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Best Aquarium Heaters for Tropical Fish

Kate Barrington
by Kate Barrington
Published:  March 20th, 2021

Just because you don’t live in the tropics, it doesn’t mean you can’t have a tropical tank. Here are our picks for the best aquarium heaters for tropical fish.

The key to keep your aquarium fish happy and healthy is to create a captive environment that mimics the natural habitat for your fish. Most species of aquarium fish that are popular among aquarium hobbyists are tropical fish. Unfortunately, many of the people who keep them don’t live in tropical climates. This is where an aquarium heater comes in.

Aquarium heaters are designed to help you keep your fish tank at a stable temperature – ideally, one that is perfect for your tropical fish. The best aquarium heater will be properly sized for your tank volume, easy to program, and simple to maintain. If you’re not sure what to look for in an aquarium heater for tropical fish, keep reading to see our top picks.

The Best Aquarium Heaters

When it comes to choosing an aquarium heater, you have a variety of models to consider. While most tanks do well with a submersible heater, you might decide that an inline heater or under-gravel heater is a better choice. Take the time to consider your options before making the choice that is right for you.

Here are our top 10 picks for the best aquarium heaters for tropical fish:

Fluval Electronic Heater

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One of the most popular aquarium heaters, this model comes in 100-watt, 200-watt, and 200-watt sizes. It has an LCD temperature display and a range of 68 to 93 degrees Fahrenheit. It also features a slim profile mounting bracket and automatic shutoff.

Marineland Precision Heater

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Available in eight sizes ranging from 50 watts to 400 watts, this heater is highly versatile and very affordable. It has an adjustable temperature dial that allows you to set the temperature within 1 degree and has an automatic shutoff switch for safety.

Cobalt Aquatics Neo-Therm Heater

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This adjustable heater comes in six sizes for tanks up to 55 gallons and it features a submersible, super-flat design. It is energy efficient and programmable with a simple one-touch system to set the temperature between 66 and 96 degrees F.

Aquaeon Submersible Water Heater

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The Aquaeon Submersible Water Heater is a fully submersible glass water heater for fish tanks and aquariums. It offers precise temperature setting to 1 degree, ranging from 68 to 88 degrees F. This particular water heater is 200 watts and is meant for tanks up to 75 gallons. Made with quartz shatter resistant glass, it is safe to use inside your tank and it won’t shatter everywhere if you accidentally drop it when cleaning your tank. The Aquaeon Submersible Water Heater is UL approved and has an automatic safety shut off and overheat protection, so you don’t have to worry about the tank’s water getting too warm for your fish.

The Aquaeon Submersible Water Heater also comes in a wide variety of sizes (a quick search on Amazon will lead you to the right direction) and all of them feature a shatter-resistant construction with an LED indicator light.

EHEIM Jager Thermostat Heater

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Choose from eight different models ranging from 25 watts up to 300 watts, all priced under $35. This heater is full submersible and features a TruTemp dial to recalibrate the heater for precise temperature regulation. It has a thermo-safety control that automatically turns it off when the water dips too low.

Aquatop Quartz Glass Aquarium Heater

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Available in sizes ranging from 50W to 300W, this submersible heater is easy to use and highly affordable. It has a highly visible temperature setting as well, so you can adjust it quickly and easily.

ViaAqua Quartz Glass Submersible Heater

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This heater is made from high-quality quartz glass for durability and it is fully submersible. It has visible temperature settings and is designed for use in both freshwater and saltwater tanks.

Hydor In-Line External Heater

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Designed for external use with a canister filter (or something similar), this heater is easy to use and offers high-precision electronic temperature control.

Tetra Submersible Aquarium Heater

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One of the more affordable aquarium heaters on the market, the Tetra Submersible Aquarium Heater is an electronic thermostat that automatically maintains water temperature for your tropical fish. It monitors the water temperature and heats up to the temperature you set, which allows it to prevent overheating. There is a small LED indicator light attached to the top of the thermostat tube that lets you know if the heater is actively working or when it has reached the appropriate temperature.

The Tetra Submersible Aquarium Heater uses silicon carbide crystals that are known to heat up faster and provide better heat distribution within the tank. The glass tube is heat and shock resistant so you don’t have to worry about it shattering inside or outside the tank. The Tetra Submersible Aquarium Heater is 200 watts and can heat up tanks up to 30 gallons. It is an affordable option for your tropical fish aquarium.

Hygger Titanium Aquarium Heater

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Available in four models ranging from 50 watts to 500 watts, this heater is easy and reliable. It comes with a submersible heater you can install in the tank and an adjustable thermostat you can program.

What to Look for in an Aquarium Heater

The purpose of an aquarium heater is to warm the tank water to the ideal temperature. Some aquarium heaters are completely programmable – you can choose the temperature you want, and the heater will turn on and off as needed. Other heaters simply heat the water within a certain range, so know what you’re buying before you make your choice.

Here are some things to look for in an aquarium heater:

  • Wattage: The wattage is a measure of the heater’s power – the higher the wattage, the more powerful the heater and the larger the tank it can heat.
  • Programmable: Some heaters allow you to program the heater to a set temperature or range while others are automatic and not adjustable.
  • Readability: Not all aquarium heaters come with a temperature gauge – some simply have a light that goes on or off when the tank temperature reaches a certain range.
  • Safety: This is of particular concern for submersible heaters – make sure it has an automatic shut off and be sure to install it with a drip loop.

