Aquarium heaters: varieties, selection, installation and use

A comfortable water temperature in the aquarium maintains a certain microclimate and contributes to the normal life of the inhabitants. Heaters are used to create optimal parameters. Today the choice of such equipment is diverse. They have different power and depend on the volume of the container that needs to be heated. But not everyone knows how to choose a device, how to install and operate it correctly. This is what will be discussed in this article.

It's no secret that the aquarium's underwater environment is vulnerable and specific. To support and normalize the life of vegetation and fish, an optimal temperature is required.

The water heater prevents possible fluctuations that adversely affect the underwater microclimate and cause diseases of the fish. The device evenly heats the water, which eliminates the formation of layers with a lower temperature in one or another part of the aquarium. In addition, mixing the layers of liquid prevents water from stagnating.

Do not think that the principle of operation of the device is the same as that of a boiler. This is not true. The device heats the water by only 4–5 degrees. The average water temperature for fresh and tropical reservoirs is 23-30 degrees. A slight increase is necessary if the room is cool enough or tropical fish species live in the aquarium.

The main feature of the device is temperature stabilization.Many aquarists believe that for some species of fish its fluctuations, even by a few degrees, are destructive. However, such differences are typical for small bodies of water.

Pet stores have a wide selection of aquarium water heaters.

• There is submersible devices, they are of several types.
  1. Glass. The body of the device is made of durable, shock-resistant glass, which has a sealed cover. There is a thermostat inside - a thermostat. An automated on / off system maintains an average temperature.
  2. Plastic water heaters are considered to be more advanced models. They are made of durable material. The equipment has a flat appearance, an electronic thermostat and is equipped with an LED backlight that serves as an alarm.
  3. Titanium instruments... Allows you to control the temperature without immersing your hands in water. The combination of modern technologies allows the device to be used for both fresh and sea water. The heater is also great for aquariums with large turtles and fish.
  4. Mini devices differ in their miniature size and are suitable for nano-reservoirs. The heater is placed under the ground or along the glass. There is no thermostat.

• Flowing aquarium heaters are external equipment (the appliance works outside). This leaves a lot of space in the reservoir. The heater is connected to the return filter hose. In this way, the heat is better distributed. The plastic case is made of durable material and protects the parts of the device.

• Water heating cables used in densely populated reservoirs. They are attached to the bottom of the aquarium with suction cups. It is important that they are below the ground. Place the cable in a zigzag pattern over the entire area. When the heater is operating, a weak water circulation is created, which pushes all the nutrient components closer to the plant roots.

• Heating mats. Such a heating pad is placed under the container and ensures uniform heating. The power of the devices is different and depends on the volume of the aquarium. For large bodies of water, several heating pads are used. The disadvantage of such heaters is that heating the bottom of the tank creates a favorable environment for the development of dangerous bacteria.

Heaters are most commonly used by experienced aquarists. with thermostat, which allows you to automatically control the temperature and prevent sudden changes. Heaters with thermostats are also divided into several types.

• Electronic... The instruments are highly accurate but overpriced.
• Mechanical. Cheaper equipment, but temperature readings are often mistaken by a couple of degrees.

When choosing equipment for an aquarium, you need to pay attention to the manufacturers. A high-quality device is a guarantee of the health of the little inhabitants of the reservoir. A list of the best models from popular manufacturers is presented below.

• Barbus Heater 009 50 W. Submersible heater. The casing is made of high quality metal and has double insulated heating elements. The device is equipped with a precise thermostat and a dial. The power of the devices is from 50 to 300 watts. Models with a power of 50 W, which belong to the new generation of equipment, are in great demand. The device is mounted near the water flow and does not come into contact with the ground.

• Xilong XL 999 500 W. The device is suitable for large bodies of water and is capable of supporting power up to 500 watts. The case is durable and sealed, which allows you to maximally protect the working parts of the device.The temperature range is from 16 to 33 degrees. This ensures an optimal balance of the thermal characteristics of the water. The advantages include the sensitivity of the thermostat and the smooth movement of the handle. The heater is equipped with a dual temperature control system, which minimizes the occurrence of sudden surges. The model also has a shutdown sensor and a light signal.

• Aquael Comfort Zone Gold 100 W. Heating equipment has all modern technical characteristics and is considered one of the most durable in operation. To ensure long-term operation, the contacts of the heater are coated with a layer of gold, which prevents oxidation. A relay is located in the device housing, which monitors the heat exchange. The temperature range is 18–32 degrees. The flask itself is made of impact-resistant materials: plastic and glass. The device is suitable for reservoirs with a volume of 60 to 100 liters. The presence of a ceramic radiator contributes to an even distribution of heat in the aquatic environment. Aquarium hobbyists also note the build quality and a 2-year warranty.

