Fish can be complicated pets to look after. Firstly, you have to get the right (and correct amount) of fish food to feed them, then you have to think about the size of the fish tank you want. Even air pumps and filters are necessary to consider. One thing you don't want to forget if you're looking for tropical fish is an aquarium heater.
They're such worthwhile pets to have and can really add to a home when you get it right. Tropical fish are known for being vibrant and colourful, so they can be really striking to look at. With this in mind, you'll want to make sure that you're giving them the best environment that they can live in and tropical fish need, hence the important need for an aquarium heater.
So, if you're investing in tropical fish and want to perfect your aquarium set-up, you'll want to grab the best heater out there. Luckily, we have all the information and top choices you can buy on the market. Here's exactly what you need to know when buying a fish tank heater.
Do I need an aquarium heater?
If you have tropical fish or a marine fish tank, you'll definitely need to invest in an aquarium heater to keep the level of heat consistent and therefore keep your tropical fish happy and healthy. If your water isn't heated your tropical fish won't survive in the conditions, so you must grab a reliable heater.
With tropical fish, you'll have to keep the temperature heater on at all times, so you'll want to invest in a heater that really does the job correctly. If you find that the heat is fluctuating a lot or that your fish tank is getting too hot, then it's probably time to invest in a new one.
What do aquarium heaters do?
As the clue says in the name, fish tank heaters keep the water of your tank warm and therefore create a sustainable environment for your fish to live in. Most aquarium heaters will range from 22 to 34 degrees, as this is the most common temperature for tropical pet fish. You'll want to double-check what the best condition is for your fish, as some heaters come with static temperatures that you won't be able to change. Most will come with adjustable buttons that you can switch up and down.
Already had your fair share of fish tanks and just looking for the best aquarium heaters on the market? We've hunted down the best aquarium heaters with the best features, so you can have the top choice for your fish tank.
Best aquarium heaters to buy right now 2022
Best top-rated aquarium heater
With over 5,000 Amazon reviews, this is our top choice for rated aquarium heaters online. Coming from Fluval, this is a premium aquarium heater that's from a trusted fish brand. It comes in a range of wattage sizes with an integrated fish guard to protect your pets. Keep an eye on the temperature with a continuous real-time temperature display, too.
Why we like it: Ultimate protection from a premium aquarium heater
Size: Up to 250 litres
Wattage: 50, 100, 200 or 300 watts
Temperature: Set at 25°C and can be adjusted to 0.5°C increments
Review: "It feels like a solid piece of kit. The neon temperature display is easy to read, even in the dark, and accurate. The suction cups are strong and the sliding bracket to change the height positions is very handy."
Best Pets at Home aquarium heater
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Safety is key when looking for a tropical aquarium heater, and with this BiOrb heater, you'll be sure to keep your fish safe. Wire-free and coming with a heater stand, you won't have to worry about faffing around with the heater for consistent temperatures. It also comes with free tropical fish food to get you on your way.
Why we like it: It's wire-free and from a trusted pet shop
Size: 30-100litres
Wattage: 50w
Temperature: 20-34°C
Review: "I decided to spend a bit more and get this. I can tell this is of much higher quality by just looking at it closely. I have used it for a week now and I would like to say that this is by far the best aquarium heater I have had. I set the heat at 21C and it remained at 21, unlike the other heater which went to 23."
Best aquarium heater with protective cover
When it comes to aquarium heaters, you want to make sure it has a sustainable cover that will protect your fish from the heat. With three choices of wattage, you can choose the most efficient option for your tank.
Why we like it: Effective, affordable and protective
Size: 5-35 litres
Wattage: 30, 50 or 120 watts
Temperature: 20-34°C
Review: "Good heater, suction power is excellent and probably the best thing about this. Good value for money too. Good protection too."
Best aquarium heater for medium-sized tanks
We love something that is proven to work, and with almost 3,000 reviews on Amazon, it's a fish fan favourite. Buyers love that it's easy to use and you can double up with two for larger tanks.
Why we like it: Top-rated on Amazon and not too expensive
Size: 135-270 litre aquariums
Wattage: 25, 50, 100, 150, 200 and 300 watt
Temperature: 20-34°C
Review: "This is a great heater for smaller tanks, the temperature accuracy is a little off but as long as you have a temp probe you can adjust it until it’s right! Stays stuck to the wall of the tank and keeps the water at the right temperature consistently, great value for money."
Best thicker glass aquarium heater
When it comes to our heated fish tanks, you'll want to make sure that you've got the most sustainable and protective materials for your aquarium. This Fluval advanced heater is digital and will continuously display accurate water temperature. If there's a fluctuation in the temperature, the heater will alert you through the screen.
Why we like it: Thick glass and a techy display make it a durable option
Size: 8-30 litres
Wattage: 25 or 50 watts
Temperature: 20-34°C
Review: "Does exactly what it says and regulates temperature pretty well. I've currently got this heater in a 60L Betta tank, set at 27-ish and the temperature stays in the 26 to 28 range without too much fluctuation."
Best affordable aquarium heater
If you're looking for a heater that's really tailored to your tank, this Hidom Aquarium Heater has loads of options to choose from. Even suited to larger tanks, you can choose from seven wattage choices and it's not too expensive either.
Why we like it: Affordable and has lots of wattage options
Size: Up to 300 litres
Wattage: 15, 50, 75, 100, 150, 200, 300 watts
Temperature: 16-32°C
Review: "So far really satisfied. Bought two for my two tanks and so far both work perfectly for more than three months. Would recommend for people that keep their fish in tanks without a heater. This is a cheap solution and it works!!"
Best aquarium heater with external reader
With the temperature reader on the outside of your aquarium, this heater makes it super efficient to keep an eye on your tank temperature. Choose from 100 or 500 watts, depending on your tank and adjust easily with the buttons.
Why we like it: An easy-to-read thermometer made with big and small tanks in mind
Size: 50-150 litres
Wattage: 100 or 500 watts
Temperature: 20-34°C
Review: "Have been using it for a while now. Bought as a replacement as my heater failed and I lost fish. This is brilliant being able to see the temperature immediately without having to find my glasses each time to look at the in-tank thermometer is a blessing. It seems a decent heater. "
Best fixed aquarium heater for small tanks
If you're looking for something that simply does the job for a smaller aquarium, this Interpret heater will be a good choice. With a fixed temperature of 25 degrees and the flexible placement anywhere in the take, all you need to do is switch it on and go.
Why we like it: Perfect for small fish tanks
Size: Up to 12 litres
Wattage: 10 or 25 watts
Temperature: 20°C and above
Review: "Great product and works exactly as it should. I have a small 10-litre tank and really wasn't sure which heater would be best, but this works just fine. Always keeps the temperature around 25 degrees, been using it for a few weeks and had no issues."