The Best Aquarium Heater: Fish Tank Heaters Reviews

Constant water temperature in the required range contributes to the normal existence of fish and other aquarium populations. If the temperature is not the same or changes frequently, it can lead to aquarium fish stress or even death.

What is The Best Aquarium Heater? Our TOP-3 Picks

TOP Rated Fish Tank Heaters Reviews

After thorough research, we gathered TOP-15 aquarium heaters below.

1. Aqueon Pro Aquarium Heater

Keep your fish with the perfect water temperature with the adjustable and precise Aqueon Pro aquarium heater. Whether your fish tank is freshwater or saltwater, you can be sure that the water climate is suitable for your fish. Unbreakable construction will keep your fish safe and sound. Thanks to the wide range of available capacities, you can choose the appropriate heating level. The product is equipped with a constantly on LED indicator and an automatic emergency shutdown function.

2. Eheim Jager TruTemp Submersible Heater – 250 W

All Eheim’s models may be fully submerged in water and are equipped with the new TruTemp scale, which allows the user to recalibrate the heater with an accuracy of +/- 0.5 ° F to achieve the required temperature readings. The fully submerged safety regulator turns off the heater when operating without water.

3. Orlushy Submersible Aquarium Heater

This model is suitable for aquariums from 40 to 80 gallons. The product length is 11 inches, the power supply voltage is 110-120V and the power cord is 6 feet long.

Shows the area for temperature adjustment, making it easy to adjust the heater for short intervals.
The explosion-proof heater is made of quartz glass with a thickness of 2 mm. This model can be used in aquariums with fresh and saltwater.

An accurate temperature scale from 68 to 89 °F allows you to fully control it with a 1-degree difference.

4. SZELAM 25W Mini Fish Tank Heater

Smart control is an intelligent system with an accurate temperature sensor and a constant heating system. No external thermometer required; unlike other products, you need to manually adjust the temperature. This product just needs to be connected to the power supply and it will work. It operates in intermittent mode and automatically turns on/off to reach the set temperature.

This model is different from the one with manual adjustment. The heater automatically adjusts the temperature to 73 °F-82 °F (25 °C -28 °C), with no need for manual adjustment. Place it next to the filter station’s strong water flow so that the entire aquarium is the same temperature.
High quality: Heat-resistant ABS plastic housing, sand-quartz filler and ceramic heating system made of aluminum oxide MCH, explosion and cracking protection.

Key Features:

• Made of heat-resistant ABS housing.
• Comes with free plastic aquarium plants.
• Two suction cups for easy fitting.

5. Tetra HT30 Submersible Heater

This new model is for aquariums from 2 to 30 gallons and is easy to use. The electronic thermostat automatically adjusts the power to maintain a constant water temperature of about 78 °F. All you have to do is place the Tetra HT30 heater and connect it to the power supply.

Key Features:

• Can be mounted vertically or horizontally.
• Contains silicon carbide crystals for better heat dispersal.
• Indicator light shows when water has reached correct temperature.

6. Tetra Fauna Aquatic Reptile Heater

Protected plastic housing to prevent breakdowns from mechanical impacts or falls.
An automatic thermostat keeps the water temperature at around 78 degrees Fahrenheit.
Two large suction cups ensure maximum fixation. Suitable for heating water in an aquarium with up to 30 gallons of water.

Key Features:

• Protective plastic cage to prevent breakage.
• Two oversized suction cups provide maximum hold to prevent movement by active reptiles.
• Appropriate for heating up to 30 gallons of water.

7. Finnex Deluxe Titanium Heaters

Finnex is an electronic heater with a memory chip and a smooth titanium tube with a power of 800 watts.
The set temperature adjustment range is from 0 to 99 degrees Fahrenheit. The LED indicator will tell the user about the water temperature. Suitable for aquariums with a water volume of up to 265 gallons.

Key Features:

• LED water temperature reading.
• Finnex memory chipped Digital Control.
• Designed with a cover to help keep your pet safe.

8. NICREW Submersible Mini Aquarium Heater

This model has the function of precise temperature adjustment in the range from 68 ℉ to 94 ℉. The convenient and safe device automatically shuts off if it is not submerged in water properly, preventing damage or overheating.

The LED indicator makes it easy to visually confirm the operation, and the built-in display allows you to determine the current water temperature in the aquarium.
An external controller allows you to quickly and safely adjust the set water temperature. The product has a fully submerged design and can be placed on the bottom.

Key Features:

• Precise temperature adjustment from 68 ℉ to 94 ℉.
• It will automatically shut off if the heater is no longer properly submerged, preventing damage.
• The external controller allows easy and safe temperature adjustment outside.

9. Cobalt Aquatics Electronic Neo-Therm Submersible Aquarium Heater

Maintain a stable and appropriate water temperature in the aquarium with this product. It provides one-touch control of settings.

