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An aquarium water heater is necessary to maintain a comfortable temperature for fish and plants. In practice, it has long been proven that the health and lifespan of the inhabitants of your home ecosystem largely depend on a stable and comfortable water temperature.

The principle of operation of most heaters is approximately the same: in a sealed environment heating element gives off heat using electrical energy. Some aquarists prefer to make such heaters themselves, but it should be noted that this is very dangerous: an improperly designed device can not only electrocute fish, but also harm human health. Therefore, we strongly recommend not to experiment, but to buy a water heater for your aquarium.

You can often hear the opinion that it is necessary to choose the heater power at the rate of 1 Watt per liter, but, as a rule, they usually choose equipment with a power of 0.7–0.8 Watts per liter.

Types of water heaters for aquariums

The most commonly used aquarium heaters are:

• Flow-through. Its body is usually made of plastic and is attached to the return hose. external filter vertically. In this case, warm, oxygenated water enters the aquarium. Flow heater significantly saves useful space in the aquarium.
• Submersible. Such a heater aquarium water consists of glass, plastic or titanium. Its body has an elongated cylindrical or flask-shaped shape, and physical properties, providing heat resistance and impact resistance. This device is lowered directly into the water.
• Thermal cables. Usually laid under the ground, they evenly heat all layers of water in the aquarium and provide additional circulation.
• Mats for heating water. A fairly rare type of aquarium water heater, which is installed under the aquarium and heats it through the bottom.

The most important condition for the favorable functioning of your aquarium is maintaining a certain temperature that is optimal for a particular type of fish. Typically, fish need a temperature of 22 to 32 degrees, depending on their species.
Until recently, aquarists actively used simple
heaters. Some specialized stores still sell heaters, but purchasing them is not recommended. Now the blessed era of thermostats has arrived. The power of thermostats depends on how large the aquarium is. Experts recommend a power of 1.5 watts per 1 liter of water. For example: a 100 liter aquarium will require a 150 watt heater.
Fish owners should also know that the colder the room, the faster the water in the aquarium cools, and the greatest cooling occurs in aquariums with a large area of ​​​​its walls.

Therefore, it is best to purchase heaters “with a reserve”, i.e., more powerful ones. Such heaters easily and quickly cope with temperature drops, operate smoothly, without overheating, and last much longer. But powerful heaters must be of high quality.
It would also be useful to know that the cost of a heater does not particularly depend on its power, and neither does energy consumption. The whole question is the reliability of the device, i.e., the thermostat and the heating element. If the thermostat of a powerful heater breaks down, the inhabitants of the aquarium have two little comforting options - to die either from the cold or from unusual high temperature water. Some, in order to avoid such sad consequences, purchase 2 medium-power heaters. If one thermostat fails, another will maintain the optimal living environment. If one of the thermostats breaks down, the water will not reach critical temperature, and the fish will be fine in the end. But, as you know, good things don’t come cheap. A couple of high-quality heaters will cost you twice as much as one simple one. The right to choose is yours.

Using a water heater

Heaters are manufactured in accordance with currently valid safety standards. The heater may only be connected to an 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 it can be installed in the aquarium both in a vertical position - with the adjustment handle located above the water surface, and 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.

Types of Aquarium Heaters

To be able to create as much as possible comfortable conditions for the habitat of fish and plants, special devices are used - aquarium heaters. There are several types of them, but the principle of operation is the same for all - electrical heating of the element in a sealed environment. The most commonly used heaters are:

Submersible(plastic, glass, titanium). It consists of a heating element built into an impact-resistant, heat-resistant body in the form of a flask or elongated cylinder, and is designed to be lowered into an aqueous environment.

Flow-through. It has a plastic housing and is mounted in a vertical position on the return hose of an external filter, which saves internal space and creates a flow of warm, aerated water.

Heating cables. They are installed under and allow you to evenly heat the entire aquarium and create additional water circulation.

Heating mats. They are rectangular mats that are installed under the aquarium. The heat generated passes evenly through the bottom and increases the temperature of the water.

DIY aquarium heater

When making such a device, you need to remember that the operating conditions are associated with a serious risk of electric shock.

But if the decision is made in favor of a handicraft, then there is good option with the creation of a structure from resistors (resistances), a piece of glass tube with thick walls, dry filler and remote thermostat. Installation work occurs in the following order.