Remember, choosing a style of aquarium heater is only half the battle – you also have to choose one that is the right size for your tank. Very large aquariums may do better with two heaters spaced out along the back wall for more even heat distribution.

In the end, all you really need in an aquarium heater is one that is properly sized for your tank volume. If you have a large tank, you might even consider installing more than one.

WOW
Kate Barrington
Kate Barrington

Kate Barrington is the loving owner of two cats (Bagel and Munchkin) and a noisy herd of guinea pigs. Having grown up with golden retrievers, Kate has a great deal of experience with dogs but labels herself a lover of all pets. Having received a Bachelor's degree in English, Kate has combined her love for pets and her passion for writing to create her own freelance writing business, specializing in the pet niche.

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With an estimated 3.1 million dogs entering U.S. animal shelters every year, the need for funding and support is evident. For many, this is a call to action to find ways to make a difference – including for Guardians of the Galaxy actor Dave Bautista. Starting today, November 28th, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) is launching a new fundraising and awareness campaign with 54 Bautista and his four rescue pit bulls in the spotlight. The campaign was created as part of Giving Tuesday, a global response to the corporate focus of Black Friday (as well as Small Business Saturday and Cyber Monday). Rather than highlighting sales and taking advantage of deals through your favorite stores and brands, Giving Tuesday encourages Americans to take a moment and consider how they can make a difference in the lives of others – including, of course, animals in shelters and rescue organizations. Bautista’s involvement in the campaign is motivated by his experiences with animal rescue and its impact on his life. “My home is where my dogs are because there is just such a sense of love,” Bautista stated. “I feel like wherever they are, there’s this sense of normalcy, which is hard for me to attain these days.” He went on to explain, “My first rescue dogs were Ollie and Maggie, and I’ve had them for about five years. I adopted them, and after becoming so connected with them, I started to be more aware of how many dogs are just waiting for someone to give them good, loving homes. You get so much in return when you adopt a pet, and I’m going to preach adoption for the rest of my life.”

The Unseen Threat: Dangers of Secondhand Smoke for Your Pet

Most people are well aware of the dangers of smoking. They understand what smoking does to their bodies and know the potential health risks of lighting up a cigarette. But did you know that exposure to secondhand smoke may have serious health consequences for your pets?It’s no secret that smoking is bad for people. In the United States, between 80% to 90% of lung cancer deaths are linked to cigarette smoking. Secondhand smoking is also linked with an increased risk of other forms of cancer, such as breast and colorectal cancer, heart and respiratory disease.Studies have shown that more than 50% of bladder cancer cases in humans are caused by cigarette smoking. A recent study involving Scottish terriers found a link between cigarette smoke exposure and bladder cancer. Cancer is one of the leading causes of death in dogs, and many pooches are diagnosed with some form of this terrible disease. Although many factors may predispose a pet to cancer, research shows that passive smoking is a main danger.Scientists from the College of Veterinary Medicine at Purdue University discovered that Scottish terriers who were exposed to secondhand smoke at home were six times more likely to develop bladder cancer than those who were not routinely exposed to smoke.Passive smoking is also linked with nasal cancer in dogs. This type of cancer is often diagnosed in long-nosed breeds such as collies, greyhounds, and borzois. The increased surface area in their nasal canals traps inhaled particles, allowing carcinogens from tobacco smoke to accumulate in the nasal mucus. As a result, long-nosed dogs are at a greater risk of developing tumors in their snouts. On the other hand, brachycephalic or short-nosed dog breeds, such as pugs and French bulldogs, are more likely to develop lung cancer. Their short noses aren’t as effective at trapping inhaled particles and allow more carcinogens to reach the lungs.Being exposed to smoke increases the risk that your dog will develop cancer, but that’s not all. Pooches that live with smokers are more likely to develop asthma, bronchitis, and other respiratory problems.Dogs aren’t the only pets to suffer the consequences of inhaling secondhand smoke on a daily basis. Cats, birds, and small critters like guinea pigs and rabbits are also at risk.Cats that live with smokers are more likely to develop asthma and lung cancer. Felines that inhale secondhand smoke regularly also have a higher incidence of malignant lymphoma.  Studies have found higher nicotine concentrations in the hair of cats living with smokers than those living in smoke-free homes. The same is true for dogs living with smokers, no matter whether their owners smoked inside or outside. Cats are famous for being fastidious groomers, but licking the fur puts them at risk of ingesting even more toxic particles from secondhand smoke than simply inhaling them. Felines that groom excessively can develop oral tumors from licking toxic particles off their fur.Secondhand smoke alone isn't responsible for all health problems seen in cats and dogs. Diet, genetics, lifestyle, and exposure to other potentially toxic substances in the environment combined affect the pet’s overall health.Owners concerned with the well-being of their four-legged companions should be more aware of the air quality in their homes and make necessary lifestyle changes.Choosing to smoke outside can minimize some risks associated with exposure to secondhand smoke. Improving ventilation, opening the windows, and using air filters can help too. However, it’s important to note that even a low exposure to secondhand smoke can be harmful to your four-legged companion.Quitting smoking is hard, but knowing how secondhand smoke affects your pet’s health may motivate you to put down that cigarette once and for all!Join the PetGuiJoin the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

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Pet food manufacturers have amped up the quality of the vegan options to meet industry standards for protein.

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