Best Aquarium Heaters: Reviews and Tips that Works in 2023

Temperature is one of the most important physical factor of the environment for the normal growth and survival of living organisms. It is important for both terrestrial and aquatic inhabitants. The aquarium heater is a very essential device for warming water and keeping up its temperature at an appropriate level. In this case,  the best aquarium heaters work well to make water temperature stable in the aquarium.

The oxygen content in the water always decreases with increasing temperature. To make your aquarium like in a natural environment, it is important to keep up a similar temperature in all layers of tank water. In this case, aquarium heater should be installed.

For keeping up the optimum temperature for your aquarium inhabitants, you should always use best aquarium heaters of the market. You can also have a look on your review of best aquarium filters.

Reviews Of Best Aquarium Heaters 2022

To save your lot of money and times I have done deep market research and reviewed best aquarium heaters which you can try to buy for keeping your aquarium temperature stable. You can also get more information about each aquarium heater by reviewing this article.

Comparison Table for Best Aquarium Heaters

Here we briefly described product features, pros and cons for each aquarium heater. This will help you to take the decision effortlessly for purchasing the best aquarium heaters. Now you touch and get into the detailed review of each product.

Aqueon Pro Heater Review

Aqueon Pro Heaters for aquarium are very popular among aquarium enthusiasts due to its nearly unbreakable construction. It is made using high quality shatterproof plastic materials making it long-lasting and durable. This heater also has an aluminum heating cylinder with a thermal plastic coating for dispersing the heat uniformly.

For keeping water temperature stable in your aquarium, you should use this type of aquarium heater. It is equipped with an electrical thermostat which automatically maintains water temperature from 68 – 88 ⁰F with exactness of ±1°F. You can also use this heater for both saltwater and freshwater aquariums.

Aqueon Pro Heater has LED power monitor light that gives red light during heating and green light when the water temperature reaches to set temperature. It is fully submersible and you can place it horizontally or vertically in your aquarium.

It has large control knob for easy adjustment of temperature.  It is designed with auto shut-off switch that shut off when it runs under dry condition and restarts automatically when it is submersed in water.

In the pet market, Aqueon Pro Heaters are available in five different sizes with different power consumption capacity. You can use it with up to 90 gallon aquarium. The following comparison table shows different product sizes with some key features. You may find the best one from this comparison table which fulfills your requirement.

Power	Products size (length)	Aquarium size
50 watts	08.5″	Up to 20 gallon
100 watts	10.0″	Up to 30 gallon
150 watts	13.5″	Up to 55 gallon
200 watts	13.5″	Up to 75 gallon
250 watts	15.0″	Up to 90 gallon

Product Specification

Aquarium: Up to 90 gallons

Temperature Range: 68-88⁰ F

Length of power cord: 6 ft

Warranty: Lifetime

Pros

• LED Monitor with power indicator light;
• It is used for both marine and freshwater aquariums;
• Equipped with electronic thermostat for accuracy;
• It is made using shatterproof plastic materials;
• Non-breakable;
• Heater with 6 ft cord;
• Completely submersible;
• It has large control knob for easy adjustment of temperature;
• It is easy to install;
• Lifetime warranty;

Cons

• You can use it only for 20 – 90 gallon aquarium;

   

EHEIM Jager Aquarium Thermostat Heater Review

EHEIM JAGER Aquarium Thermostat Heater is the most recommended and widely used heater in the Aquaristics World. This heater provides the right temperature to keep your aquarium fish comfortable and happy.  

It is made using high quality goods by EHEIM-JAGER Company.  This heater allows you to meet your needs and provides assurance for long-lasting. It is an innovative aquarium heater with thermostat which is made using advanced technologies. The thermostat ensures the temperature between 64°F and 93°F with exactness of +/-0.5°F.

This heater is shock resistant and also made with shatterproof glass making this heater more stable and strong. 

The body of the heater is also resistant to biological, chemical and physical effects of laboratory glass. The heating element is made of high-purity chromium-nickel alloy. It is also equipped with a ‘thermal reflector’ for more efficient use of heat. The heating function is controlled by an automatic light indicator.

The heater is fully submerged with built-in protection against overheating. It is suitable for freshwater and marine aquariums with a volume up to 264 gallons.  It looks a rod like appearance which makes it much easier to use. It has a temperature control system called Tru Temp making the heater more efficient to keep your aquarium water temperature constant.

Overall, EHEIM-JAGER heaters are the best choice for every aquarist. In the pet fish market, it is now available in different sizes and power consumption options that work for up to 264 gallons aquarium. The following table shows different size options with some key features. To keep the water temperature stable in your aquarium, you may find the best one from this comparison table which is appropriate for your aquarium.

