Water heater for an aquarium: review, types, instructions for use and reviews. Secrets for maintaining temperature using aquarium heaters Which aquarium thermostat is the best manufacturer?

One of important conditions Keeping fish at home is to maintain a stable temperature in the aquarium, which, without human intervention, always corresponds to the microclimate in the room. Sharp fluctuations within 2–4 degrees, caused by an open window or turned off heating, negatively affect the health of aquatic organisms.

This is especially true where temperature changes can occur in a matter of minutes. In addition, during the year situations arise when the room is too cold for a long period, and this can cause serious damage to the entire ecosystem.

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. Has a plastic housing and is mounted in a vertical position on the return hose 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.

Aquarium heater with thermostat

The main inconveniences when using the heater are related to the need to constantly monitor its operation. 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. Possess high accuracy(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.

Built-in - mounted in a sealed housing together with heating element. With this configuration, the entire water control and heating system becomes very compact and easy to use.

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 cord 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 immersion heaters for an aquarium 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.

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 series-soldered resistors 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 so 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.

Conclusions

There is a theory according to which aquatic organisms 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.

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 the optimal temperature in artificial reservoir for the full development and functioning of residents.

There is a wide variety of aquarium heaters:

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.
. The thermostat of this type of device is located outside the aquarium. This saves interior space.
Heating cables. Perfect for heating round aquariums. The cable is placed underground. This ensures even heating of the water.
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:

Built-in. Together with the heating element they are located in a sealed housing, which is installed directly into the aquatic environment.
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:

The heater is turned on only after immersion in an aquatic environment.
Before immersing the heater in water, you need to unplug all electrical appliances.
Do not use damaged water heaters.
If the wire is damaged, the entire device should be replaced, not just the wire.
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:

Plastic bottle.
Electrical cable with plug (can be removed from a broken device).
2 copper rings 15-20 mm long.
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. The ends of the wires should never touch each other, otherwise a short circuit will occur. 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 functioning of tropical fish, you simply cannot do without 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.

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 It is possible to maintain a suitable microclimate in an artificial reservoir without much difficulty, but in winter, without a special device for heating the 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, the water in the aquarium can 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 of 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?

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.
Do not install the tube at the bottom of the aquarium. Minimum distance from the bottom is 20 mm.
The tube is installed near the oxygen filter. Air emissions contribute to uniform heating of the water mass throughout the aquarium.
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 when maintained at an appropriate temperature, which is typically 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 given 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

The advantages of using a water heater include the ability to constantly maintain the required temperature in the aquarium, which is necessary for fish native to tropical countries.

The latest technology is built-in temperature sensors that allow you to automatically set the operating mode of the water heater depending on the ambient temperature. Such a device will relieve aquarists from the need to constantly check the temperature and adjust the parameters of the heating element.

The disadvantages experienced aquarists include is the impossibility of maintaining a natural temperature balance, when during the day the water is somewhat warmer than at night. When using a water heater, the temperature remains constant around the clock, unless you regulate this process yourself. It is difficult to guess with the quality of the equipment. When using a water heater, there is always a small risk of malfunction, in which the temperature sensor can independently increase the temperature to a critical level. This situation can be eliminated by purchasing a heater with a low power that will not allow the water temperature to rise above 28 degrees Celsius. Damage to the housing may result in a short circuit in the aquarium, followed by the death of its inhabitants.

Video review of one of these devices

Calculation of parameters for a specific aquarium

When choosing a water heater, you need to take into account the parameters of the aquarium, the requirements of specific inhabitants and the temperature difference between the parameters of the room and the water.

The length of the heater is selected based on the height of the aquarium walls. The body of the device must be completely immersed in water. Special attention it is necessary to pay attention to the power of the heating element. For large aquariums, it is recommended to purchase two low-power devices to uniformly heat the water in the aquarium. The power is selected in accordance with the volume of the aquarium; the following summary table will help you navigate:

The top row shows the difference between the air temperature and the water temperature without using a heating element. Power (watt) is determined by the ratio of the volume of the aquarium and this difference.

To measure the temperature of the water in the aquarium, it is necessary to place the thermometer closer to the bottom, since the water temperature at the surface is somewhat warmer. This difference occurs as a result of surface heating lighting device and the special thermal conductivity of water, when heat rises from the bottom to the surface.

To ensure uniform heating of the water in the aquarium, it is necessary to choose the right location for installing the water heater. It is not recommended to place the device in a corner, since in this case the current will not pick up warm streams of water and carry them throughout the reservoir. Most suitable place is the lower level back wall reservoir. The water heater is mounted on suction cups in a horizontal position. It is better to direct the filter stream towards the heater so that the water flows help the heat spread throughout the entire volume of the aquarium. When using for the first time, it is not recommended to keep your hands in the water while the water heater is on, as the device may become faulty and cause an electric shock.

Before installing the device, you must read the instructions to avoid emergency situations and damage to the heating element.
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Terms of use

Immediately after purchase, you must rinse the heater flask in running water. To assess the serviceability of the device, you need to place the device in an empty aquarium (without inhabitants), wait until the temperature of the device drops to the water temperature (about 20 minutes). Plug in the device and set the required temperature. If the heater worked without failures for 30 minutes and heated the water to the required temperature, you can introduce inhabitants into the tank. You cannot use the water heater in an aquarium that does not have a filter. The device must be secured strictly according to the instructions; the vertical heater must not be placed in the ground. To heat the soil, there is a special heating element in the form of a wire. It is necessary to regularly (once every two weeks) clean the body of the device from plaque, algae and salt.