• Hydor External Aquarium Heater ETH 200 12... This brand has long established itself in the market as an experienced manufacturer of quality equipment for aquariums. Thanks to modern innovations and technologies, the device is the best heater concept. The model is designed for a reservoir volume of up to 200 liters and has a power of 200 watts. The robust housing is made of ergonomic material and is shock-resistant. The compact model is attached to the tank using a hose with a diameter of about 2 cm. The thermostat can be operated in both manual and automatic modes. The indicator light notifies about the process of the device operation, and the use of a special technology prevents the equipment from overheating.

• Tetra HT 150. The immersion model has a thick-walled borosilicate glass flask. The thick-walled body is resistant to temperature extremes and mechanical damage. The device is suitable for aquariums of 150-225 liters. Attaches to suction cups and has a power of 150 watts. The ceramic heating element is absolutely safe. Due to the properties of ceramics, it can be called durable. The temperature range is from 19 to 30 degrees. The upper limit is considered a disadvantage of the model, since for some manufacturers it can go up to 34 degrees.

In order to choose the right water heater for your aquarium, you should follow some rules.

• The water heater must be selected with a thermostat. This will provide the most accurate temperature control in the reservoir.
• Some models are equipped with additional options, such as emergency shutdown of the device.
• When choosing, attention should be paid to the method of temperature control. In some devices, a range is set, in other models, a specific indicator that must be adhered to.
• The heater for large and small ponds has a different area for heat exchange. Therefore, before buying, you should carefully read the instructions on the packaging.
• The choice is also based on the correct equipment configuration. The set must include a cover, special mounts and a cord.
• If the heater is purchased for a marine aquarium, then before buying you need to ask the seller if the salt will harm the heating element.

You should also consider the type of substrate. If the bottom is made of fine-grained soil, cable bottom heaters are the best choice.

A conventional thermometer is used to check the working process of the heating equipment.

Large bodies of water require more careful control of the water temperature. For such aquariums, several devices are used at once.

Also one of the main selection criteria is equipment power. The value is determined based on the volume of the container. The device must have a power consumption of up to 1.5 W per 1 liter of water. This applies to models with or without a thermostat.

For a reservoir volume of 10 liters, the required power of the device is 25 W. This indicator can be used in containers up to 25 liters. Reservoirs of 25–70 liters require a power of 50 watts. In large aquariums from 70 to 150 liters, models with a power consumption of up to 200 W are used.

Experienced aquarists are advised to choose equipment with high power. With this model, you can increase heat transfer if the room is not warm enough.

Correct installation of the heater has several aspects. Since the device is waterproof, it can be either placed above the surface of the water or completely submerged in water. It is important that the heater does not come into contact with the ground. The immersion level must correspond to a special mark on the device (minimum water level). It is also necessary to adjust the volume of water from time to time, as liquids tend to evaporate.

The optimal location for the device is near the filter. Continuous air circulation contributes to an even heat distribution.

The heater is fixed to the tank wall using a bracket and several suction cups. This placement improves work efficiency. After installation, wait 15–20 minutes. The temperature of the equipment should be equal to the temperature of the underwater environment. After that, you can turn on the heater to the network.

It is necessary to use the heater correctly. For this, there is an instruction that comes with the product.

The device must be connected to a network that must comply with the indicators indicated on the packaging or in the instructions. In no case should you turn on a device that is not in water. Before any use of the heater, it is necessary to disconnect it from the mains and make sure that the device does not work completely.

A defective appliance should not be used. Also do not repair or replace the cord yourself. In this case, it is necessary to replace the entire product with new equipment.

In order to properly submerge the device in water, it is necessary to be guided by the mark of the minimum water level, which is located on the body of the device. In this case, you need to follow so that the top contacts do not touch the water surface.

Like all aquarium equipment, a water heater requires careful maintenance. From time to time, you should wipe the device and remove dirt from it.

Rapid heating of water is facilitated by the aeration process. You also need to install a special filter or compressor in the reservoir. The devices provide continuous circulation of water and air bubbles. As a rule, heaters are installed near filters. This helps to quickly heat the water and raise the temperature of the water layers to an optimal level.

How to choose a heater for an aquarium and install it correctly, see the next video.