Top 10 Best Aquarium Heaters In 2021

10. LUYS Aquarium Heaters

This aquarium heater has a special intelligent temperature and water sensor device; the heater will automatically stop heating when the heater is fully out of water.It is made of a high-quality quartz glass tube that not only pleases the eye, but is also quite durable. Ideally, it is designed for saltwater and freshwater aquariums. It is shatter-resistant, blast-proof, and prevents leakage of electricity, ensuring you get back value for every coin you spend. 

Moreover, its digital LED controller displays the water temp with 2 red LED digits when conditions are optimal, making it easy to note when you need to make changes. The Fahrenheit and Celsius temperatures are shown clearly and can be adjusted by pressing and holding the button for a few seconds. 

9. Mylivell Aquarium Heaters

Mylivell Submersible Aquarium heaters are highly recommended for keeping fish tanks at a steady and controlled temperature. They are made of high-quality quartz glass with double seal material for safety and durability.The temperature of the aquarium can be adjusted automatically, and the ideal settings range between 20° to 34°C(65° F – 93° F).

A smart setting is installed so that if you set your temperatures at 78 but the water in the tank goes lower than this, the light turns red to alert you. The Mylivell heater is fully submersible and works best with tanks hplding up to 20 gallons of water. It is suitable for both fresh and marine aquariums and is quite easy to install with the thermostat’s two suction cups for attachment to the fish tank. An attached polarized plug prevents electrical shock.

Cons

• The glass feels thin compared to other heaters.          

8. Boxtech Aquarium Heater

This 50W aquarium heater from Boxtech is quite small, and hence suitable for 5-15 Gallon fish tank. It has a voltage of 110V for maximum power when connected to a suitable size tank, and a power cord measuring 4.59ft for deep water immersion of up to 20 inches. When installing, the water heater is stuck horizontally onto the side of the tank near the water intake where the flow is steady. 

Furthermore, with a fully automated design you can control temperatures remotely to keep the state of your aquarium optimum for fish rearing. Its ideal temperature range is between 68 ºF and 90 ºF with an auto setting to shut it down when optimal temperatures are reached.  The milky quartz glass used in its construction is heat resistant, while the power cord is UL-certified for safety.

Cons

• The cord is thick and round, making it bulk

7. Eheim Jager Aquarium Thermostat Heaters

Jager TruTemp fully-submersible heater has a shatterproof glass construction made with laboratory-grade glass to rid it of pollutants. It is also resistant to chemical and biological substances, and can withstand extreme temperature fluctuations. 

This heater has a thermal safety control that protects against running dry so that it auto shuts when the level gets too low. A shock-resistant glass with an on/off indicator light makes it possible to do at-a-glance monitoring. You can adjust its temperatures from 18° to 34° C (65° to 93° F) using the TruTemp dial with a readjustment ring, and also modify it for a precise temperature reading.

Cons

• Struggles to maintain the desired temperatures

6. Hygger Fast Heating Aquarium Heater

Two features on this heater that set is apart from others on the market are memory function and overheat protection that allow it to auto shut-off when it overheats. It then resets when it cools down to accepted levels. Made of premium titanium and double sealed by a black protective guard, it is explosion resistant and corrosion-free.

In addition, with a built-in external I-degree C temp controller, it makes it easy to manage optimal conditions for fish.  It also features an easy-to-read LED that shows real-time water temperature.You can set the temperature easily without getting your hands wet by pushing the build-in hand button. Temperature can be adjusted from 70 to 94°F.

Cons

• Have to put the hand in the tank to do maintenance

5. Hygger Pinpoint Aquarium Heaters 

This Hygger Saltwater heater is submersible in the water fully, horizontally, with 2 suction cups that can be easily mounted on a tank. You will need to place it near a strong water flow to keep the whole aquarium is at the same temperature. It comes with a separate controller for adjusting from low to high without taking the heater out from the aquarium.

To make this heater durable, the maker includes a shatterproof design that also makes it anticorrosive. It has an automatic shut-off system to keep conditions in the aquarium just right even when you are miles away. This feature sets it off automatically when it reaches the set temperature. The tank capacity for this aquarium is 20 to 45 gallons while its wattage is 200.

Cons

• The metal housing can corrode.

4. Fluval M Submersible Heater

This aquarium heater blends into the aquarium environment with built-in reflective technology that mirrors the surrounding colors. The advanced technology used to make it includes a computer-calibrated thermostat and easy-to-adjust temperature control dial for remote-controlled operation. The exterior features shock-resistant Borosilicate glass and high-density heat stick that is ceramic for durability and safety. 