1. The power of the heating element is determined based on a special table, which takes into account the difference in temperature between that required in the aquarium and room temperature. Calculated required strength current by dividing the selected power by the applied voltage. By dividing the voltage used by the calculated current, you can obtain the resistance value of the heater. Selected required quantity identical resistors so that their total power and resistance indicator corresponds to the calculated values.

2. The length and diameter of the glass tube are determined based on the size and number of resistances.

It is important that the resistors soldered in series are placed in the tube with a free space of 15 cm.

3. Cleaned and calcined sand can be used as a filler.

4. The bottom of the glass tube is closed with a suitable rubber stopper placed on the aquarium sealant.

5. The ends of the network cable are soldered to the upper and lower resistors . The entire structure is placed in a tube and covered with sand. It is important that the sand is at the bottom of the tube and covers the top resistor.

6. The top of the tube is carefully sealed with aquarium sealant. The power cable is connected to a thermostat with a remote temperature sensor, which in turn is placed in the aquarium.

7.The heater is placed vertically in such a way that the part of the tube containing the resistors is hidden under water. The structure is attached to the wall of the aquarium using special suction cups.

Schemes for manufacturing the thermostat itself based on a comparator and thermistors have also been developed.

Aquarium heater with thermostat

The main inconveniences when using the heater are related to with the need to constantly monitor its work. Even having reached the desired water temperature, the device still continues to function and must be disconnected from the network manually.

To get rid of this problem, a special device is used - a thermostat, which is a device with a built-in temperature sensor. It allows you to turn off the heating element when a preset value is reached and turn it on again when the water begins to cool.

This ensures a stable microclimate without temperature changes. Application modern technologies allows the production of very compact and easy-to-use thermostats.

According to manufacturing technology, they are divided into two types.

Electronic. They are highly accurate (most of them are equipped with an information board). Disadvantages include the relative high cost and lack of reliability.

Mechanical. They are found most often, are characterized by stability and reliability during operation, and are cheaper in price. They often distort real readings by several degrees, so to accurately adjust the device, you must use a separate thermometer.

According to the level of safety during operation and durability of the devices, thermostats are divided into:

• Remote - located outside the aquarium, not subject to the influence of the aquatic environment and the waste products of aquatic organisms. This increases their service life and makes it possible to use cheaper heaters and replace them without additional costs. To determine the operating mode, a separate temperature sensor is used, which is located in the aquarium and connected by a wire to the thermostat.

The latter type of design is the most popular among aquarists and is often made in the form of an elongated glass flask, inside which is located electric heater and a thermostat. For greater thermal conductivity, the space of the flask is filled with the smallest ceramic filler.

The tightness of the structure is ensured by a rubberized or plastic cap through which the power wire passes. There is also a regulator here that allows you to set the required temperature.

Well-known brands - Eheim, Fluval, Ferplast, Aquael, Tetra - produce reliable and high-quality submersible heaters for aquariums with a power thermostat from 25 to 300 W. Such devices are capable of providing necessary conditions in aquariums up to 1500 liters.

To reduce the likelihood of water overheating, there is a practice of simultaneously using several less powerful thermal devices.

In case it is not possible to purchase necessary equipment, you can do it yourself.

Our selection of the three best aquarium heaters from Aliexpress

Aquarium heater 25 W/300 W

This heating rod can provide the right warmth and maintain the temperature of the water inside the tank. It can automatically adjust the temperature as needed for the fish in the aquarium.

Peculiarities:
The temperature scale can be adjusted between 20~34℃(68~93°F).
Fully submersible, waterproof double insulation, durable and safe design.
Power indicator, ensures safe operation.
Can automatically adjust the temperature, good for fish in aquarium.
Specifications:
Color: black
Material: Glass
Plug: EU plug
Power: 25W/50W/100W/200W/300W (optional)
Voltage: 220-240 V
Frequency: 50/60 Hz
Temperature Range: 20~34℃/68~93°F
Item Length:
25W: 20.5cm/8in
50W: 21cm/8.27in
100W: 25.5cm/10in
200W: 29cm/11.43in
300W: 29cm/11.43in
Cable length: approx. 85cm/33.5in
Package Size:
25W: 26.5*7*4cm/10.4*2.76*1.57in (L*W*H)
50W: 26.5*7*4cm/10.4*2.76*1.57in (L*W*H)
100W: 30.5*7*4cm/12*2.76*1.57in (L*W*H)
200W: 36.5*7*4cm/14.4*2.76*1.57in (L*W*H)
300W: 36.5*7*4cm/14.4*2.76*1.57in (L*W*H)
Package Weight: 170g~230g/6oz~8.1oz
Note:
1. This item is only suitable for fresh water.
2. The heating rod must be completely immersed in water
3. When the indicator is on, it works.
4. Before cleaning the fish tank or heating rod, please turn off the power for 15-20 minutes to cool down the heating rod.
Package list:
1 * Heating Rod

