Currently, there are a large number of people who like to keep exotic fish at home. And their maintenance and breeding cannot be done without special equipment. If you are going to have fish in an aquarium, you will definitely need a water heater. With its help it is possible to maintain optimal temperature V artificial reservoir for the full development and functioning of residents.

There is a wide variety of aquarium heaters:

1. Submersible. They are made from a variety of materials (plastic, titanium, glass). They have the shape of a flask with a heating element inserted inside it. This heater is partially or completely lowered into the aquatic environment.
2. . The thermostat of this type of device is located outside the aquarium. This saves interior space.
   
   
3. Heating cables. Perfect for heating round aquariums. The cable is placed underground. This ensures even heating of the water.
   
   
4. Mats for heating water. They should be installed under the aquarium. The water is heated through the bottom of the container.
   
   

Aquarium heater with thermostat

If the aquarium contains tropical fish, the water temperature should be an order of magnitude higher than the air temperature in the room. To maintain uniform water temperature during the day and night, aquarium heaters with a special thermostat are installed. The latter is equipped with a sensor. It heats the water to set temperature, after which it turns off the heating element. When the water temperature begins to drop, the thermostat turns the device back on.

The thermostat allows you to maintain a certain microclimate, and aquarists do not have to worry that their pets will die due to hypothermia or overheating of the water.

There are two types of thermostats:

Thermostats are also divided into:

1. Built-in. Together with the heating element they are located in a sealed housing, which is installed directly into the aquatic environment.
2. Remote. Installed outside the aquarium. They are connected using a wire to a temperature sensor located in the aquarium.

Using a water heater

The water heater should be used strictly according to the following rules:

1. The heater is turned on only after immersion in an aquatic environment.
2. Before immersing the heater in water, you need to unplug all electrical appliances.
3. Do not use damaged water heaters.
4. If the wire is damaged, the entire device should be replaced, not just the wire.
5. Use the water heater strictly for its intended purpose.

Installation

To maintain the desired microclimate in the aquatic environment, you need to know how to install a heater in an aquarium. The water heater can be installed in both horizontal and vertical positions. When installed vertically, the adjustment handle should be positioned above water level. When positioned horizontally, the heater is completely immersed in the aquatic environment.

The heater body is usually marked with water immersion level marks. The appliance must be installed so that the water is above the minimum immersion level. Over time, water evaporates, so you need to ensure that it does not fall below the minimum level.

The heater must not be installed in gravel or sand.

A bracket is installed under the heater head, which is attached to the wall of the aquarium using suction cups.

Please note that the installed device can only be turned on after 15-20 minutes. During this time, the temperature of the heater will become equal to the temperature of the water in the artificial reservoir. Only after this the device is connected to the network.

How to make it yourself

By making a device for heating an aquarium yourself, you can save significantly. The most ancient method of heating water was burning dry fuel. For this purpose, the aquarium was equipped with a small firebox. This method was used mainly when transporting fish, especially in winter time. We can only imagine how troublesome this was.

Over time, people learned to make an aquarium heater with their own hands - from a resistor. To do this, the latter was placed in the middle of an ordinary test tube. Due to the fact that air does not conduct heat well, the void between the resistor and the glass began to be filled with test tubes quartz sand. The neck of the test tube was filled with a waterproof compound. According to users, such a heater is quite capable.

There is also a salt heater for an aquarium. Let's look at how to make it yourself.

Before you start making a salt heater, you need to familiarize yourself with the safety rules for working with electrical appliances.

Required materials:

1. Plastic bottle.
2. Electrical cable with plug (can be removed from a broken device).
3. 2 copper rings 15-20 mm long.
4. Medium hard wire 20 cm long.

First of all, you need to make three holes in the bottle cap. We insert two wires with stripped edges into two holes. Copper rings are attached to the wires and flattened using a hammer. Under no circumstances should the ends of the wires touch each other, otherwise short circuit. You need to place weights in the bottle; for this you can use soil from an aquarium or stones.

