An aquarium heater is a necessary part of most aquarium set ups. Fish do not regulate their own body temperatures, so most need a heater in order to survive in a synthetic environment.
You want to set the heat similar to the temperature of the natural habitat of the fish. It is also important that the temperature stays consistent. In the ocean the water does not tend to change temperature very quickly. So, you need to make sure that your fish tank does not fluctuate in temperature rapidly.
There are many different types of heaters. This list will help you choose one based on your needs and desires.
Aquarium Heaters Reviews
Upettools Submersible Aquarium Heater
The Upettools Submersible Aquarium Heater is a Preset Heater with 78°F Electronic Thermostat and UL Listed (100W) High Temperature Protection.
This heater has a preset temperature of 78°F. This will keep your aquarium at this ideal temperature without any adjusting on your part.
This submersible heater sits in the water of your aquarium, ideally next to the inlet of the filter. This will help the heat be more evenly distributed throughout the tank.
The heater also has a light that lets you know it is turned on, as well as a light that turns on when it is currently heating. You will always know that your heater is working just by looking at it. The heater also turns off automatically when it is taken out of the water. You do not have to worry about it burning or causing damage if you take it out of the tank.
Pros
- Quartz glass.
- Auto turn off.
- Preset temperature.
Cons
- Prone to breaking.
- Not okay for plastic or acrylic tanks.
- Temperature cannot be adjusted.
MQ Submersible Aquarium Heater
MQ Submersible Aquarium heater has an Auto Thermostat is a 300W fish tank heater with LCD digital aquarium thermometer.
This heater is made out of shatter proof and blast proof glass. These options are much safer for you and your fish.
It is meant for either fresh or saltwater aquariums. It is versatile enough for either kind of aquarium.
There is an LCD thermometer display. This makes it easy to see, and change, the temperature of your aquarium water. It also comes with an extra thermometer. You can be sure that your temperature is correct.
Pros
- Extra thermometer.
- Shatter proof glass.
Cons
- Very long.
- Not great for bigger tanks.
UPMCT Aquarium Heater
The UPMCT Aquarium Heater is a 100W Submersible aquarium heater.
This heater is meant to be used for a 15 to 25 gallon tank, but there is an option for a 300W heater for bigger tanks. You can upgrade this heater for a bigger aquarium.
There is also a heating guard included. This will protect your fish from touching the heating, and burning themselves. A temperature strip is also included. It will help you monitor the temperature of your aquarium.
It is able to be installed horizontally as well as vertically. This makes it easier to place inside your aquarium.
Pros
- Heating guard.
- Vertical and horizontal installation.
- Includes temperature strip.
- Noise free.
Cons
- Not for bigger fish tanks.
Mylivell Aquarium Heater
The Mylivel Aquarium Heater is a submersible, 100W water heater.
This heater is fully submersible. You can put it deep in your tank to help the heat be more evenly distributed.
You can use this heater for both freshwater and saltwater aquariums. Choose any type of aquarium you would like.
It is made out of double sealed, quartz glass. This high quality heater will keep you and your fish safe.
Pros
- Double sealed quartz glass.
- Good for freshwater and saltwater.
Cons
- Not for big aquariums.
- More prone to breaking.
Hygger Saltwater Tank Heater
The Hygger Saltwater Tank Heater is a titanium heater. It is 200 watts.
This heater is made out of titanium. This makes is utterly shatterproof and safe. It is also non corrosive. This heater will not corrode on you.
It is accurate within .5 degrees. You will know for sure that it remains at the temperature you set it for. You can set the temperature anywhere between 32 and 104°F. There is great variability, you can use it for many different fish.
This heater can be used in saltwater as well as freshwater. You can decide for yourself what kind of tank you want, or use it in any existing tank.
Pros
- Shatterproof titanium.
Cons
- No guard.
- Not for acrylic tanks.
Hygger 500W Digital Quartz Aquarium Heater
The Hygger 500W digital quartz aquarium heater is meant to be used in a 30-120 gallon fish tank.
There is a black plastic guard on this heater. It helps prevent your fish from being burned.
This heater is a submersible heater. It will help the heat be more evenly distributed throughout your aquarium. It is also a fast heater. It can heat up your aquarium more quickly.
There is an LED screen as part of this heater. You can easily see the temperature, as well as set the temperature.
Pros
- Fast heating.
- LED screen.
- Plastic guard.
Cons
- Not shatterproof.
Marina C10 Compact Heater
The Marina C10 Compact Heater is a smaller option that is great for smaller tanks.
This heater is only 10 watts. You can use it for a small tank without wasting any energy. It has a preset temperature of 78°F. You do not have to worry about adjusting your temperature.
This heater is a very small size. It is easy to hide inside your aquarium.
It is a submersible heater. You can put the entire thing in the water, for more even heating of your aquarium.
Pros
- Small size.
Cons
- Not for big tanks.
- Will only warm 9°F.
GMsound Aquarium Heater
The GMsound Aquarium heater is a submersible heater.
This heater has 100W of power. You can use it for a fish tank up to 75 gallons.