Power	Aquarium size	Length
50 watts	7-16 gallon	9″
75 watts	16-26 gallon	10″
125 watts	40-53 gallon	12″
150 watts	53-79 gallon	13″
200 watts	79-106 gallon	15″
250 watts	106-159 gallon	17″
300 watts	159-264 gallon	19″

Pros

• It ensures the temperatures that range between 64°F and 93°F with accuracy of +/-0.5°F;
• Designed with shatterproof and shock resistant;
• It is equipped with a lamp-indicator of the device;
• You can use it for working in freshwater and marine aquariums;
• The length of the cord is 6 feet;
• Sealed device which can work in fully submerged condition;
• It has a special sensor turns off the thermostat when it is overheated or pulled out of the water;
• Durable and long-lasting;
• Ability to calibrate the scale;
•  Easy maintenance;
• It ensures uniform heating in your aquarium;
• ON/OFF indicator light;

   

Cons

• It doesn’t have an auto-shut off system;

• Sometimes the heater becomes overheat due to stop working of Tru Temp system;

Fluval E Electronic Heater Review

The temperature is the most important factor for maintaining aquarium care. To ensure the well-being of your aquarium fish, Fluval E Heaters constantly monitor and display water temperature.

It has an advanced digital microprocessor with internal thermal sensor for taking temperature reading accurately. This type of heater ensures the temperatures that range between 68°F and 93°F with exactness of +/-0.5°F.

It is suitable for both marine and freshwater aquariums with volume up to 100 gallons. It is corrosion resist, shatterproof, shockproof, overheating proof and fully submersible. It has an extra protection layer which helps to prevent aquarium inhabitants from direct contact with the heater core.

This heater comes in different size and power options. Some key features of this heater have been shown in the table below and you may find the best one from this comparison table which fulfills your requirements.

Model	Power	Dimension (H x W x L)	Aquarium size
E 100	100 watts	29.83 x 2.86 x 5.08 cm  (9.75 x 1.125 x 2 in)	up to 30 gallon (120 L)
E 200	200 watts	35.56 x 2.86 x 5.08 cm  (14 x 1.125 x 2 in)	up to 65 gallon (250 L)
E 300	300 watts	35.56 x 2.86 x 5.08 cm   (9.75×1.125×2 in)	up to 100 gallon (375 L)

Pros

• It is perfect for aquariums up to 100 gallons;
• It has LCD display unit which provides reading in both Fahrenheit and Celsius;
• It has colored display alert system;
• It has duel temperature sensor for accurate result;
• It has digital microprocessor;
• It has an advanced fish guard for protection your aquarium fish;
• It ensures the temperatures that ranges between 68°F and 93°F with accuracy of +/-0.5°F;
• Safety shut-off system;
• Easy to use;
• Easy maintenance;
• 5 years warranty;

Cons

• It is comparatively expensive than other heaters;
• It is not perfect for larger than 100 gallon aquarium;
• Sometimes LCD unit and thermostat do not provide accurate reading;

Hydor In-Line External Heater – Original ETH Review 

Hydor In-Line External Heater is an absolutely reliable device which is manufactured using PTC technology that operates externally and saves aquarium space. It ensures maximum safety against any overheating risk due to its auto-shutdown system.

It is made of high quality of the components using unique technology providing a long service life of the product. This type of heater serves for working in complex filtration systems. You can utilize it with most canister filters such as the Eheim canisters, Hydor Prime, the Fluval canisters, and the Rena Filstar etc. In this case, you can utilize short piece of tubing to complete the connection.

It is introduced vertically in the arrival line of a canister filter to permit better heat distribution to the aquarium. This heater bears ergonomic knob by which you can adjust temperature from 65° F to 93° F. It provides heat with high efficiency using internal heat pump system.

This type of heater is appropriate for use in both for marine and freshwater aquariums. It is completely protected and UL Listed. It is out of danger of damage if you run this heater for a short period of time without water. During cleaning the heater, it is recommended to use ETH brush. The following table shows Hydor In-Line External Heater with different power options and some key features:

Power	In/Out (hose)	Aquarium size
200 watts	1/2″	26-53 gallon
200 watts	5/8″	26-53 gallon
300 watts	5/8″	53-80 gallon

Pros

• It is made of solid non-flammable materials which provide extra safety;
• Suitable for marine and freshwater aquariums;
• Easy to use;
• Easy installation;
• Maximum safety and no danger of overheating are guaranteed;
• Auto-shutdown option;
• Uniform heating of water due to its constant flow;
• It does not take a space in the aquarium;
• It provides high accuracy to set the temperature;
• Durable and long-lasting;
• Indicator lights up during heating;
• Two years warranty;

Cons

• It is rather large;
• It becomes noisy for running overtime;

Cobalt Aquatics Neo-Therm Heater Review

To keep your aquarium temperature optimum level, Cobalt Aquatics Neo-Therm Heater does work well. It is a very unique and completely submersible heater with modern electronic features.