Fill the bottle with water. The wires must be located below water level. The third hole in the plug is needed for condensation to escape. To attach a home-made heater, we use medium-hard wire. We wrap one end of the wire around the neck of the bottle, and bend the other in the shape of a hook and hang it on the wall of the aquarium. We place our device for heating water in the aquarium so that the neck is above the water level of the artificial reservoir.

Why is the heater stated to be salt? It's simple! To regulate its temperature you need to add it to the bottle. brine . To increase the temperature, add more solution. It is very important not to overdo it, otherwise you risk losing your pets due to boiling water. All manipulations with homemade water heater carry out only after disconnecting from the network.

For creation homemade heater Only take it if you have at least a little experience in electrical repair! Otherwise, it can be dangerous for both you and your pets.

For the full development and vital activity of tropical fish, you simply cannot do without an aquarium heater. It doesn’t matter whether you bought it in a store or decided to make it yourself, the main thing is to follow safety precautions when working with it.

To keep fish in a home pond, you cannot do without additional equipment, for example, for the normal growth and health of the inhabitants, you need an aquarium heater. With its help, a constant microclimate in the reservoir is achieved. Before purchasing, an aquarist must understand what it is for, how it works, how to choose the best one, and whether it is possible to make one yourself.

To maintain an optimal microclimate in your home pond, you need to properly install an aquarium water heater. There are special marks on the body of the device indicating the liquid level. The device is installed so that there is water above the bottom mark. Since the liquid evaporates over time, it will be necessary to periodically adjust its volume in the container.

Do not install the water heater on gravel or sand located at the bottom, otherwise the device will quickly fail.

The heater is fixed to the walls of the vessel using a bracket with suction cups. This improves heating performance and efficiency. After installation, you need to wait about 20 minutes before plugging it into the network. The device must equalize its temperature with the surrounding liquid, then heating will occur gradually and evenly.

Types

The aquarium water heater is available in several types, although they are no different in operating principle - electrical heating in a sealed environment.

1. Submersible - comes in a durable case, similar to a glass, titanium or plastic flask. It is designed to be secured inside a container for the purpose of heating water.
   
2. Flow-through – produced in a plastic housing. Located outside the aquarium - attached to the tube external filter. This installation method allows you to save money and also create a flow of warm, oxygenated, water.
3. Heating cables are laid on the bottom of the container and covered with soil. They evenly heat the water in the home pond and additionally create liquid circulation.
   
4. Heating mats are located under the vessel. They evenly radiate heat passing through the bottom and heat the water.
   

Aquarium heaters with thermostat. They are considered the most convenient.

With thermostat

In conventional devices, after reaching the set temperature, it continues to work and heat the liquid. It needs to be constantly turned off and then turned on again so that the water does not have time to cool down.

Heaters for aquariums with a thermostat have a specially built-in sensor that turns it off at the desired temperature, and turns it on when the water cools down again.

There are different types of aquarium heaters with a thermostat:

• Electronic thermal heaters. High accuracy, but high cost.
• Mechanical. They cost much less than their electronic counterparts, but they are often mistaken in their readings by several degrees.

Calculation of required power

An important indicator when purchasing equipment is the choice of power, which depends on the volume of the container. Most often, it is enough to purchase a thermostat for the aquarium or a simple heater with a power of 1–1.5 watts per 1 liter of water. It is better to choose devices that have a small reserve, so that when disconnected central heating, it was possible to increase the heating.

With your own hands

When deciding to make a water heater for an aquarium with your own hands, you need to take into account the risk of electric shock during its operation. Although many are able to make safe aquarium heaters.

For production you will need:

• resistance resistors;
• a piece of tube with thick walls;
• dry filler;
• durable thermostat.

Manufacturing scheme:

1. The number of identical resistors to generate suitable power is calculated.
2. The size of the glass tube is determined (depending on the number of resistors). You should leave approximately 15 cm of free space in the tube.
3. Dry filler is selected. Cleaned and calcined sand is suitable.
4. The bottom of the tube is coated with sealant (for insulation), and then closed with a rubber stopper.
5. A power wire connected to the thermostat is soldered to the upper and lower resistors.
6. The heater is placed vertically inside so that the top of the tube does not show out of the water. The device must be secured to the walls of the vessel using suction cups.

