut off themselves when the optimal temperature is reached, hence you don’t have to fret over fish getting overheated.
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Without further ado, let’s head onto our list of the best fish tank heaters in 2024.
1. DaToo DT-25A
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Available in: Australia, Canada, UK and US
Ranking at the very top, this aquarium heater comes with 25 watts and it is ideal to create the perfect water temperature for your fishes. You don’t have to set the temperature as this heater will do that task for you by setting the ideal temperature itself. This is suitable for tropical fishes as well as Betta fish. The smaller the heater, the more space your fishes get to enjoy, so they’ll love this one.
Key features:
- Precise and easy temperature control – it is set at 78°F which is ideal for Betta and tropical fishes.
- Comes with 25 watts and a small design that ensures that fishes get enough space to roam around easily
- It comes with rubber sealing layer that ensures better sealing and safety performance
- Durable and reliable – comes with a one year warranty too
2. Tetra 26447
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Available in: Australia, Canada, UK and US
Another great fish tank heater that you should try would be this one. Coming with indicator lights to let you know when it’s on, it can surely be a keeper. It turns green when the ideal temperature is reached, so that creates more convenience as well. Moreover, the water is automatically adjusted to the ideal temperature and the heater is fully submersible as well.
Key features:
- Fully submersible – safe option
- Comes with indicator lights – red and green to let you know when it is heating and when it is done
- Automatic adjustment of temperature to 78°F
- You can hide it behind the décor as well since it is small and compact
3. Aqueon 100101230
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Available in: Australia, Canada, UK and US
Featuring a classic fish tank heater that’s sure to not disappoint you. This one comes with fully submersible design, along with quick and seamless installation process. It is also shatterproof. Made up of premium quality materials, it will last you a long time as well. Besides that, it can be used with glass and acrylic enclosures too. It does not take up a lot of electricity either.
Key features:
- Energy saving and fully submersible, making it a safe option
- It is shatterproof and has an easy installation process
- Can last you a long time and can be used with glass and acrylic material too
- Small and compact
4. Hitop
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Available in: Australia, Canada, UK and US
Presenting you yet another innovative and a versatile fish tank heater that is not only explosion proof, but has an impeccable design too. It is made up of thickened glass which is not easy to crack. The temperature can be easily adjusted and it will last you a long time too. It is not space consuming either, hence it won’t make your aquarium look bad, yet do the job perfectly too!
Key features:
- Versatile design and space saving.
- Made up of premium quality glass – explosion proof and not easy to crack.
- Accurate temperature adjustment as it comes with a thermometer sticker.
- Durable, with a multi branched heating wire ceramic frame.
- Comes with a year long warranty too.
5. BOEESPAT LQ-300
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Available in: Australia, Canada, UK and US
Featuring a cool, yet a striking design in terms of fish tank heaters, this one can surely make you glued to your screen, owing to a plethora of functionality that it offers. It is great for big fish tanks and has intelligent temperature control. It has safety features like auto shut off and overheating protection, along with indicator light too. Moreover, it is fully submersible, hence it’s a safe option for most people.
Key features:
- Suitable for big fish tanks and has accurate temperature control
- Safety features like auto shut off and overheating protection
- Fully submersible – safe and easy to use without any leaks
- Comes with durable black titanium steel heating element that is covered by strong plastic guard – can last you a long time
6. FREESEA FS28-50W
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Available in: Australia, Canada, UK and US
A great option for all the fish tank enthusiasts who like to do everything for their fishes. This one comes with precise temperature control along with auto shut off feature when the aquarium is out of water. This automatic functionality makes your life a lot more easier. Moreover, it comes with a touch button that is easy to use and operate.
Key features:
- Automatic temperature control – will turn off when water is not there and turn on when it is there. It will start heating when water temperature is lower than the preset temperature
- Comes with a touch button that’s easy to use
- Fully submersible and is safer
- Comes with a one year warranty too
7. HiTauing
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Available in: Australia, Canada, UK and US
A great fish tank heater that you can easily hide behind your aquarium grass décor would be this one. Not only does it come with an array of functionality, but has an ergonomic design too. It is great for large fish tanks and it comes with water sensor, along with overheating protection. It is explosion proof as the glass is made up of high quality materials.
Key features:
- Made up of high quality glass – explosion proof
- Comes with water sensor and overheating protection
- Rapid heating – reaches the ideal temperature quickly
- Comes with precise external digital display controller that has two red LED digits to indicate the water temperature
- It comes with energy saving technology
8. AQQA GUS-AQ020-800W
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Available in: Australia, Canada, UK and US
Presenting you yet another great piece of machinery that your fish tank will thank you for. This heater comes with excellent properties including heat resistant glass materials, along with explosion proof technology. It has automatic heating to make your life easier and has dual temperature displays via LED display too. It comes with easy installation process that is quick and smooth.
Key features:
- Safe and durable with heat resistant glass and explosion proof properties
- Automatic heating and auto shut off
- Comes with dual temperature displays with an LED display for a clearer view
- Seamless installation process that is quick and comes with adjustable hanging rack and suction cups
9. Buinto
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Available in: Australia, Canada, UK and US
If nothing has impressed you till now, then gear up for this one. This fish tank heater comes with robust technology that allows smart temperature control. You can set the temperature and the machine will remember it. The auto shut off and turn on features are included too. It is made up of high-quality explosion-proof heating tubes and smart chip to make it energy saving and safe to use.
Key features:
- Energy saving with high quality explosion proof heating tubes and smart chip – easy and safe to use
- Comes with an LED digital display that shows you the current water temperature
- Comes with smart temperature control and memory functions too – you don’t have to reset the temperature as it will remember the preset settings
10. MantaMaze
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Available in: Australia, Canada, UK and US
Last, but not least, this exquisite and high-end fish tank heater may be heavy on your pocket, but rest assured, won’t make you regret investing in it. It comes with fast heating technology and high-quality titanium steel heating element, along with explosion-proof materials. It has anti-dry burning and overheating protection as well.
Key features:
- Fast heating and a wide range of applications on fish tanks (small and large).
- Anti dry burning and overheating protection – safety features included.
- Made up of high-quality materials that will last you a long time.
- Comes with an external temperature controller.
Conclusion
That having said, it brings an end to our discussion. Whether you’re buying a big fish tank or a small one, if you’re keeping tropical fish, then a heater is a must. If you want your fish to thrive in a healthy environment, then your best bet would be to invest in a good one that won’t overheat and is safe to use as well. Be sure to choose the one that is fully submersible and is made up of high-quality glass that is thicker than normal glass material. We wish you the best for your fish tank ventures!