The model comes in a modern, elegant case that provides the device’s highest security and reliability. The advanced thermostat has an accuracy of +/- 0.5 degrees, and the LED display simultaneously displays the set temperature and the temperature in the tank. The built-in thermal protection circuit disables the heater before it can overheat, and the rugged, unbreakable housing is virtually indestructible.

Key Features:

• The LED display shows both the set temp and aquarium temp simultaneously.
• Accurate to within +/- 0.5 °F.
• Temperature range of 66 to 96 °F.

10. FREESEA Aquarium Fish Tank Submersible Heater

This product can work in an aquarium from 1 to 10 gallons of water and heat water in the range of 59 °F ~ 94 °F.

When the water temperature reaches the set value, it automatically stops, and the automatically starts heating when the level is below the set. This function greatly facilitates the process of aquarium care. It is only intended for use when fully submerged in water.

Key Features:

• Temperature range: 59 °F~94 °F.
• Aquarium heater is built with durability in mind and safety for every design.
• Automatic, constant temperature control.

11. Aqueon Preset Aquarium Heater, 200W

This product is preset to a heating temperature of 78 °F, so no temperature adjustment is required. It has a shatter-free design that has high strength. Automatic safe shutdown and overheating protection ensure a long period of operation of the device without damage. The LED indicator lights red when heating is active. The model has a fully submersible design.

Key Features:

• Automatic safety shut off and overheat protection.
• LED indicator light displays red when actively heating.
• 1-year warranty.

12. U-pick Aquarium Heater with Extra Thermometer

This upgraded product is equipped with stronger quartz glass, which is shockproof and explosion-proof and prevents electricity leakage, and the updated, stronger protective container of double-sealed material prevents melting and protect you and your pets from burns.

This heater comes with an optional thermometer that shows the aquarium’s exact temperature to avoid overheating or freezing your fish. It provides constant warm water in the aquarium for your pet fish’s physical health and is suitable for both fresh and saltwater.

This product operates in intermittent mode and automatically turns on/off so that the water is always approximately the same temperature. Use the pink button to set between 68 °F and 94 °F.

It is ideal for tanks of different sizes, from 3 gallons to 80 gallons; please choose the appropriate capacity. It is recommended to place it near a strong water flow, such as near the aquarium water filter outlet so that all the water is the same temperature.

Key Features:

• Made of explosion-proof quartz glass.
• Can heat tanks up to 80 gallons in size.
• Features scald-prevention design.

13. ISTA 500W in-Line External Aquarium Heater  

This product ensures high-quality heating and constant maintenance of the set temperature.

The design has 2 temperature sensors at the inlet and outlet of the water flow to the heater.

Ceramic-coated glass provides a faster water heating process.

The appearance has an excellent design, and the device itself is elementary to install and does not take up space in the tank.

Key Features:

• Thermal spraying glass, faster heating process.
• External design. 
• Two sensors to test the temperatures of water (inlet and outlet).

14. Marineland Precision Heater

Maintain a comfortable environment for your fish with the Marineland Precision heater. This product features an adjustable temperature scale with a well-readable display. It has a flat mesh heating element that surrounds the mica core for superior heat transfer and greater efficiency.

The product automatically turns off if the temperature reaches the preset temperature, as the thermal fuse switch turns off the heating element and turns on again when the water in the aquarium cools down. The kit also includes a mounting bracket for secure attachment to the glass.

Key Features:

• Easy-to-view sliding scale to check temperature.
• Automatic on/off thermal switch.
• Fully submersible.

15. Fluval E 300 Watt Electronic Heater

The most technologically advanced aquarium heater available today is the Fluval E300. This product with Vuetech technology ensures uniform water heating in the aquarium and continuously displays the water temperature in real-time. The system is equipped with an intelligent control system for the heating element, which ensures the device’s maximum efficiency.

Key Features:

• Digital LCD.
• Displays real-time temperature readings.
• The built-in fuse protects your fish.

The Final Verdict

After analyzing reviews, we concluded that the right one is the Aqueon. This unbreakable, submersible heater is characterized by maximum strength and long operation. Aqueon has long worked in the aquarium industry, and many people trust this manufacturer. 

This adjustable product comes with a water temperature dial. Thanks to this, you can set the desired temperature yourself. Aqueon Pro features high accuracy within 1 degree. This allows it to be used in a delicate environment and for a reef tank. ^[4]​

READ MORE: Saltwater Aquarium Filtration System

Types of Aquarium Heaters

These products create the necessary comfortable living conditions for water creatures. Water is heated by particular elements that convert electrical energy into heat.

There are five types:

1. This has a fully waterproof housing and can be submerged in water without fear of damage or an electric shock to fish.
2. Part of the heater, the regulator, and other components remain on the water surface. They are placed close to filter installations to accumulate heated water in the aquarium.
3. This has a flow–through water heater connected to the filter system, and its body is not in contact with water, which allows you to save space in the aquarium for fish.
4. This pallet has a heater that can be installed in your pallet system to save space. The main advantage is that it takes up more room.
5. With a substrate heater, which is rare and usually not very efficient. This type usually consists of heating coils that you install along the bottom of the tank. While they may work well for aquariums with plants, they do not work well for general heating.