Which one to choose

The choice of an aquarium heater should be made carefully, since the health of the inhabitants of the home pond may depend on it. The thermostat must meet several points:

• optimal power;
• presence of a thermostat;
• type of device;
• ease of installation and fastening;
• verified manufacturer.

Selection rules

1. The power of the device must correspond to the size of the aquarium.
2. To check operation, it is better to use an additional thermometer.
3. If the bottom of the vessel is strewn with small pebbles, it is better to choose a heater in the form of a thermal cable to control the water temperature.
4. For large aquariums, several devices with high power are needed.

The best

There are many manufacturers on the market, but only a few of them are worth considering.

1. Heaters for aquariums with a Juwel thermostat are available in several versions, with different powers. They have universal fastenings suitable for different types containers.
2. Tetra devices have a special regulator for heating water in the aquarium. Sealed lids and housing allow you to fearlessly immerse it in water. Often used for large aquariums. You can check whether the device is working using the indicator light. Tetra has a double heating element. It distributes heat evenly. There are convenient suction cups for attaching to the walls.
3. The compact Aquael device is mounted on glass in any position, does not burn the inhabitants and has a built-in overheating system. It is easy to install and easy to maintain.

Purpose

Breeding some species of fish is not possible without heaters. The aquarium heater is responsible for creating a comfortable living environment. Using such a device allows you to heat the water to the desired temperature and maintain it while it is working. In addition, it prevents the contents from stagnating in the home pond. Many fish do not tolerate sudden temperature changes in their habitat, and they can get sick and die.

1. First of all, you need to follow the rules of care. From time to time, wipe the surface of the thermostat in the aquarium and remove frozen dirt.
2. Need to follow additional measures safety, since during operation there is a risk of damage to the cable, which can lead to a short circuit.
3. Before washing, the devices in the aquarium must be turned off.
4. Do not disassemble the heater while washing; wipe only the outside.
5. The device must be used for its intended purpose.
6. If the thermal cord or power cord is damaged, you should immediately stop using this device.
7. Even if you buy the most expensive heater, in addition you need to install a thermometer, which will check the thermostat readings.

Proper operation of the heater will allow you to maintain a certain water temperature constantly and distribute it evenly throughout the entire volume of your home pond.

One of the most important factors The safe keeping of aquarium fish is the water temperature, sometimes up to +27 °C. Without human intervention, it is almost impossible to provide the necessary parameters. Aquarium heaters are used for this, often with a thermostat. We will talk about their types and methods of use in this article.

Briefly about the purpose

The water in the aquarium can cool down in a few minutes. This is especially true for the cold season, when the temperature of residential premises depends on the weather and the conscientiousness of the stokers.

Did you know? The aquarium, made of gold, costs $5 million and is called the Golden Dragon.

There are many more factors that affect temperature that a novice aquarist may not even be aware of. For example:

• warmth from lighting fixtures and the distance from them containers;
• design: shape, volume, is there a lid, a gasket under the container, the presence of an internal volumetric background, is it located on a stand;
• is there a flow system from the water supply;
• number of water changes.

Therefore, you cannot do without heating the water in the aquarium. Heaters are used for this purpose.

Species

Aquarium heaters are divided into three types based on location.

1. Remote. Their advantages:

• are not contaminated by waste products of the inhabitants;
• increased service life;
• relatively cheap.

2. Containers built directly into the body, complete with heating element.

3. Submersibles look like a cylinder that is lowered into the water. The body is made from:

• plastics;
• glass;
• titanium.

And now more about each type of water heater in an aquarium.

Heaters

The simplest device - water heater in an aquarium without a thermostat. It is a glass or metal tube with a sealed inside nichrome thread. According to the principle of operation, it vaguely resembles the well-known boiler. In Soviet times, during the era of total shortages, it was the boiler that was used as a replacement for the heater. Even now, experienced fish lovers do not disdain this primitive device - in a hopeless situation, of course.

