We are constantly on the hunt for the latest and most reliable aquarium heaters. Whenever exploring any compelling new option, our testers get our hands on them and test them to their limits. That explains why we understand thoroughly each model and who it fits to the most.
Here are the most reliable aquarium heaters you can buy in 2024:
- Best For Small Aquariums: Hitop 50W Adjustable Aquarium Heater
- Best For Large Aquariums: AQQA Submersible Aquarium Heater
- Easy To Install: Fluval M150
- Shatter-Resistant: Aqueon Preset Heater
- Energy-Efficient: HiTauing Submersible Aquarium Heater
- Fast Heating: Hygger 10-75 Gallon Small Aquarium Heater with LED Display Controller
| 6 Most Reliable Aquarium Heaters | ||
|---|---|---|
Best For Small Aquariums | Hitop 50W Adjustable Aquarium Heater | |
Best For Large Aquariums | AQQA Submersible Aquarium Heater | |
Easy To Install | Fluval M150 | |
Shatter-Resistant | Aqueon Preset Heater | |
Energy-Efficient | HiTauing Submersible Aquarium Heater | |
Fast Heating | Hygger 10-75 Gallon Small Aquarium Heater with LED Display Controller | |
Best For Small Aquariums: Hitop 50W Adjustable Aquarium Heater
- Suitable for small tanks from 5 to 15 gallons – 7.8” in length of the heating rod
- Superior explosion-proof properties - 2mm thick dedicated glass
- Good heat dissipation - ceramic frame
- Not the “set-it-and-leave-it” type of aquarium heater
- The suction cups are a bit hard to work with
With 7.8" in length - which is shorter than usual, this 50W aquarium heater from Hitop fits nicely small tanks from 5 to 15 gallons whether it's freshwater or saltwater.
It is also reliable to use. During our testing, the unit heated up fast and accurately within the temperature ranges from 68°F to 93°F and would automatically turn off once reaching the desired temp, so no risks of overheating.
One notable feature is the 2mm ultra-thick glass (which is more than 30% thicker than conventional glass) for superior explosion-proof properties and extra safety to both you and your pet fish.
The heating wire stays within the ceramic frame, which prevents curious fish from touching it and getting hurt.
| Hitop 50W Adjustable Aquarium Heater Specifications | |
|---|---|
Heating Rod Dimensions | 7.8*1*1 in |
Wattage | 50W |
Temperature Range | 68°F to 93°F (20°C - 34°C) |
Recommended Tank Size | 5-15 Gallons |
Highlight Features | 7.8” in length of the heating rod 2mm thick dedicated glass ceramic frame |
The Hitop 50W Adjustable Aquarium Heater is the best performer for small aquariums under 15 gallons.
Best For Large Aquariums: AQQA Submersible Aquarium Heater
- Perfect for large tanks from 66 to 135 gallons – 11.2” ultra-long heating rod & 500W power
- No babysitting – auto-restart and –shutoff features
- Able to remember the last setting before a power outage – the memory function
- The controller isn’t waterproof
- The suction cups need more improvement
This 500W aquarium heater from AQQA is recommended for large-sized tanks from 66 to 135 gallons. It is tested to be accurate within 0.1-degree F increments and can keep the aquarium water at the desired heat thanks to the auto-heating element.
Accordingly, when its sensor detects the water temperature is lower than the set level by 1℉, it will automatically turn the unit on until the water temp reaches that. On average, it increases the water temp by 1℃ in 2 hours.
The AQQA Submersible Aquarium Heater is designed with safety and durability in mind: heat-resistant PC cover, silicon carbide heat conduction, nickel-chromium heating wire, and explosion-proof quartz glass.
The memory function and dry auto-shutoff feature allows it to be a set-it-and-leave-it option.
| AQQA Submersible Aquarium Heater Specifications | |
|---|---|
Heating Rod Dimensions | 11.2” x 3.4” |
Wattage | 500W |
Temperature Range | 68℉ to 93℉ |
Recommended Tank Size | 66-135 gallons |
Highlight Features | 11.2” ultra-long heating rod & 500W power auto-restart and –shutoff features the memory function |
The AQQA Submersible Aquarium Heater does a fantastic job heating aquarium water in large tanks up to 135 gallons.