The temperature is adjustable. You can tailor it to the needs of your specific fish. There is a light that shows if it is on. This makes it easy to tell if the heater is working properly.
It is made out of double sealed quartz glass. This will keep the heater safe for you and your fish.
Pros
- Double sealed quartz glass.
- 100 Watts.
- On/off indicator light.
Cons
- Temperature strip instead of digital display.
- Must be fully submerged.
Orlushy Mini Aquarium Heater
The Orlushy Mini Aquarium Heater is a great option for small tanks.
This heater has an LED display. You can easily read the temperature of your aquarium. It also has an external temperature controller. You do not have to put your hand inside the tank to change the temperature.
The oval shaped unit is a nice feature. It will help keep the water at a constant temperature.
There is also a 12 month warranty included. If the heater malfunctions the company will help you get it fixed or replaced.
Pros
- 12 month warranty.
- Oval shape.
- External temperature control.
Cons
- Not for large tanks.
- Not enclosed.
Upettools Submersible Aquarium Heater
The upettools Submersible Aquarium Heater is a submersible heater.
This heater is explosion proof and shatter proof. It is good to have a heater that is not going to break on you.
It can support up to 120 gallons of water. You can choose a much bigger aquarium with this heater.
It uses a chip control circuit. This will keep the temperature accurate.
Pros
- Chip control circuit.
- Shatter proof.
- Good for big aquariums.
Cons
- Not for acrylic tanks.
- Do not use in sand or stones.
Types of Aquarium Heaters
Submersible: These heaters are meant to be placed completely underwater. It is best to put them near the filter. This will help the heat to be evenly distributed throughout the aquarium.
Quartz Glass: Heaters made out of quartz glass are extremely strong. They are very resistant to shattering. They can also withstand very high temperatures. Quartz glass is also unlikely to corrode. Which is an important feature for an object that is constantly underwater. This glass will help keep you and your fish safe from broken glass.
Titanium: Some aquarium heaters are made out of titanium. It is completely shatter proof. Titanium is a strong metal. It will efficiently heat your aquarium with zero risk of broken glass.
Preset: These heaters are designed to keep the aquarium at one specific temperature. This means that you will never have to worry about adjusting the temperature. It does also mean that you are unable to change the temperature at all.
Compact: Compact, or mini, aquarium heaters are a good choice if you have a small aquarium. These heaters will fit inside smaller tanks. Most heaters have to be completely submerged. If you have a small fish tank you need to be extra careful to choose a compact heater.
How to Select an Aquarium Heater
- First, you need to determine the size of aquarium you will be using. Your heater choice should largely be based off of the size of your aquarium. Larger heaters will not fit in smaller tanks. And smaller heaters will not be able to heat larger aquariums. If you choose a very large aquarium you might need two heaters.
- You will need to decide what kind of fish you are putting inside your aquarium. You will want to closely match the natural environment of your chosen fish. Some heaters are preset for 78 F. If your fish need something other than this don’t choose a preset.
- Determine how shatterproof you would like your heater to be. Some heaters are made of glass. Others are made out of titanium. Think carefully about how shatterproof you would like it to be.
- If you are doing turtles in your aquarium, or just want your fish extra protected, you need to be sure to choose a heater that has a guard on it. You do not want your pets burning themselves on the heater.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can it be used for saltwater or freshwater? Yes, these can all be used in both saltwater and freshwater aquariums.
Is this safe for Betta fish? If you are housing Betta fish in your aquarium be sure to choose a heater that will not allow the fins to get caught in it. It can tear their delicate fins, causing stress and injury.
Can I adjust the temperature? Most of these heaters have adjustable temperature settings. There are also preset heaters that will automatically keep your aquarium at 78 degrees fahrenheit. Be sure to check the specifications if you need adjustable settings.
Can I use two heaters for a big aquarium? Yes, in fact it is often recommended. Two heaters help evenly distribute the heat in large aquariums. It is also useful to have two in case on heater stops working. It ensures the tank has a back up. This is especially important if you live in a colder region, as the water temperature can drop quickly if one heater stops working.
How to Maintain an Aquarium Heater
- Keep the tank clean. A clean fish tank is less likely to build up material on your heater. You can do this by scrubbing the inside of the tank with various tools. It is also helpful to have fish in your tank that will help you clean the tank.
- Check for corrosion. Anything that is constantly under water can be subject to corrosion. Check your heater periodically for signs of corrosion.
- Watch for cracks. Heaters can experience wear and tear over the years. Be sure to check your heater for any signs of cracking.
- Check that the indicator lights are working. Make sure that the lights on your heater are working, if it has them, this way you can always be sure that your heater is actually working. You do not want to harm your fish if the water temperature drops because your heater stopped working.
Check out this video for more information.
Conclusion
Aquariums are a lot of fun! A heater will help you keep your fish, or other pets, healthy and happy. It is very important to closely mimic the natural environment of your pet.
There are many excellent options for your heater needs. This handy guide with links will help you in your search for the perfect aquarium heater.
Feel free to click on any of the links to purchase the heater that you want! Also, if you have a heater that you use that is not listed on here, comment below to let us know!