You need to very clearly grasp the moment when the boiler needs to be removed, so as not to end up with fish soup made from precious fish. Some craftsmen connect a boiler with temperature sensors. However modern market aquarium equipment provides a lot of options for ensuring such indicators as temperature.

Electromechanical thermostats

An improved mechanical heater is a metal or glass tube filled with a heater and thermostat, hermetically sealed. Thermostat- bimetallic plate. The property of metals to expand when heated ensures automatic switching on and off.

This device is reliable in operation, but sometimes distorts the indicators. To prevent troubles, measure the water temperature with a regular thermometer.

Electronic thermostats

It looks like a tube. Inside there is an electronic “filling” that provides functions. Such a thermostat has capabilities that Soviet aquarists could see only in a dream or in Western European specialty stores, if they managed to get abroad.

The advantages include:

• high accuracy (up to 0.1°C);
• presence of an electronic scoreboard;
• sound alarm when overheating.

Flaws:

• high cost;
• unreliability.

Did you know? The first aquarium was created in England in the 19th century.

Heating cables

They are a long elastic tube with a heating element, which is installed in the soil of the container.

Advantages:

• the entire mass of water is heated evenly;
• additional circulation is created;
• the aesthetic component wins;
• very useful for plants planted in an aquarium.

Flaws:

• when replacing faulty cables, you have to disturb the entire interior;
• The ecosystem design has limitations - you cannot use heavy stones that can squeeze or damage the heating system.

Heating mats

Rugs, or heating mats, placed under the container. The operating principle is the same as heated floors, water mattresses, heating pads.

Advantages:

• water and soil are evenly heated from below, which is extremely beneficial for plants;
• cold layers do not stagnate at the bottom, the environment in the entire aquarium is the same temperature.

The disadvantages include inconvenient installation and replacement - you have to remove the aquarium. If it is large, then it becomes clear that this is a whole undertaking that cannot be done without help.

Flow thermostats

This device is mounted vertically on the return hose of the external filter. Appreciated by fans. It provides:

• interior improvement;
• stable flow of warm water.

Flaws:

• used only in large volumes;
• There are no low power devices on sale.

Thermofilters

Thermofilter- a device built into external system equipment.

Important! The entire life support system in the aquarium depends on the smooth operation of this device.

Advantages:

• has a digital display;
• reliable in operation;
• heating accuracy is high;
• does not spoil the design.

How to make a choice?

To ensure optimal temperature regime residents will have to resolve the issue - how to choose a heater for an aquarium.

You should be guided by a number of rules that have been developed by generations of aquarists and which are successfully applied to this day. Experienced amateurs advise:

• buy an aquarium heater with an automatic thermostat in one housing and with more power than needed in terms of volume;
• do not save when purchasing;
• buy only branded products;
• after purchase in manual mode, use a thermometer to check the correct settings of the thermostat;
• pay attention to the safety of the device - it must have good electrical insulation;
• choose a heater with a grill to protect the fish from burns.

In practice, automatic thermostats that have been in operation for more than a year do not always turn off. There is no consensus on the use of an aquarium automatic thermostat. Some hobbyists believe that at night the temperature of the water in the aquarium should drop, as in nature. Others are of the opinion that this is not at all necessary, since some fish live at the same temperature year-round for 20 years, and nothing bad is done to them.

Depending on what point of view a particular amateur adheres to, the question of whether he needs an automatic thermostat or not is decided.

The following brands of equipment for aquariums are known:

They produce immersion heaters, which have proven themselves to be high-quality and reliable, designed for aquariums from 25 liters to 300 liters. They are also suitable for containers up to 1500 l.

Calculation of power depending on the volume and temperature of water

As already noted, the most important thing when choosing a heater is the power rating. It should have an indicator of 1 W per 1 liter, but in practice 0.7–0.8 W per 1 liter is used. It follows from this that before you buy a heater, you need to calculate its power. You can also adjust your own calculations using the parameters indicated on the device packaging.

Important! If you install a heater that is more powerful than necessary, it will continually turn on and off and thus will not last long.