It takes smaller space in your aquarium and you can install it into your aquarium at any angle. It has flat and narrow design with sophisticated electronic microprocessor thermostat which ensures the temperature that ranges between 66° F and 96° F with exactness of +/-0.5° F. 

It has LED display unit which helps to set heater temperature and tank temperature simultaneously. It has an extra protection shatterproof outer layer casing making the heater unbreakable. It is an appropriate for freshwater, marine aquariums and terrariums.

The Cobalt Neo-Therm comes furnished with thermal assurance hardware which ensures safe and reliable performance. To secure the valuable inhabitants of your aquarium, the Neo-Therm heater additionally highlights a capable of being audible alarm that will sound if the real temperature exceeds the set temperature. The Cobalt Aquatics Neo-Therm Heater is supported by a 3 year manufacturer’s warranty.

Today, in pet market, the Cobalt Aquatics Neo-Therm Heater is available with different size and power options. Some key features of the Cobalt Aquatics Neo-Therm Heaters with different power options are shown in the following table. You may find the best one from this comparison table which fulfills your requirements. 

Model /power	Aquarium size (up to)	Dimensions (Length x width x thick)
25 watts	6 gallon	6 1/2″ x 2 1/8″ x 4/5″
50 watts	12 gallon	6 1/2″ x 2 1/8″ x 4/5″
75 watts	20 gallon	6 1/2″ x 2 1/8″ x 4/5″
100 watts	29 gallon	9 3/4″ x 2 1/8″ x 4/5″
150 watts	40 gallon	10 7/8″ x 2 1/8″ x 4/5″
300 watts	75 gallon	10 7/8″ x 2 1/8″ x 4/5″

Pros

• Durable and long-lasting;
• Auto shut off system;
• Modern, super flat design;
• Suitable for marine, freshwater aquariums and terrariums;
• Easy to set ‘one touch’ control;
• Exact  temperature control;
• Easy to use;
• Easy installation;
• Maximum safety and no danger of overheating are guaranteed;
• It ensures the temperature that ranges between 66°F and 96°F with accuracy of +/-0.5°F;
• It has LED display unit which shows the Set Temperature and Tank Temperature simultaneously;
• Shatterproof;
• 3 year warranty;

Cons

• It does works with only up to 75 gallons aquarium;

Finnex Hang-On Electronic Controller Aquarium Heater, Titanium Tube Review

To make your aquarium temperature stable, you should utilize the Finnex Hang-on Electronic Controller Aquarium Heater.

It is exceptionally famous among the aquarium devotees because of its toughness, smart appearance and exactness. Titanium is used in this heater which makes it additionally strong. Other than this, it doesn’t split and break due to its toughness. It is coated with a corrosion safe material which makes the heater perfect for use in both freshwater and saltwater aquariums.

It guarantees the temperature that ranges between 70°F and 92°F with a minimum variations of +/ – 2°F providing a safe, healthy and stable temperature in your aquarium with absolutely submersible heating tubes. It has a LED heating indicator which tells you the heater is working properly. User can easily modify the temperature with the help of the controller as it is placed outside the tank.

Today, in the pet supplies market, it is accessible with different sizes and power choices, for example, 100, 150, 200, 300, and 500 watts. You may find the best one satisfying your requirements

The following comparison table shows different power options with some key features to make your decision much easier to buy the best one.

Model /power	Aquarium size (up to)	Power cord length (inch)	Heating tube length (inch)
50 watts	10-20 gallon	66	5.75
100 watts	20-30 gallon	66	6.75
150 watts	30-60 gallon	66	8.00
200 watts	60-80 gallon	66	10.75
300 watts	80-100 gallon	66	12.00
500 watts	100-120 gallon	66	15.00

Pros

• Durable and long-lasting;
• Coated with corrosion-resistant material;
• It doesn’t take up much space in the tank;
• It gives an accurate temperature setting (within 2 degrees);
• It has LED heating indicator;
• Ultra-fast heating tubes;
• Compact in size;
• Easy installation;
• Easy maintenance;
• It has unbreakable and shatterproof titanium tubes;
• It has exact electronic control with hang on hook;

Cons

• It is comparatively expensive than other heaters;
• It does not have fail-proof protection feature;

Marineland Precision Heater for Aquarium Review

Marineland Precision Submersible Heater is a very popular aquarium heater among the aquarium enthusiasts due to its attractive appearance and long-lasting performance.

