The Best Fish Tank Heater
All fish need quality water and housing, but many fish also have very specific heating requirements. That's why a fish tank heater is a must-have for every fishkeeper. Because they come in different sizes and styles, there's a good fit for every aquarium. You just have to find one that works for your little aquatic friends. That's why we've made a list of the best of the best to help you get your pet fish comfortable.
What to Look For
It’s essential to choose high-quality equipment for your aquarium to ensure your pets stay healthy and safe. That’s why we recommend focusing on your tank’s size, fish species, and room temperature while shopping for a fish tank heater. For example, the submersible Freesea aquarium heater is available in several sizes and has a wide range of settings, making it an excellent all-purpose option for most fish species. However, if you have a tank over 60 gallons, you may need something more powerful, like the Hygger titanium heater. No matter your aquarium’s size or what type of fish you keep, we have a heating option for you below.
Freesea Aquarium Heater
Simple solution
The Freesea aquarium heater is available in three sizes, allowing you to heat any tank between one and 60 gallons. A convenient knob at the top makes setting the perfect temperature for your fish easy, while the included digital thermometer helps ensure it’s working. Meanwhile, the internal gauge starts and stops the heater to keep a controlled environment.
Pros:
- Heats water quickly
- Sturdy suction cups keep it in place
- The indicator light lets you know when the heater is on
- Durable construction
Cons:
- The cord is shorter than most
Orlushy Submersible Tank Heater
Durable construction
You can use the Orlushy submersible tank heater in fresh or saltwater, and it’s available in several sizes to ensure you can heat almost any aquarium up to 75 gallons. The control dial is easy to use, and a reliable internal thermostat helps it keep the water evenly heated, day and night. And since it’s made with thickened quartz and fireproof padding, you don’t need to worry about it cracking or blowing under pressure.
Pros:
- Maintains a consistent temperature
- Includes a digital thermometer to help you ensure it’s working properly
- The dial is easy to grip and turn
- The thin design allows it to blend into your tank’s background
Cons:
- The temperature can vary by a few degrees from the settings
Fluval Advanced Electronic Aquarium Heater
Easy-read screen
VueTech dual microprocessors and an easy-read display help you set and maintain your fish tank’s temperature when you use the Fluval Advanced Electronic Aquarium Heater. The small LCD screen shows the exact temperature and changes colors to let you know if the water is too hot, too cold, or just right. We also like how the little toggle at the top helps you control the settings without dials or buttons.
Pros:
- Dual internal thermostats keep temperature steady within half a degree
- Digital colored screen helps you check settings with just a quick glance
- Protective housing keeps your fish safe from burns
- Easy to set and adjust the temperature
Cons:
- Needs to be installed near airstones or filters for proper flow
Hygger Titanium Steel Aquarium Heater
Powerful precision
Finding a heater that works in tanks over 100 gallons can be challenging. That’s why we turn to the Hygger titanium steel aquarium heater. It uses its powerful heating abilities with a built-in smart thermostat for maximum reliability. An external digital controller makes it easy to adjust, and you don’t even need to get your hands wet. Both pieces have easy-read LCD screens, too, providing you with the reassurance you need.
Pros:
- Eco mode helps you save energy while maintaining the water’s temperature
- You only need this one heater for large tanks instead of two smaller ones
- Long power cord for versatile placement
Cons:
- The bulky build can be distracting when looking at your fish
Tetra HT Submersible Heater
Safe and affordable
It can be tough to equip your tank on a budget, but the Tetra HT Submersible Heater can help. It’s affordable, and with its reliable heating and sturdy build, you can count on it to keep your aquarium at a healthy 78 degrees. We also like that it’s compact and easy to install vertically or horizontally, allowing you to hide it behind your decor or plants.
Pros:
- The internal thermostat turns it on and off as needed
- Very easy setup
- Available in several sizes to help you heat tanks of almost any size
Cons:
- Can’t adjust the temperature
Frequently Asked Questions
What temperature should I set my fish tank heater to?
All fish species have unique heating needs, so it’s best to research your pets to figure out what temperature to set your tank heater. However, if you aren’t sure or if you have fish with different requirements, 78 to 80 degrees is usually a good average.
How do I ensure the whole tank is at the right temperature?
The first thing to do is set up a tank heater on one end of your tank and a thermometer at the opposite end. That way, you’ll always know whether or not the heat is spreading evenly. If it isn’t, you can add an airstone under the heater or move it closer to the filter, which can help create flow and circulate the heat better.
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