The approximate volume-power correspondence is as follows:

• 25W - 10-25 l.
• 50W - 30-60 l.
• 75W - 60-80 l.
• 100W - 80-120 l.
• 150W - 120-170 l.
• 200W - 170-220 l.
• 250W - 220-280 l.
• 300W - 280-350 l.

This is a relatively rough estimate. It is imperative to take into account the difference between the desired temperature in the aquarium and the actual temperature in the room. It is important to remember that the heater must keep the temperature at a constant level.

Experienced aquarists place two heaters at half power at different ends of the aquarium, which ensures more uniform heating. From time to time, the water temperature is controlled manually; there is no need to recklessly trust the technology, it also sometimes fails.

Did you know? The aquarium, listed in the Guinness Book of Records, has a volume of 22.7 thousand cubic meters.

Breeding fish has its own subtleties. And the more their lover knows, the more luxurious his aquarium will be. I am happy myself and pleased to see the admiration on the faces of friends and acquaintances who came to visit.

You can make an aquarium heater with your own hands, but I would prefer a “store-bought” option, as our fathers say. Let’s try to figure out what an “Aquarium Heater” is and what it is needed for.

Many fish are inhabitants of tropical and warm rivers, so the water temperature suitable for their life is about 26-27 degrees Celsius. Therefore, water heaters for aquariums are very important equipment. While in summer the water may be warm enough, in winter without an aquarium heater the fish may simply die.

Why is it necessary buy an aquarium heater:

• In winter, the water in the aquarium may be too cold;
• the water temperature is different at night and during the day, and fish do not tolerate sudden changes;
• For many fish, the optimal water temperature for life is often higher than room temperature, which means that the water will not warm up to the required levels on its own.

Keep in mind that the thermometer readings in daytime may be false because the lighting lamps add to the temperature in the aquarium. Therefore, you must be sure that the water is exactly the right temperature for the fish before you decide to buy an aquarium heater. Modern aquarium heaters are equipped with temperature sensors so as not to overheat the water.

Temperature regulators for aquarium– these are aquarium heaters with a built-in regulator. That is, you set the required temperature that it should maintain, the thermostat heats the water to it. Next, it turns off and turns on again when the temperature drops below the required temperature. Aquarium thermostats There are mechanical and electronic. Mechanical ones are less accurate (the error is 1-2 degrees) but are cheap. Electronic ones have amazing accuracy in measuring temperature, but at the same time they are not cheap at all. And this despite the fact that many manufacturers are just starting to produce electronic thermostats, and their electronics fail quite quickly. Thermostats for aquariums in most cases (with the exception of some models) come without a built-in thermometer. This means that it measures the temperature for itself, but does not show the temperature for you. It is advisable to purchase a thermometer along with the thermostat. This is necessary to control the thermostat itself (just in case), and also in the summer. When water overheats in summer, it needs to be cooled. Refrigerators for aquariums are very expensive, and they make a lot of noise. Therefore, the water in the aquarium is cooled mainly by frequent changes of cold water.

When choosing heaters for an aquarium, you should pay attention to the following characteristics:

• the presence of temperature control - it is better if it is;
• correct choice of power.

It is generally believed that 10 watts is enough to heat 4.5 liters of water. For large aquariums, it is better to choose not one powerful device, but several weaker ones - this makes it easier to heat the water evenly. If the room is cool in winter, it is better to aquarium heater was more powerful than the volume of water required.

Advantages of modern aquarium heaters:

• reliability;
• can be placed completely underwater;
• don't get shocked.

Please be aware that heaters may become inaccurate over time, so check the thermometer periodically. Just in this case, the possibility of adjustment will be a plus. If the soil at the bottom of the aquarium is fine, then it is best to use a special heater in the form of a thermal cable, which is laid on the bottom. In this case, you get two important advantages:

• help plants;
• warm water rises to the surface, avoiding stagnation in the ground.

How to choose a water heater?

Rod heaters are manufactured as moisture-permeable (they must be installed in the aquarium so that upper part was above the water level), and in sealed versions. The maximum immersion depth of the latter is indicated by the manufacturer and is quite sufficient for an aquarium (usually about 1 m). In most cases immersion heaters combined with a thermostat built into the housing.