Price: 664.37 - 819.62 rub. / piece

Special price:

418.29 - 516.59 rub. / piece

Stainless Steel Aquarium Heater with LCD Digital Thermometer

Ideal Aquarium Temperature Controller Kit Consists of: Stainless steel Water heater and LCD immersion thermometer.
Both are fully submersible, waterproof double insulation, durable and safe design.
With the easy-to-read LCD display for this thermometer, you can easily keep track of the temperature in your aquarium.
The convector will turn off automatically when the temperature is reached. A sensitive and reliable thermostat maintains an even temperature.
Parameters:
Heater:

Model: immersion heater for aquarium

Material: Stainless steel

AC input: 220V, 50Hz

Power: 50W, 100W, 200W, 300W, 500W

Temperature range: 16-32 degrees Celsius

Heater Length: 16cm/29cm/29cm/35cm/35cm

Protective cover: 6 parts, free stitching, adjustable length 15-42 cm.

Aquarium Suit:
50W: less than 50L water, about 20x30cm
100W: 50-100L water, about 40×60cm

200W: 100-200L water, about 60×80cm

300W: 150-300L water, about 80×100cm500W: 250-500L water, about 130×150cm
Thermometer:
Color: Black + Silver

Material: ABS plastic
Display: LCD digital display
Temperature range: 0°C to 50°C
Default alarm setting: maximum: 28°C; lowest: 18 °C
Power: 1*1.5V AG13 Button Battery (Not included)
Sucker Diameter: 3cm/1.2in
Product size: 50 * 30 * 20mm / 1.97 * 1.2 * 0.8in
Item Weight: 26g/0.92oz
Package:
Voltage: 220-240V 50Hz
LCD display
Adjustable temperature: 20 to 35 degrees
External design, work with filter cup
Automatic shutdown when there is no water flow insid
Note:
Connect the heater to the inner tube of the filter cup
The direction of the arrow on the heater should be the same as the direction of the water flo
Package includes:
1 x heater
2x17mm adatper for inner diameter 16mm water hose
2x22mm adapter for 20mm inner diameter water hose

Price: RUB 2,325.29 / piece

Conclusions

There is a theory according to which aquatic animals must be kept in conditions as close as possible to natural ones. Temperature changes in nature occur constantly, and there seems to be no particular need to use an aquarium heater.

But in practice it has been proven that fish and plants feel much better, get sick less and live longer in a stable microclimate. This is why using an aquarium heater with a thermostat, especially during the cold season, is more than justified.

Many aquarium fish They come from the tropics, so the optimal water temperature for their life is 26-27 degrees. Therefore, heating the water is mandatory; installing a heater in the aquarium is important point when arranging “housing” for its inhabitants. If in summer time maintain a suitable microclimate in artificial reservoir is possible without much difficulty, then in winter, without a special device for heating water, the fish may die. Let's figure out how to do this kind of work with your own hands.

Why is a heater needed?

Do you need a water heater in an aquarium and how to use it?

• IN winter time The water in the aquarium may be excessively cold.
• The water temperature is different day and night, and fish do not tolerate such changes well.
• For many fish, the optimal environmental temperature is higher than room temperature, and the water will not warm up to the required temperature on its own.

Important! Modern models water heaters maintain the best microclimate. They are equipped with temperature sensors to prevent the water from overheating.

Aquarium thermostats

These are devices with a built-in thermostat. You set the required water temperature, and the device heats it up to the required numbers. After this, it automatically turns off, turning on after the medium begins to cool.

There are 2 types of such water heating devices.

• Mechanical.
• Electronic.

Important! Mechanical devices are less accurate (the error is from 1 to 2 degrees), but have a lower cost. Electronic devices much more accurate, but their cost is much higher.

Most devices come without a built-in thermometer. The device supports optimal temperature, but does not show its value. Therefore, you need to purchase a special thermometer for water along with the thermostat.

Choosing aquarium water heater, you need to pay attention to the following characteristics:

• Correct selection of power.
• The presence of thermoregulation.

Important! It is believed that a 10 W device is enough to heat 4.5 liters of water. For an artificial reservoir of larger volume, it is better to buy not one powerful device, but several low-power ones: this way it is easier to heat the water to optimal levels.