Easy To Install: Fluval M150
- Easy to install and replace - slim-profile tube
- Stylish and natural looking - exclusive mirror technology
- Not fully submersible
If installation is too much of a chore to you, then our favorite choice is the Fluval M150. Its slim-profile tube makes both installation and replacement easy.
This is the premium choice for aquarium heaters, made in Europe, and supported by the industry-leading three-year warranty.
Quality aside, the unit impressed us for the stylish and modern look. It features exclusive mirror technology that seamlessly reflects the ambient colors to keep your aquarium a natural-looking.
| Fluval M150 Specifications | |
|---|---|
Heating Rod Dimensions | 1.25 x 1.25 x 13 inches |
Wattage | 150-watt |
Temperature Range | 66-86 degrees Fahrenheit |
Recommended Tank Size | up to 45 gallons |
Highlight Features | slim-profile tube exclusive mirror technology |
Easy to install and replace, the Fluval M150 is a great choice for any beginner fish feeders.
Shatter-Resistant: Aqueon Preset Heater
- Ideal for tanks with big and aggressive fish - shatter-resistant quartz glass
- Read to use - no adjustment required
- No babysitting – overheating protection features and auto-restart function
- The suction cups don’t hold in place well
- No actual temperature setting on it
This 200W aquarium heater is engineered from shatter-resistant quartz glass for protection from it banging on the glass tank, making it perfect for those tanks with big and aggressive fish.
The unit is friendly to entry-level fish feeders as it requires no adjustment to use.
It will automatically turn off once reaching the desired water temperature for overheating protection and restart when it cools down. For the price, it is hard to beat!
| Aqueon Preset Heater Specifications | |
|---|---|
Heating Rod Dimensions | 3.5 x 1.5 x 10.5 inches |
Wattage | 200 Watts |
Recommended Tank Size | up to 75 gallons |
Highlight Features | shatter-resistant quartz glass no adjustment required overheating protection features and auto-restart function |
The Aqueon Preset Heater is best for shatter-resistant, making it suitable for tanks with big and aggressive fish
Energy-Efficient: HiTauing Submersible Aquarium Heater
- Energy-efficient - silicon carbide heating tubes
- Safety – overheating and dry-burning protection
- Practical – memory function
- The temp display does not have odd numbers
This is the aquarium heater that helps you save up to 30% of the total energy consumption compared to other counterparts at the same power.
And, here's the reason why: Its heating tubes are filled with silicone carbide - which is a conductor known for superior stability and fast-heating conduction capability. That allows the unit to be fast in both heat conduction and dissipation to hence cut down the heating time and save energy.
Besides, this aquarium heater is equipped with a dry auto-shutoff function, IPX8 waterproof digital display, and memory function.
| HiTauing Submersible Aquarium Heater Specifications | |
|---|---|
Heating Rod Dimensions | 8.47” long |
Wattage | 200W |
Temperature Range | 68℉- 93℉ |
Recommended Tank Size | 50-80 gallons |
Highlight Features | silicon carbide heating tubes overheating and dry-burning protection memory function |
The energy-efficient HiTauing Submersible Aquarium Heater ensures to keep your aquarium water at the desired temperature without piling up the energy bills.
Fast Heating: Hygger 10-75 Gallon Small Aquarium Heater with LED Display Controller
- Fast-heating - a nickel-chromium heating wire
- Protection for fish from burning themselves - break-resistant glass materials and heat-resistant PC guard
- More compact
- Not auto-shutoff once reaching the desired water temp
- A bit complicated to install
If you find it's not worth waiting for hours for the water temperature to increase by 1-degree C, then try the Hygger 10-75 Gallon Small Aquarium Heater.
The heating rod of this model features a nickel-chromium heating wire - which heats up faster than other materials. It is housed by break-resistant quartz glass materials and heat-resistant PC guard to keep fish from burns.