When choosing a heater, pay attention to its length, which should ensure the possibility of its placement in the aquarium. Domestic heaters, unlike foreign ones, have the same length, which does not depend on power.

When using a heater without automatic temperature control, you should take into account temperature fluctuations in the room and choose a heater of such power that the water temperature in the aquarium does not rise above 28-30 ° C. You can install two heaters and turn off one of them on hot days.

Table 1 shows the heater power values ​​for heating water in aquariums of various sizes to a certain temperature.

Aquarium volume, l	Difference between water temperatures in the aquarium and in the room, °C
	2	4	6	8	10	12	15	20
20	5	12	17	22	29	34	59	80
40	9	18	26	36	46	55	100	125
60	12	23	35	47	59	70	128	140
80	14	29	43	56	70	85	144	170
100	17	33	49	66	82	99	150	200
150	20	43	65	86	108	127	200	250
200	26	52	78	104	130	156	210	300
250	30	60	91	121	150	182	270	360
400	42	82	124	169	208	247	390	500

There are two opinions regarding the advisability of using an automatic temperature controller. Some believe that natural temperature conditions should be simulated in the aquarium, i.e. the temperature should drop at night and experience seasonal fluctuations, which the thermostat cannot provide. Others believe that this is completely unnecessary. For example, R. Riel and H. Bensch write: “In an aquarium, with the help of an automatic regulator, we can provide the fish with a constant temperature. The widely held belief that the temperature in an aquarium should change according to its daily rhythm is incorrect. natural conditions. This is confirmed by fish that have lived in an aquarium for 10 or even 20 years, which is hardly possible under natural conditions.”

Still, it is better to choose an aquarium heater combined with an automatic thermostat in one housing. It's more convenient and takes less time less space. The main thing is not to miss the mark with power. It is better to purchase a heater with more power.

Heaters with a thermostat that automatically turn off when the desired temperature is reached are much better than simple ones. If your aquarium is equipped with such a fairly powerful heater, then ventilate the room as much as you like - it will maintain the desired temperature, and when the room gets warmer it will turn off. This is ideal.

But in practice, they do not always turn off, especially after a year or more of continuous operation. An ear in an aquarium is a most unpleasant sight, costing a lot of nerves and money. Buying an aquarium heater is exactly the case when you don’t need to save money.

Here is the reliability and accuracy of the temperature sensor, as well as mechanical strength glass flask, above all. Buy products only from well-known manufacturers of aquarium equipment. Be sure to consult with the store salesperson. If this store sells aquarium fish, then take a look at commercial aquariums. What heaters are installed there and what do the fish look like? If possible, visit aquarium forums on the Internet.

In a word, choosing a reliable model is very important... And yet, even if you bought the best heater in the world, don’t be too lazy to check with a thermometer whether its thermostat is set correctly.

Using a water heater

The heaters are manufactured in accordance with currently valid safety standards. The heater may only be turned on when electrical network with the parameters corresponding to those indicated on the heater itself and its packaging. It is forbidden to turn on the heater when it is removed from the water. Before each operation related to the heater, you MUST DISCONNECT the voltage. Before you put your hand in the water, make sure that the heater and all electrical appliances in the aquarium are UNCONNECTED from the mains. Do not use a damaged heater or a heater with a damaged wire. The connecting wire must not be changed or repaired; in this case, the entire heater must be replaced. Also DO NOT MOUNT A SWITCH on a wire.
The water level must always be above the minimum immersion level, the MINIMUM WATER LEVEL mark marked on the heater body. The maximum immersion depth of the heater is 80 cm. The heater is intended for use only in enclosed spaces and exclusively in aquariums.

How to install a heater in an aquarium

The heater is waterproof and can be installed in the aquarium either in a vertical position - with the adjustment handle located above the water surface, or in a horizontal position - completely submerged. Do not insert the heater into sand or gravel. The water level must always be above the minimum immersion level, the MINIMUM WATER LEVEL mark marked on the heater body. It is necessary to remember that the water level is constantly decreasing as a result of evaporation. The heater is attached to the wall of the aquarium using a bracket with two suction cups, which should be attached to the heater directly below the head. The heater must be fixed in the aquarium in a place where there is constant and uniform circulation of water. ATTENTION! Only about 15 minutes after installing the heater in the aquarium, when the temperature of the bimetallic switch in the heater becomes equal to the temperature of the water in the aquarium, can the heater be connected to the power supply.