Temperature adjustment

At the top of the heater there are divisions with a control knob, which allows you to change the temperature parameters. The water heating error is 1 or 2 degrees Celsius. When setting the required temperature, you should take into account the error and do not set the maximum temperature. The possibility of a heater malfunction is always present, it is better to be safe. If the device has automatic sensor, the required temperature is set only once and is subsequently maintained independently.

Maintenance and repair

In order to extend the life of the device, you must follow the operating instructions.

Regularly cleaning the housing from plaque, algae and salts will help avoid premature failure. The glass body can be wiped with a light vinegar solution, and salt deposits can be wiped off with table salt and brushes. It is worth noting that the body, which consists of plastic parts Do not wipe with vinegar; cleaning with an alcohol solution is acceptable. Electrical sensors And internal elements It is necessary to clean only with solutions recommended by the manufacturers. Most often, the temperature sensor that breaks down is the one that ensures the supply of water at the specified temperature. It is impossible to repair such a malfunction, since the main part of the heating element must be replaced.

A user talks about aquarium water heaters and possible problems

Where to buy?

It is necessary to purchase a water heater only in trusted stores for aquarists.

Buying a low-quality, cheap device can lead to disastrous consequences for the inhabitants of the aquarium. It is better to overpay in price, but get a high-quality device that will last for many years.

A instantaneous water heater has the highest price, as it has a more complex structure and allows you to heat the water coming out of the filter, which, in turn, distributes a warm flow throughout the tank. The ground cable is used to heat the root systems of heat-loving plants. Ordinary adjustable heater, consisting of a heating element and a sealed flask, is the most common option that suits many aquarists in terms of price and quality.

The interaction of electric current and water leads to short circuit and can harm both humans and the inhabitants of the aquarium.

Many electrical enthusiasts and people who are familiar with the basics of electronics make such water heaters with their own hands. Previously, self-made salt water heaters were very popular. It is worth noting that such homemade devices are capable of closing if water gets inside the sealed flask, and it is extremely difficult to ensure such a tightness with your own hands. Making a water heater yourself is difficult and dangerous, but possible. Do-it-yourself water heaters were popular about five years ago, when there were no high-quality water heaters on the market. affordable prices. Nowadays, the situation has changed and you can purchase a high-quality device in almost any store for aquarists.

Proper use of a water heater and compliance with basic safety measures when using electrical appliances will help provide the tropical inhabitants of the aquarium with the temperature necessary for a comfortable and active life. It is better to buy a water heater in specialty store than to do it yourself, especially if the aquarium is inhabited by rare and expensive species of fish or plants.

The beauty of an aquarium depends not only on its choice and design, but also on how colorful its inhabitants are. It is useful to remember that the most colorful and unusual aquatic inhabitants live in tropical and equatorial waters. And their habitats are distinguished not only by their abundance various types and palm trees on the banks, but also because environment Such creatures are noticeably warmer than our everyday life, even at the height of summer. To create ideal conditions For your charming pets, the water in the aquarium must not only be purified and oxygenated, but also heated. This task is performed special device- aquarium heater.

Aquarium heater: how does it work?

Setting up a water heater for an aquarium is not difficult. His main element- a special wire that heats up under the influence of electricity. To make its use safe, the wire itself is located on a ceramic core, and is protected from contact with water by an outer casing made of glass or plastic.

If glass is chosen for the body, it is usually heat resistant and is also closed with a special lid that ensures tightness. The cover is also used to place all the control elements of the device.

Plastic models are compact and the price is slightly higher. But this is more than justified: such a heater not only looks stylish thanks to a body made of unbreakable plastic, but is also more advanced from a technical point of view.

When choosing a heater for an aquarium, you need to remember that the larger the volume of water, the more powerful the device you need to buy - otherwise it simply will not cope with its task.

Aquarium heater: how to monitor the temperature?

Accuracy of compliance temperature regime – important element long and comfortable life every inhabitant of the aquarium water world. However, monitoring your temperature on your own is not only tedious, but often impossible. In order not to waste your time and attention, you need to purchase an aquarium heater (heater) with a thermostat.

Heaters of this type are equipped with a special sensor that constantly monitors the water temperature. As long as this temperature is within the range useful for pets, the aquarium heater works quietly and creates a cozy environment for them. But as soon as the temperature exceeds the limit set by the owner, the device detects this and turns off, allowing the water to cool to the desired level.

Thermostats can be mechanical or electronic. The most common are mechanical ones - they are distinguished by high level reliability, a little more low prices and stable operation. However, their work requires periodic inspection– they can distort the readings by several degrees, and you need to check them with a separate thermometer. Electronic models are more accurate, so they have a higher price, but they are also a little less reliable.

In addition, the thermostat with which the aquarium heater is equipped can be remote or built-in. The remote one is located mostly outside the aquarium - only the temperature sensor is immersed in the water. However, it did not become widespread, since the built-in models turned out to be much more practical and convenient. They are assembled in a single housing with a heating element, becoming compact and distinguished by an advantageous design in the form of an elongated glass flask.