It contains thermal safety switch which prevents heater failure during working period. It has auto off/on switch and it automatically turns off when temperature rises above an internal pre-set and turns on once it cools down. It comes in variety of sizes and perfect for up to 125 gallon aquarium.

This type of heater is perfect for both freshwater and marine aquariums. It is very easy to install and you can set up it in three different places using an advanced mounting bracket to view the temperature display easily.

This device has an adjustable temperature knob that makes a more exact temperature setting. You can change the temperature setting ±1°F with each click using an adjustable temperature knob. On the side of the heater, a sliding scale is present which shows the accurate temperature setting.

For better heat transfer it has a mica core which is surrounded by a mesh heating element. In the pet supplies market, this type of heater comes in variety of power consumption options.

The following table shows different sizes of Marineland Precision Submersible Heaters with some key features.

Model	Power	Length	Aquarium size
Precision 50	50 watts	9″	Up to 12 gallon
Precision 75	75 watts	10″	Up to 20 gallon
Precision 100	100 watts	10-1/4″	Up to 29 gallon
Precision 150	150 watts	12″	Up to 40 gallon
Precision 200	200 watts	13-1/2″	Up to 55 gallon
Precision 250	250 watts	14-1/2″	Up to 70 gallon
Precision 300	300 watts	15″	Up to 80 gallon
Precision 400	400 watts	18″	Up to 125 gallon

Pros

• Thermal switch for preventing heater failure;
• You can use it in multiple places;
• It has adjustable temperature knob;
• Triac Control Switch which makes heater on and off for a superior performance;
• Easy installation;
• It is perfect for both freshwater and saltwater aquariums;
• It comes in variety of sizes and perfect for up to 125 gallon aquarium;
• With High Visibility Temperature Display unit;
• Long-lasting performance;

Cons

• Sometimes it gives defective sliding scale display;

   

Penn Plax Aquarium Heater Review

Penn Plax Aquarium Heater is a popular heater among the pet fish keepers due to its durable and long-lasting performance. It is featured with mica shield, polarized plug, and safety cap with easy to accurate temperature setting scale.  

It has an easy view on/off light, duel suction cups with mounting clip. It is made using heavy duty and shock resistant glass. It has best quality heating element with superior insulation system for uniformly heat distribution in aquarium water. It is suitable for both fresh and salt water aquariums.

This type of aquarium heater sets and maintains the temperature in your tank within 1 degree accuracy. It features with both Fahrenheit and Celsius scale with easy to read temperature up to 76 ⁰F within one-degree accuracy. It is fully submersible and you can place it horizontally or vertically in your aquarium.

It is safe to use in small or larger fish tanks with up to 55 gallons in size and it guarantees water temperature perfect for your aquarium inhabitants. It is available in the market today with different sizes with up to 300 watts suitable for up to 75 gallons aquarium. 

The following table shows the different aquarium capacities with power consumption options. 

Power/size	Aquarium Capacity
25 watts	Up to 5 gallons
50 watts-7 inch	Up to 10 gallons
75 watts-10 inch	Up to 15 gallons
100 watts	Up to 20 gallons
150 watts	Up to 30 gallons
200 watts	Up to 55 gallons
300 watts	Up to 75 gallons

Pros

• It comes in variety of sizes with up to 55 gallon aquariums;
• It gives both Celsius and Fahrenheit temperature reading;
• It is perfect for use in marine or freshwater aquarium;
• It accompanies a preset temperature up to 76 ⁰ F;
• You can place it either horizontally or vertically in your aquarium;
• gives exact temperature reading in your aquarium;
• Easy view on/off light;
• Easy installation;

Cons

• 90 day limited warranty;
• It may crack if you do not use it carefully;
• It doesn’t come with a thermometer;

Tetra Submersible Heater With Electronic Thermostat

Tetra HT Submersible Aquarium Heater is an ideal heater for pet fish keepers. It is made of heat and shock resistant Strong glass tube.

It has an electronic indoor regulator that adjusts heat output to keep up consistent water temperature. It includes a preset heater technology which reduces the risk of overheating and extends the life of the heater.

It has an indicator light which shows a red light during heating and green light when the best possible temperature has been come to. This type of heater is an ideal for 40 to 55 gallon of aquarium.

Tetra HT Submersible Aquarium Heater is completely submersible and and it is available in the pet supplies market wit reasonable price. We recommend you to purchase the gorgeous heater to keep your tank water temperature stable. 