Advantages

Modern models of water heating devices have the following advantages:

• Reliability.
• Possibility of placement under water.
• Safety.

Important! During prolonged use, the device may produce errors, so it must be checked periodically using a regular thermometer.

Now about which water heater for an aquarium is better. If you are using shallow soil, it is advisable to use a thermal cable heater. In this case, you not only maintain the necessary characteristics of the environment, but also create best conditions for aquatic plants. In addition, heated water freely rises to the surface without stagnating in the ground.

How to properly install a heater in an aquarium (video)?

Depending on the installation method, there are 2 types of aquarium water heaters:

• Non-submersible. These models go down to a certain point. Upper part the device is above the surface.

Important! The disadvantage of non-submersible devices is their short service life.

• Submersible. Such devices have a longer service life because they are completely submerged in water.

How to properly install a heater in an aquarium?

1. The device cannot be installed close to the surface, since during evaporation its upper part may be exposed to air, which leads to failure of the heater.
2. Do not install the tube at the bottom of the aquarium. Minimum distance from the bottom is 20 mm.
3. The tube is installed near the oxygen filter. Air emissions contribute to uniform heating of the water mass throughout the aquarium.
4. After the device is installed, you cannot immediately connect it to the network. Keep the time for about half an hour. In this case, the temperature of the heater and the medium will be equal.

Important! If you do not wait this time, the glass may crack. If you want to clean the aquarium, the device must be turned off.

Care issues

The device must not be disassembled. Caring for it is quite simple: its surface needs to be periodically cleaned with a soft sponge. The boiler stone must be removed by special means. After the heater is cleared of stone, it must be rinsed thoroughly.

Video material

That's it! No difficulties in installing the heater correctly in the aquarium , No. The main thing is to comply with all parameters and monitor the functionality of the device.

In modern aquariums you can find representatives of the underwater world from almost every part of the globe. Fish and plants from tropical areas can only survive if maintained at an appropriate temperature, which is generally higher than the temperature of the water kept at room temperature. In such cases, water heaters are used that are capable of maintaining the specified water parameters in the aquarium, which allows for comfortable living for almost any representative of the underwater world.

The water heater consists of an outer glass body of an elongated shape. Inside the housing there is a heating element around which a metal wire is wound. The water heater is manufactured in a waterproof or sealed housing, which prevents the possibility of short circuits. This device is not afraid of water and is completely immersed in the aquarium. The most advanced and useful are water heaters with automatic regulation (thermal sensors) of the water temperature in the aquarium. Upon reaching specified parameters the water heater turns off. This feature will make it easier to care for aquarium fish, since there will be no need to constantly check the water temperature. Water heaters vary in power. Low-power devices are suitable for small aquariums with a volume of up to 30 liters. But experienced aquarists recommend purchasing a heater maximum power, since it is quite possible that over time the size of the tank may change and the power of the old heater will be insufficient. The device operates from electrical network. A more expensive type of such device is instantaneous water heater, which cuts into the filter tube and distributes a stream of warm water throughout the aquarium. Cheaper heaters include a cable that is buried in sandy soil. Heat tends to rise from the bottom to the surface, simultaneously warming the entire thickness of the water.

Reasons and need for use

Average room temperature in an apartment or house in summer period is about 24-26 degrees Celsius, and in winter period the temperature drops to 18-20 degrees Celsius. Some species of fish, brought mainly from tropical latitudes with warm rivers, need to maintain a specific temperature all year round. In this case, the use of a water heater is necessary for the normal functioning of the inhabitants of a tropical aquarium. In addition to tropical fish, warm water love aquarium plants that stop growing or die at low temperatures. In some cases, a water heater is required for the inhabitants of the underwater world, which feel great in an aquarium with cool water. This is necessary if the aquarium is located in a cold room, where the room temperature is less than 18 degrees Celsius.

Selection criteria

You must select a water heater based on the following criteria:

• Power from 30 to 300 Watt.
• Device length. The housing must be completely submerged in water. Before purchasing, you need to measure the height of the aquarium.
• Presence or absence of a temperature sensor.
• Filler that conducts heat. There are heaters filled with sand or air. Sand-filled heaters are considered the most effective, since sand particles conduct heat better than air.
• Device quality. A faulty water heater can cause irreparable harm to the inhabitants of the aquarium.

The question of choice is discussed in detail in the video below.

Pros and cons of the device