The structure of this aquarium heater is different from most models in the market, which includes three parts instead of two, making it more compact. In turn, you’ll need more time to install them.
| Hygger 10-75 Gallon Small Aquarium Heater with LED Display Controller Specifications | |
|---|---|
Heating Rod Dimensions | 10.24 x 1.97 x 1.18 inch |
Wattage | 300W |
Temperature Range | 59℉ to 93℉ |
Recommended Tank Size | 40-75 Gallons |
Highlight Features | a nickel-chromium heating wire break-resistant quartz glass materials heat-resistant PC guard |
When the fast-heating is really a matter, the Hygger 10-75 Gallon Small Aquarium Heater with LED Display Controller is the best choice.
How To Choose The Most Reliable Aquarium Heater?
Heater Size
Aquarium heaters are varied in size, which is measured in watts (W). The higher the wattage, the more powerful the unit.
To figure out the right heater size for your aquarium, consider the desired water temperatures, the surrounding temperatures, and the aquarium volume – which is defined by gallons (gal.) or liters (l).
The basic formula to calculate the required heater wattage is 2-3W/L or 3-5W/gal.
Suppose that you want your aquarium to be at 75°F. Then, the tank heater for the aquarium in a room temperature of 60°F should be more powerful than the one used in a room temperature of 75°F.
The reason is it needs to work harder to keep up with that much of a temperature difference.
In detail, a tank heater used in a room temperature of 60°F should be 60W and the one in a room temperature of 75°F should be up to 100W.
“What if I pick a too-small or too-large aquarium heater?” – you may ask.
A too-small model hardly remains the tank’s water temperature at the desired level, which impacts on the life quality of those creatures in it. Or, the unit has to overwork and wears out soon.
A too-large model may cause large temp swings or overheat the tank. It also wastes energy and money.
Consistency
Is the aquarium heater able to remain at a steady temperature in the tank?
For consistent performance, many tank heaters are equipped with a water temperature sensor and auto-on/off function. Accordingly, it will automatically turn off once the sensor detects the tank water temp reaches the default setting and restart when it gets cooler.
This feature is useful for busy people or those who don’t prefer to babysit their aquarium all day.
It also protects the tanks from potential dangers.
Ease Of Use
A reliable aquarium heater should be user-friendly and have the following characteristics:
- Easy to calibration
- Readable temperature display
- Active/standby indicator light
Safety Features
Heater guards – to protect your pet fish from contacting the heating elements that could result in burns
Dry/overheat sensors – to automatically turn the heater off when it’s out of water or when it is overheating.
Which Brands Make The Most Reliable Aquarium Heater?
Fluval
Established in 1975, Fluval was the brand that brought the world's first triple-stage filtration system with synchronous motor technology that has been a highlight landmark in the aquarium industry up to now. They also take a hule role in giving back to the fishkeeping community.
Aqueon
Founded and developed by professionals, Aqueon is a reliable stop for worldwide's aquatic hobbyists to shop for their aquarium. Here, you've got a wide range of aquarium solutions that are real-life tested to be able to retain healthy aquatic environments.
FAQs
Are there any good aquarium heaters?
Yes, there are.
To find the best aquarium heater, determine your needs and budget first. Then, please take a peek at the six top picks in the above review. They are carefully picked by our experts based on real-life testing.
Are Aqueon heaters reliable?
Yes, they are. Aqueon heaters are considered as one of the most accurate models in the market, aside from great warranty coverage and customer services.
How accurate are aquarium heaters?
To determine how accurate an aquarium heater is, please watch this video: https://youtu.be/u7suy7ID-EA
How many heaters do I need for a 55-gallon tank?
For a 55-gallon tank, you need a 165W heater at least.
Do fish tank heaters raise electric bills?
Yes, they do. Fish tank heaters do increase your energy bills, but you might not notice the change month-to-month, especially if you are operating only one unit < 150W for a nano aquarium. That means the effects are just noticeable in the long run.
Conclusion
This comprehensive guide should help make your big decision of aquarium heater a lot easier. Make sure to think through the entire process. The most critical thing about deciding which model to purchase is to be realistic about your tank size and characteristics, and your budget. The above-mentioned review list is the most reliable aquarium heaters out there.