Heater temperature adjustment

It takes some time for the heater to work well in a new environment. Temperature stabilization involves cyclical replenishment of heat, which the aquarium constantly releases to its surroundings. When the control light is on, it means that the heater is currently working; when it goes out, it means that the heater is off. Assuming that the heater power is selected correctly and that the room temperature corresponds to the specified adjustment range, the desired water temperature can be set by turning the control knob. Applied with outside The scale allows you to only roughly set the desired temperature. Due to the fact that the conditions environment Your settings may be different (for example, temperature and air movement, intensity of water circulation, heat transfer area of ​​the aquarium, etc.), the regulator may operate in a slightly different way than during factory calibration. Therefore, it is recommended to monitor the water temperature in the aquarium using a thermometer for some time after connection. And if necessary, adjust the water temperature using the regulator. Do not exceed the permissible adjustment range (a noticeable increase in resistance when turning the handle).

Aquarium heater maintenance.

The heater must not be disassembled into parts. Maintenance consists of periodically cleaning the outer surface of the heater with a soft sponge. If the boiler stone settles, it must be carefully removed using a special tool. funds. After removing the stone, the heater should be rinsed thoroughly.

Finally, a video reviewing a heater with a thermostat:

The list of necessary aquarium equipment includes an aquarium heater, which helps keep fish in a comfortable habitat. This is important for the good life, growth and health of the fish. There are several recommendations regarding the choice of such a device.

Do you need a heater in an aquarium?

To answer this question, it is necessary to consider the main functions of this device:

1. Heating water. Using the device, you can heat the liquid in the aquarium by only 3-5°C; you don’t need to think that it works like a boiler. It is necessary if the room is cold or if they live in an aquarium tropical species fish
2. Temperature stabilization. Many people are interested in whether it is possible to do without a heater in an aquarium, but it all depends on what kind of fish a person has chosen, since for many aquatic inhabitants a temperature fluctuation of even a couple of degrees is unacceptable, since the immune system suffers, and this can cause death. Most of all, such jumps are typical for aquariums small size, so in this case the heater will be a mandatory device.
3. An aquarium heater creates, albeit insignificant, movement of layers of water, which promotes mixing of the liquid, and this prevents stagnation.

Which aquarium heater to choose?

There are several classifications used for heating equipment. Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages, which should be taken into account in order to choose the most appropriate one for a particular case. suitable option. An aquarium water heater may have different designs, thanks to which it can be mounted in different parts vessel, providing the desired heating of the liquid.

Flow-through heater for aquarium

Devices of this type involve passing water through themselves. There is a special heating element inside, which heats the water as it passes through it. Flow heaters for an aquarium turn on automatically when liquid movement begins. Such a device must have high power. The disadvantages of this type include high energy consumption.

Submersible heater for aquarium

This option is more common, and it has several subtypes:

External heater for aquarium

In most cases, such a device is built into the system of an external remote filter, that is, the water that passes through it will not only be cleaned, but also heated. There is another option for an external heater, which is a heating pad made of rubberized material, which contains flexible heating elements. The water is heated through the glass bottom of the vessel. An external aquarium heater with a thermostat has a drawback - a lot of heat goes into the stand. Heating through the bottom provokes rapid growth bacteria.

Bottom heater for aquarium

In such cases, use heating cables, which is laid along the bottom before filling the soil. The main characteristics include:

1. Their main task is to ensure the movement of water flow in the soil, which helps prevent its acidification.
2. This aquarium heater with a thermostat helps to heat the bottom layer of water, which is always colder when in use. traditional options equipment.
3. It is recommended to use the bottom heating option as an additional option to any of the previously discussed devices.
4. The cable cannot be laid in a shallow one and it should account for about 1/3 of the total power.

