Choosing the right fish tank heater can be tricky because many factors are considered when choosing one. The size of your aquarium, what type of fish you plan on putting in it, and how much money you want to spend are just a few of these factors.
Unfortunately, most people don’t research before buying a heater for their tank and ending up with either too small or too big. This blog post will give you some helpful tips on choosing the right size fish tank heater based on your needs!
A general rule for aquarium heaters is 5 watts per gallon for tanks under 55 gallons and 3 watts per gallon for those over 60 gallons. If your tank is in a freezing room or close to an outside door, use a larger size heater or purchase a second one.
- Different types of fish tank heaters.
- Factors that impact the temperature of your tank.
- Where should you put your aquarium heater?
- Get an aquarium thermometer.
- Can you leave a fish tank heater all the time?
- How to choose the best fish tank heater
- Can I put two heaters in my fish tank?
- How long does a fish tank heater last?
- Are fish tank heaters safe?
| Fish Tank Size | Heater Size 9 ( To raise temp by 10 degrees) | Heater Size (To raise temp more than 10 degrees) |
|---|---|---|
| 10 Gallons | 50 Watt | 100 Watt |
| 20 Gallons | 100 Watt | 150 Watt |
| 29 Gallons | 150 Watt | 200 Watt |
| 40 Gallons | 200 Watt | 300 Watt |
| 55 Gallons | 300 Watt | 400 Watt |
For example, If you have a 20-gallon tank, you should use a 100-watt heater. However, if your home is on the colder side and needs to increase the temperature by 15 degrees, consider the next available heater size of 150 watts.
Different types of fish tank heaters.
- In-line, fish tank heaters are installed in the return line from your filter. They’re most commonly used with canister filters but will also work on other types of setups.
- Submersible fish tank heaters are a popular choice for tanks and are installed on the inside of the tank, submerged in the water. They are the most popular choice for aquariums because they are safe to install and very effective.
- Undergravel fish tank heaters are installed underneath the gravel substrate of your tank and heat through conduction.
Factors that impact the temperature of your tank.
Location in your home
Is your tank placed in a sunny room or near an air-conditioner? Is the room your tank is in heated?
What type of heat does it get from nearby appliances, such as a stove or heater? The distance between the aquarium and those sources may also impact its temperature.
Some fish tanks are located close to windows that receive sunlight during some parts of the day but not others.
Aquarium lighting, as well as filtration, contribute to the heat of the tank. For example, the Fluval FX4 filter operates with 30 watts of power and is a miniature heater for your aquarium.
Now that the colder months are approaching, it’s important to make sure your aquarium heater is working properly. Most fish are cold-blooded creatures that rely on their environment to regulate their body temperature, and most pet fish come from tropical climates that enjoy the warm water at around 78-80°F.
Some fish types – such as goldfish and white cloud mountain minnows – do not need a heater. Other fish – like discus, ram cichlids, and certain Apistogramma cichlids – require temperatures around 85°F.
It is also important for the water to remain at a constant temperature so that your fish’s immunity stays up. This helps to discourage diseases such as ich, which can be lethal if not caught and treated early.
Where should you put your aquarium heater?
To avoid cold spots in the tank, it’s best to place a heater near the filter output or pump. The water flow will distribute the heat evenly. Install a thermometer near the opposite end of a fish tank to determine if the heat is distributed evenly.
While heaters can be placed vertically or horizontally, we recommend mounting the heater at a 45-degree angle. You can also conceal your heater behind plants and decor or lay it down in the sump tank if you have one.
Get an aquarium thermometer.
To accurately check the temperature of your tank, you will have to get an aquarium thermometer. The most important thing to remember when buying a new aquarium thermometer is where you plan on mounting it.
Attaching the thermometer to outside glass or the opposite end of your tank from the heater will help ensure accurate readings.
Can you leave a fish tank heater all the time?
Yes, you can leave your heater on 24/7. Aquarium heaters have an internal thermostat that will automatically turn off the heat when the tank warmed up to the desired temperature.
When installing the heater, it’s important to let the equipment acclimate to your aquarium water temperature for 20-30 minutes before plugging it in.
The heater must also be submerged in water when it is turned on. (A line on the heater usually marks the minimum water level.) Otherwise, the temperature cannot be accurately read and regulated by the unit
One thing to be aware of is that it may burn out or crack if you leave the heater running while exposed to dry air. So remember to unplug it or turn off the power when doing water changes.
Heaters usually do not need any maintenance, aside from the occasional cleaning of algae. However, if you must remove the heater for any reason, manufacturers recommend waiting at least 10 minutes after powering down before handling it.
How to choose the best fish tank heater
When setting up a new fish tank, you need to purchase a high-quality heater that won’t break. Avoid brands with an unproven history of overheating and shutting down due to safety concerns.
We do not recommend getting a used heater, as you can’t be sure of its history.
Some of the best aquarium heaters are manufactured by the following brands:
- Fluval
- Aquael
- DoPhin
- Eheim Jager
Can I put two heaters in my fish tank?
Having 2 fish tank heaters in an aquarium have multiple advantages, it is not just about the size of heaters, but also for redundancy.
- If one heater fails and does not switch off, it will not overheat your tank
- If one heater fails to switch on, the second heater will provide backup to prevent the tank’s temperature from falling too low.
How long does a fish tank heater last?
Fish tank heaters do not have a set lifespan and can last for years. Some cheaper brand heaters have a mechanical thermostat that will break quicker than more durable models with electronic thermostats with no moving parts.
Are fish tank heaters safe?
Aquarium heaters are electrical appliances that produce heat. They’re not much different from this case, but with fish tank heaters, you need to be careful and take all the necessary precautions that you will take with any other electrical appliance.