Pros

• Fully submersible heater;
• It is made using heat and shock resistant strong glass tube;
• It is an ideal for 40 to 55 gallon of aquarium;
• It prevents overheating  in your aquarium;
• Durable and long-lasting;
• Indicator light;
• With electronic thermostat;

Cons

• It has no manual temperature control unit;

   

Benefits of Using Best Aquarium Heaters

• It can maintain a constant water temperature in your aquarium;
• Generally heater is needed in winter due to water temperature drop below 20 °C;
• It also helps to prevent overheating of the water;
• It helps to prevent death of your aquarium fish due to hypothermia;
• To get exact result, you should always use best aquarium heaters;
• It makes your aquarium like in a natural environment;

What is the right place for installation of Heater in an Aquarium?

The aquarium heater should be installed in the right place. It is prescribed to install in the place where the current flows, frequently the back wall of the aquarium, alongside the filter, or the sprayer of the air circulation system, this arrangement will minimize the water drops in various parts of the aquarium. Frequently, heaters are attached to the glass with the help of reliable suction cups.

Criteria for Choosing Best Aquarium Heaters

Before buying best aquarium heaters, you should pay attention to the following characteristics of aquarium heaters:

• Presence of a temperature regulator;
• Right power of the device;
• Durable and long-lasting;
• Reliability of work;
• Heating capacity;
• Auto shut off system;
• Easy maintenance;
• Shatterproof and shock resistant;
• Suitable for both fresh and saltwater aquariums;
• Accuracy;

Types of Aquarium Heaters

There are several types of heaters. The most commonly used heaters are:

There are several types of heaters. The most commonly used heaters are:

1. Hang-On Heaters

Hang-on heater is the most common aquarium heater which is made using a glass-encased heating element. It can be hung on the back of the tank with the help of suction cups. This type of heater controls the temperature by twisting a knob or setting a dial.

It is suitable for small tank. You can use it for both freshwater and saltwater. It comes in different sizes and power options. It is very easy to install and you can use it for aquariums up to 100 gallons or more.

2. Submersible heaters

This type of heater is very popular among the pet fish keepers due to its attractive appearance, cheap and easy to install. It can be placed horizontally on the back wall of the aquarium just few inches up from the tank bottom.

This type of heater does not need to be removed from the aquarium during change of water. In this case, you should turn off the heater during the water change. Submersible heaters come in various sizes with different power consumption options and you can use it for both fresh and saltwater aquariums. 

3. Heaters with built-in thermostat for installation inside the aquarium

At present, these type of heaters are most common. It is equipped with a thermostat or temperature controller and an operation indicator. This type of heater has shock-resistant option.  

4. Heater with built-in thermostat for installation inside the filter

Typically heater can be installed inside the aquarium. In addition, some filters manufacturing companies produce special heaters for installation in the filter. They are shockproof and provide uniform heats in an aquarium.

Maintenance of Heaters

Over time, the aquarium heater may appear contamination by the remains of feed, fish wastes, sediments, stones or gravels. In this case, you should periodically clean the outer surface of aquarium heater using a sponge. Other wastes, sediments or gravels can be removed using special tools that are available in pet markets with sensible cost. 

Over time, the aquarium heater may appear contamination by the remains of feed, fish wastes, sediments, stones or gravels. In this case you should periodically clean the outer surface of aquarium heater using a sponge. Other wastes, sediments or gravels can be removed using special tools that are available in pet markets with sensible cost. Maintenance of HeatersTypically heater can be installed inside the aquarium. In addition, some filters manufacturing companies produce special heaters for installation in the filter. They are shockproof and provide uniform heats in an aquarium.

4. Heater with built-in thermostat for installation inside thefilter

At present these type of heaters are most common. It is equipped with a thermostat or temperature controller and an operation indicator. This type of heater has shock-resistant option.  This type of heater is very popular among the pet fish keepers due to its attractive appearance, cheap and easy to install. It can be placed horizontally on the back wall of the aquarium just few inches up from the tank bottom. This type of heater does not need to be removed from the aquarium during change of water. In this case you should turn off the heater during the water change. Submersible heaters come in various sizes with different power consumption options and you can use it for both fresh and saltwater aquariums. 2. Submersible heaters1. Hang-On HeatersTypes of Aquarium Heaters

Final Verdict

For the normal functioning of the aquarium environment, you should keep up a uniform temperature. Thus, you should utilize best aquarium heaters which are especially essential in tropical aquariums. You may locate the best one from the investigated above articles that satisfies your necessities and keep your aquarium water temperature stable.