This Fluval heater is easy to install, thanks to its slim profile tube that also allows for easy placement. The 200-watt heater is suitable for freshwater and saltwater aquariums up to 65 gallons and is backed by a 3-year warranty. Its high-quality European manufacturing utilizes superior components and construction to give you value for your money for as long as it lasts. This heater helps maintain the aquarium’s natural look as the heater reflects the colors of the surroundings.

Cons

• The glass exterior makes it delicate.

3. Vivosun Aquarium heaters

This Vivosun heater has a precise temperature using an intelligent IC chip, providing the best living environment for fish to thrive.It has an IP68 rating that is currently the highest waterproof level for aquariums, while the Titanium table is explosion-proof and corrosion-free for damage resistance. The heater has an external temperature controller that you can adjust using the touch button controller.It is easy to set up, thanks to an extensive manual that is part of the package.

Additionally, this Vivosun aquarium heater is highly recommended for a 50-60 gallons tank since it packs a massive 300 wattage. The device should be completely submerged in water.It has broad compatibility with other brands on the market. If safety is a concern as it should be, this heater is CE, FCC and ROHS certified. The plug is also UL-approved for hydroponic systems, glass containers, aquaculture, freshwater, and marine aquariums.

Cons

• Air can be trapped in its caps.

2. Hygger Aquarium Heaters

The Hygger aquarium heater is reasonably sized, making it ideal for fish tanks that can handle 10-60 gallons of water. The heater and controller power cords are of the same length, and they can be folded easily for storage when you want them out of the way. There are mounting holes at the back of the temperature controller for hanging on the wall too. 

After installing the aquarium heater and the thermometer, you can go ahead and set the desired heating temperature. It will stop heating when it hits the set temperature and automatically restart when the water temperature is 1℉ less than the set temp. It has a durable Titanium Tube, which is resistant and good for salt water and fresh water use. Its digital LED sets and shows water temperatures the entire time it is on. The heater also has an indicator light that shows the heat status.

Cons

• Wide Temperature range with only a control precision of 1℉ 

1. Orlushy submersible Aquarium Heaters

This Orlushy heater has a thermostat 2, suction cups, and a free thermometer that’s best for salt and fresh marine water. The 300W heater is best for 50-80 gallon aquariums with 11-inch length 110-120v and a robust code of 6ft. Temperatures can be adjusted, though not accurately but easy in some instances.

It’s explosion-proof due to its 2mm thick quartz glass. You can hide it in the tank with ease and is suitable for salty and freshwater aquariums.An inbuilt temperature dial that goes from 68 to 89F enables you to control this tank’s temperature for life preservation. It also has a reliable thermostat that keeps the temperatures uniform, while another setting allows the automatic shut-off when necessary.

Cons

• Not ideal for a short tank

Buying Guide – Best Aquarium Heaters

Aquarium heaters are all over the market, but not every brand will serve your purpose. We like to mention the budget before any buying guide because while you want to buy a product that won’t break the bank, you also want value for your purchase. You can dig deeper into your pocket to get the best aquarium heater in the market since it is worth every penny.

Below are some factors you can consider before bringing out the checkbook.

Size

You can calculate the proper size heater based on the room temperatures and tank water volume. The species that require heated water for optimal health are kept in small tanks. There is a variety of small heaters introduced to the aquarium market, like the hygger submersible heater.

Heater placement

The conditions could be perfect, but even so, a problem can arise—heater breakage. Consider using a heater guard, perhaps. Some heaters must be placed vertically, while others are placed horizontally. If possible, place the heater at a 45 degrees angle to get the best heat distribution.

Temperatures

There is a challenge during summer when the aquarium water temperatures rise highly. Turning off the water heater isn’t enough to avoid water heating dangerously sometimes. Additional steps are needed to keep your buddies cold. In winter, the opposite can happen, especially if your heater fails during the time. Your fish should be kept warm.

Availability 

The heater can be left 24 hours. They have internal thermostats that turn off the heat if it reaches a certain temperature hence keeping the water temperature within the desired setting’s degree. 

Thankfully, they do not require maintenance unless you need to use a toothbrush to brush off the algae gently.

Quality

From all the supplies you need to buy when setting up a new fish aquarium, you cannot skimp on an aquarium heater. Find a good quality brand that is reliable and safe since unproven brands may fail through overheating, cracking, and other disastrous results. Fluval M heater works best due to its excellent quality and a full range of features.

Wrap up

A fish tank heater should have a thermometer attached if it doesn’t have to buy a separate one. Monitor the temperatures of the saltwater tank regularly to ensure there are no major fluctuations. A good heater will last long. Don’t save money on heat. Give your buddies a comfortable home.