Choosing an Aquarium Heater

A heater is one of the most important pieces of equipment you’ll need when setting up a new fish tank. It can save you a lot of time and money, but it also has the potential to be life-threatening to your aquarium.

When you’re shopping for an aquarium heater, it’s important to find a brand that’s well-known and respected for its quality. You don’t want to get a brand that isn’t reputable and risk the possibility of it overheating, shutting down or cracking – all things that can lead to disastrous results.

You should also look for an aquarium heater that’s a good fit for your tank size and the type of water you have in it. Tropical fish are especially susceptible to temperature changes, so it’s a good idea to choose a heater that will heat your tank up enough to keep them healthy.

Many heaters are rated at 5 watts of heat per gallon, but some are even more powerful than this. They may cost more to purchase, but you will have peace of mind knowing that your tank is heated up to a safe level for your fish.

There are a few types of aquarium heaters you can choose from:

The most common is a submersible heater that you place in the water, usually right above the tank. They’re often shaped like tubes and can be placed at various angles to spread the heat across the tank. It’s important to position them in a spot that allows the water current to flow around them and distribute the heat evenly.

Another option is a heating mat that sits underneath your tank. These can be effective, but they’re not recommended because if they stop working, you will need to drain the tank entirely to replace them.

You should always check the power draw of your aquarium heater before purchasing it, and make sure you don’t go overboard. It’s also a good idea to install an aquarium temperature controller, which will prevent your heater from overheating or overpowering the tank.

Lastly, it’s important to choose a heater that is fully submersible. A few of the heaters on the market are not, which could be a problem if you have a hard plumbing setup or need to move it from one tank to another.

A submersible heater is an ideal choice for most aquariums, but some have a minimum water line that should be maintained to avoid damage to the heater or electrical issues. If the water level falls below this line, the heater can break down or burn out.

You should also check the temperature of your tank’s water before plugging in your heater, and acclimate it for 20 to 30 minutes. This will help to prevent breakage due to shock from the change in temperature.