How to choose a heater for an aquarium?

There are several important points, which you should pay attention to when purchasing such equipment:

1. The aquarium heater must have a thermostat to maintain a constant water temperature. When the required value is reached, the device will turn off and start working again when the water cools down. The thermostat can be immersed in water or placed outside the aquarium.
2. Some heaters have additional features, for example, forced emergency shutdown in the absence of water.
3. When figuring out how to choose a heater for an aquarium, it is worth noting that different devices can regulate temperatures differently. In some models you can set a range, and in others a specific value that will be constantly maintained. When choosing, it is recommended to pay attention to the adjustment interval.
4. A heater for or a vessel of any other shape may have different area heating This information can be read in the instructions that came with the device.
5. Pay attention to the package; if necessary, the kit should include fasteners or a protective cover that will prevent damage to fragile parts.
6. If you need to select a heater for sea ​​water, then be sure to check whether the salt will damage the parts of the selected device.

Aquarium heater power

One of the most important indicators One thing that should definitely be taken into account when choosing such equipment is power. Its value is determined taking into account the volume of the selected vessel. In most cases, a water heater for an aquarium with and without a thermostat should have 1-1.5 watts per 1 liter of water. Experts recommend choosing devices with a small margin, that is, with a large power rating, in order to increase heating if something happens, for example, if the room is too cold.

Which aquarium heater is best?

There are several manufacturers that offer similar devices that have earned respect among people. Many people are interested in which is the best heater to buy for an aquarium, but it is difficult to single out just one manufacturer, since it all depends on the requirements set by the buyer. It is worth noting that many aquarium manufacturers simultaneously produce additional equipment, among which there are heaters. In this case, it is better to choose all of the same brand.

Aquarium heater "Juwel"

Under this name you can purchase several devices of different capacities, so you can choose the option for your volume. Water heaters in the Juwel aquarium have the following characteristics:

1. The device has a built-in thermostat. In order to start using it, you just need to set the required temperature on the top of the heater and the value will be maintained in the specified range. The device will turn off when the required temperature is reached and turn on when the water cools down.
2. The aquarium heater has a standard mount suitable for all types of containers. If the device was purchased for Juwel aquariums, then it can be installed inside the housing of the built-in internal biological filter.

Aquarium heater "Tetra"

Among the equipment of this company, one can highlight the “TETRATEC HT 25W” device, which has a special temperature controller from 19 to 31°C.

1. Given the presence of a waterproof case and cover, the heater can be safely completely immersed in water.
2. The presented Tetra aquarium heater can be used for aquariums with a volume of 10-25 liters.
3. The device has a control light indicator. It is easy to install as it has a long cable.
4. The TETRATEC HT 25W aquarium heater distributes heat evenly because it has a double ceramic heating element.
5. There are two suction cups for attaching to glass.

"Aquael" heater for aquarium

Several devices are produced under this brand, and among them we can highlight the “Aquael Easyheater 50w”, which has no analogues on the market.

1. The compact device is easily mounted on glass, and it can work not only in a vertical, but also in a horizontal position.
2. The water heater in the aquarium does not burn the body of fish and other marine inhabitants. Its temperature range is large - 18-36°C.
3. The device has a built-in overheating system and is easy to maintain and install.

How to install a heater in an aquarium?

The equipment for maintaining the required temperature is waterproof, so it can be installed in a vertical position (the adjustment handle must be above the water surface) and in a horizontal position (completely immersed in water). There are several nuances on how to install a heater in an aquarium:

1. Do not insert the equipment into sand or gravel as this may cause damage to the equipment.
2. Make sure that the water is always above the minimum immersion level. For this purpose, the device has a special mark on the body. Remember that the liquid level is constantly falling as evaporation occurs.
3. A heater for turtles in an aquarium or fish is in most cases attached to the wall using a bracket with two suction cups. Each equipment comes with detailed instructions.
4. The device should be mounted in a place where there is constant and uniform circulation of water.
5. After the heater is installed and filled with water, you must wait at least 15 minutes for the temperature of the bimetallic switch to equal the value of the liquid, and only then turn it on.