What Aquarium Heater Is Best to Choose?
Many aquarists sooner or later face the question of how to choose a heater for an aquarium and how to install it correctly. Along with other devices and accessories, these are relevant, especially considering that the weather outside and the indoor climate are not always stable. Regular heating of water will provide its inhabitants with a comfortable existence, and relieve risks to health and life. This means that the owner will spend less time, effort, and money on care.
Why the heater for aquarium is needed?
Without additional exposure, water quickly acquires ambient temperature. In the room, it becomes the same as the air around. A similar process takes place outside. Having taken up the cultivation of aquatic plants and animals, it is worth taking responsibility for their comfort – allocating a certain amount to maintain appropriate conditions.
Not all fish, plants, and other inhabitants of the underwater world will “appreciate” the standard temperature level of +20 … +25 °C. Someone needs a cooler environment, someone – on the contrary, a warmer one. The latter option is more relevant since tropical and equatorial pets are common among exotic pets. In the natural environment, they live where the water warms up by 5–10 degrees more than in temperate latitudes and almost does not cool down in winter.
There are fish that can be called finicky. For them, a temperature difference of even one or two degrees becomes critical, affecting their well-being and health. There are also those who need different environmental parameters at different times of the day. Therefore, buying a heater with a thermostat is a must for every serious aquarist.
Main types of aquarium heaters
Aquarium heaters can be divided into the following types:
- Submersible. The most common model. This type of aquarium heater is waterproof and designed to be placed in water. Consists of plastic and glass and the heating element are covered with a heat-resistant casing.
- Ground (bottom). Such thermostats provide uniform heating of water – warm streams circulate and rise to the surface.
- For running water. Devices designed for running water and stagnant water operate completely differently. In the first case, the liquid is heated as it passes through the device.
- External. Such heaters are part of an external remote filter system. Thanks to this, the water passing through it is not only purified but also heated at the same time.
Why do you need thermostat as well?
It is important to understand that when purchasing a heater without a thermostat, you will need to constantly monitor the water temperature so that it is comfortable for the fish. The operation of the thermostat is fully automated – you just set the desired water temperature, and the device turns on and off on its own as needed.
You can find thermostats of the following types:
- Electronic. It features high accuracy in determining the temperature of the water in the tank, as well as high reliability and stability. Such devices are most often made of plastic. Their main disadvantage is the relatively expensive price.
- Mechanical. They are more popular due to the more affordable price. However, such thermostats have a relay error, so at first, it will not be superfluous to use an aquarium thermometer to adjust the water temperature. Such devices are usually made of glass.
We hope you found all the needed answers to your questions regarding the heating of aquarium. Find all the special lamps in one place – Pondkeeper online store.
WANT TO RECEIVE PERSONAL, STYLISH SUGGESTIONS TO YOUR EMAIL?
FILL OUT THE FOLLOWING FORM: