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  Heating Your Freshwater Aquarium

-          By Dustin Phillips

Most freshwater fish exist naturally in warm, tropical climates – hence the name “tropical fish.” This warm climate allows most tropical fish to live in water that is between 74 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Because most hobbyists live in colder climates, it is necessary to heat your aquarium water in order to mimic the natural environment in which your fish live. Having a heater can also help the breeding process, as many fish require higher water temperatures in order to breed.  
 

Heating your aquarium water is rather simple and relatively inexpensive.   Moreover, maintaining a constant temperature for your fish will reduce stress on them, therefore promoting a healthy aquarium environment. The heater is an important part of your overall aquarium set-up and there are many options available on the market.   This article will give you tips and advice on how to choose the right one for your aquarium and fish.
There are three different types of heaters that are readily available to hobbyists in most pet supply stores all with advantages and disadvantages. Each type is discussed below.
 
Immersible Heater: The immersible heater is an ideal option for hobbyists who have a limited budget as they are inexpensive ($8 - $25). Also known as a hang-on heater, these hang over the back side of the aquarium and are partially submerged into the aquarium. Most immersible heaters have a mechanical temperature adjuster on the top of the unit that can be easily set to the desired temperature for your aquarium. To maintain a consistent temperature, it is important to keep the heater control above the water line. Most immersible heaters will indicate where the water line should be in relation to the heaters placement. These heaters are tried and true and will work well for most aquarists, especially beginning aquarists.
The downside to immersible heaters is the fact that they can be obtrusive to a natural look in your aquarium. Because it hangs from the top of your aquarium it can be difficult to hide and ultimately take away from the visual aesthetics of your tank. If budget is a concern and you don’t mind seeing your heater in the tank, this is the heater for you. 
Submersible Heater:  As the name suggests, the submersible heater can be fully submerged into your aquarium due to the fact that the tube is completely sealed. They have a slim design which makes them easy to conceal in your aquarium compared with immersible heaters. Submersibles are a little more expensive than immersibles and range from $15 to $50 in price. The temperature gauge is usually mechanical and is easy to set at a desired temperature. These heaters are reliable and do an excellent job of maintaining a consistent temperature. If you are a hobbyist who prefers a very natural look in your tank, this is a popular, fairly inexpensive and effective heating option.
Filter Heater: These heaters are placed into your external filter and heat water as it flows through the filter. The benefit of this is that water is heated more evenly throughout your tank whereas this is not always possible with immersible and submersible heaters. Another advantage of the heater being located inside the filter is that your entire heating system is external making it a very attractive option for hobbyists trying to achieve a completely natural look in their aquarium. The temperature dial is usually mechanical and is very easy to set making it simple to maintain a consistent temperature. Filter heaters are generally more expensive than their counterparts and range anywhere from $30 - $60. If you have the budget, these heaters are a great option in terms of overall aquarium aesthetics and temperature control.
 
Once you have decided on the type of heater you want for your aquarium, the next step is to determine the correct size for your tank. The size of an aquarium heater is determined by total wattage. The higher the wattage of a heater, the bigger it is. Obviously a bigger tank required a bigger heater. The other factor to consider when determining heater size is the temperature of the room the aquarium is in. The greater the variance in average room temperature versus your desired tank temperature, the greater the heater size needs to be. Assuming that most households are typically 68 degrees Fahrenheit and most freshwater tanks are kept around 75 – 77 degrees, use the chart below to determine what size heater is right for your aquarium.
 
5 – 8 gallon tank – 25 watt heater
10 – 20 gallon tank – 50 watt heater
22 – 30 gallon tank – 75 watt heater
32 – 40 gallon tank – 100 watt heater
45 – 60 gallon tank – 150 watt heater
62 – 70 gallon tank – 150 watt heater
70+ gallon tank – 250 watt heater (additional heater units may be needed)
           
            If your average room temperature is lower than 68 degrees Fahrenheit, consider moving up in heater size. If it is higher than 68, consider moving down in heater size.
Once your heater is installed, be sure to have a thermometer located on or in the tank so you can monitor the temperature and adjust the heater accordingly.
            There are many different companies that manufacture aquarium heaters and most of the products are more than suitable for the home aquarium. Check out the following links to read more about specific manufacturers and models to find the perfect heater for your aquarium!
 
 
Marineland® Visi-Therm Heaters
 
Marineland® Dual-Temp Heaters
 
PennPlax® Heaters
 
Tetra®
 
Hagen®
 
 

Read Related Freshwater Aquarium Articles Articles
 
1. 
All About Tropical Fish Tanks
 An overview of tropical fish tanks, what they are, and the pros/cons of keeping one.
2. 
Planted Aquariums
 An overview of the different styles of planted aquariums. Different types of plants you could use. Popular plants.
3. 
Choosing a Planted Aquarium Substrate
 Learn about the factors you should consider when choosing a substrate for your planted aquarium.
4. 
Setting up a Freshwater Fish Tank
 Information on choosing a fish tank and how to set-one up!
5. 
Choosing a Freshwater Aquarium Substrate
 Learn about the factors you should consider when choosing a substrate for your planted aquarium.
6. 
Choosing the Right Filtration System for Your Aquarium
 Learn about the different types of filters for your freshwater aquarium.
7. 
Properly Aerating Your Aquarium
 Learn the basics of aeration and how to properly aerate your aquarium.
8. 
Adding Rocks and Wood to Your Freshwater Aquarium
 Learn about the things you should consider when adding rocks and wood to your aquarium.
9. 
Aquarium Decorations
 Types of decorations. Tips on decorating your tank. Online sources
10. 
The Process of Cycling a Fish Tank
 What is "cycling" your fish tank? Why is it important? Instructions for how to do-it.
11. 
Freshwater Fishless Cycling
 Learn about new methods for cycling your freshwater aquarium without fish.
12. 
What Are Good Freshwater Fish For Beginners
 What makes a freshwater fish a good candidate for beginners?
13. 
Stocking Fresh Water Fish Tanks
 Learn how to select the right quantity and combination of fish for your freshwater aquarium.
14. 
Acclimating Fish - Drip Method
 Learn how to properly acclimate your fish to your aquarium using the drip method.
15. 
Properly Maintaining the pH in a Freshwater Aquarium
 Learn how about pH and how to properly maintain it in a freshwater aquarium.
16. 
Cichlid Aggression - How to Reduce Aggression
 Learn about the causes of cichlid aggression and methods for reducing it.
17. 
Common Freshwater Tropical Fish Diseases
 Learn about common fish illnesses and how to effectively treat them.
18. 
Breeding Freshwater Fish
 Learn how to succesfully breed freshwater fish.
19. 
Breeding Mouth Brooding African Cichlids
 Learn how to succesfully breed mouth brooding African Cichlids.
20. 
Controlling Algae Growth
 Learn why algae grows in your tank and how to control it.
21. 
Using Carbon in a Freshwater Aquarium
 Learn about the differing points of view and guidelines on using carbon in your aquarium.
22. 
Fish Tank Maintenance and Cleaning
 Tips and instructions for maintaining a healthy fish tank.
23. 
Choosing and Conditioning the Water in Your Aquarium
 Learn about how to properly choose and condition the water you use in your freshwater aquarium.
24. 
Water Testing in Your Freshwater Aquarium
 How to test your aquarium's water, and what to look for.
25. 
Keeping Goldfish
 Advice on keeping Goldfish.
26. 
Fish Bowls
 An overview of keeping fish in a fish bowl. A brief history. Pros and cons.
27. 
Wall Mounted Fish Tanks
 Advantages and disadvantages to a Wall Mounted Fish Tank. Installation. Accessories.
28. 
Freshwater Fish Article Database
 Articles on dozens of different freshwater fish and appropriate care.
29. 
Freshwater Plant Article Database
 Articles on different freshwater plants and appropriate care.
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