Some models are equipped with a thermostat to turn off the heating element when the set water temperature is reached. These are the safest, since the electronic system will not allow the water in the aquarium to heat up above the set temperature, and your fish will remain healthy. There are also models of water heaters with controllers equipped with LCDs for setting temperature parameters and operating times of the heating element.^[1]​

Freshwater and saltwater tanks use identical water heaters, but there are specialized models for reef aquariums.

Often, an aquarium heater is a small tube with a completely or partially submerged thermometer and is attached to the inside of the wall with a suction cup or a special attachment to the upper sides. The submersible water heater can be installed vertically and horizontally on the bottom of the aquarium, while the partially submerged one can only be fixed at the water surface.

All water heaters are classified according to the built-in heating element’s power, which can vary from 5 watts to 800 watts. The capacity for the aquarium is selected depending on the volume of the aquarium; the greater the amount of water, the more power it requires.

Important features to Choose the right one

Before buying, you need to decide on the type of device that is more suitable for your aquarium’s shape, volume and other features:

• For round aquariums, a partially submerged heater fixed to the aquarium wall’s upper edge is better.
• For fish tanks of standard square or rectangular shape, any types are suitable.
• For aquariums with a large volume of 80 gallons or more, it is better to choose submersible water heaters and attach them to the bottom of the aquarium to achieve a more significant effect of heating all the water.

When buying, the great choice is a device with a light indication of the device’s operation and the heating element.

Also, the heater’s necessary function is the ability to adjust the temperature, since there are models with a set temperature that cannot be changed. ^[5]​

For convenient and functional mounting, it is better to choose fully submersible type with a location at the bottom of the aquarium or heaters with a mount on the upper face of the aquarium wall, since the attachment on the suction cups may eventually cease to perform its function and the heater will not hold.

Place to situate Aquarium Heater 

The great place to place is at the bottom of the aquarium, as the heated water rises and creates natural circulation and will not harm the fish. However, this type of installation requires a large square or rectangular aquarium.

For an aquarium with round walls, the great place to install the heater in the aquarium wall’s upper face. This arrangement is the most suitable since, due to this arrangement, maximum efficiency is achieved in the heating element’s operation for aquariums with round walls. It is better to place such a heater near the filter unit, which creates water circulation.

The flow heater is placed outside the fish tank and is highly efficient due to the constant circulation of water through the heating element due to the filter pump pressure. These water heaters also allow you to save free space for fish, even in the smallest aquariums. ^[2]​

The bottom heater is installed under the bottom of the fish tanks and heats the entire lower part of the aquarium, including the substrate and plants. The efficiency is lower than that of submerged ones due to the cost of thermal energy for heating the glass bottom, the heat from which is dissipated, including into the room’s air aquarium is installed.

The substrate heater is placed directly on the bottom of the aquarium inside the substrate and has low efficiency due to heat dissipation into the aquarium’s glass bottom and into the substrate, while the water is heated in a small volume.

READ MORE: Aquarium Plants Fertilizers

Guide to Using

Before installing and using the heater, you must complete the following steps:

• Inspect it to ensure that the housing is intact and that there is no visible damage.
• Before installing directly into the fish tank, you can test the performance in any other water tank.
• After you have made sure that the heater is working correctly, choose a place to install it.
• If the heater is mounted on suction cups, the glass at the installation site must be clean.
• Place the heater in the desired location to not come into contact with plants or decorations.
• After water immersion, wait 15-30 minutes before turning on the heater. This procedure allows you to normalize the temperature and minimize the risk of cracks when the temperature changes sharply.
• If it is not equipped with a thermometer, place a thermometer in front of the heater and take the initial temperature reading.
• Set the desired water temperature and turn on the heater.
• Before checking the water temperature, let the heater work for about 24 hours, after which you can take the thermometer readings.
• After that, adjust the temperature higher or lower with a check after 5-6 hours until the desired level is reached.
• After all the manipulations and reaching the desired temperature, you can launch your fish into the aquarium. ^[3]​

Also, when choosing, you should take into account the ratio of power to the volume of the aquarium:

FAQ

Article Sources:

1. “Aquarium Heater.” Wikipedia, 15 Mar. 2020, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aquarium_heater.
2. Sandford, Gina. Aquarium Owner’s Guide: The Complete Illustrated Guide To The Home Aquarium. 1 Feb. 2000, amazon.com/Aquarium-Owners-Guide-Complete-Illustrated/dp/0789446146.
3. Axelrod, Herbert R. Exotic Tropical Fishes. amazon.com/Exotic-Tropical-Fishes-Herbert-Axelrod/dp/0876665431.
4. Sands, David. Fishkeepers Guide to Central American Cichlids. amazon.com/Fishkeepers-Guide-Central-American-Cichlids/dp/3923880588.
5. “Heaters.” The Aquarium Wiki, theaquariumwiki.com/wiki/Heaters.