Aquarium heaters are needed for every fish tank for stabilizing the water temperature. Aquarium heaters are important for goldfish tanks because goldfish are very sensitive to sudden changes in water parameters.
According to research, Aquarium heaters are used for controlling the water temperature and maintaining it. Fishes like goldfish and koi fishes need water-conditioned aquariums to thrive. Each species of fish have its own optimal water temperature and the heater will help to maintain a constant water temperature suitable for fishes.
If the water temperature becomes low the goldfish struggle to breathe which affects the goldfish’s lifespan due to low oxygen on the bottom of the tank. In this article, you will know the importance of heaters, working and best heater for aquariums with an installation guide.
What is an aquarium heater?
Aquarium heaters are important equipment for tropical aquariums. They are mainly used for generating heat for aquariums for maintaining water temperature. The aquarium heater will produce heat energy to water for increasing the water temperature.
It was mainly used in the winter season, As it was cold everywhere so many people use aquarium heaters to maintain the water temperature in certain conditions. It was just simple electrical equipment for heating water without harming fish.
If the temperature becomes low, the fish may get stressed and the oxygen levels become decreasing. So you need to place an aquarium heater for maintaining the water temperature.
Why Heater is essential for fish tank
Many countries have different temperatures, So adjusting fish tank water temperature every time using ice cubes will be hard for every fish owner. Aquarium heaters are essential for fish tanks to maintain the water temperature.
If the water starts to freeze and becomes low temperature, the fish may start struggling for oxygen. To make them comfortable and healthy, you an use aquarium heater for increasing the water temperature.
How aquarium heaters work
The working of an aquarium heater is simple, the aquarium heater will convert electrical energy to heat energy. You need to place the aquarium heater inside the water for working with good water movement.
The aquarium will be working automatically, after reaching a certain water temperature ( AS you set ) the heater will automatically cut off. If the temperature becomes low, the heater will turn on itself and start heating water.
It was the working condition of most aquarium filters, So you need to buy a good aquarium heater for good performance.
What are the benefits of an Aquarium Heater?
- Temperature Control: One of the main benefits of a heater is to control or stabilize the water temperature. You can set a temperature according to the water parameters required for goldfish.
- Breeding and Reproduction: Aquarium heaters are beneficial for breeding and hatching.
- Improving Fish Health: The aquarium heaters will help to improve the health condition of low immunity or weak fish.
What is the Ideal water temperature For Goldfish?
Goldfish are freshwater fish most suitable for indoor aquariums or fish tanks. A tank water temperature of between 20°C – 23°C (68 °F – 74°F) is an ideal temperature for goldfish. When the water temperature becomes low, the goldfish struggle to breathe and stay in one place for a long time.
You need slowly increase the water temperature because a sudden increase in the water temperature will affect the health of fish. The goldfish will show erratic movements and breathe faster.
Which Type of Water do Goldfish Prefer(Warm or Cold)
Goldfish prefer to live in hard water with (68 °F – 74°F) water temperature. You need to maintain the water parameter for the healthy living of goldfish. Sudden changes in the water parameter will affect the health of fish.
Best aquarium heater in 2023
Here is the list of aquarium heater that was suitable for a goldfish tank. You can read the detailed guide for setting a heater in the aquariums.
Tetra 26446 HT Submersible Aquarium Heater
Tetra 26446 HT Submersible Aquarium Heater
- All Tetra HT heaters have indicator lights to let you know when the heater is on. It will be red when heating and green when the proper temperature has been reached.
- The HT20 uses a built in electronic theromstat to automatically maintain water at 78° F which is ideal for most tropical fish. No adjustment is requried.
HITOP 25W 50W 100W 200W 300W Adjustable Aquarium Heater
HITOP 25W 50W 100W 200W 300W Adjustable Aquarium Heater
- All Tetra HT heaters have indicator lights to let you know when the heater is on. It will be red when heating and green when the proper temperature has been reached.
- The HT20 uses a built in electronic theromstat to automatically maintain water at 78° F which is ideal for most tropical fish. No adjustment is requried.
Fluval M50 Ultra-Slim Submersible
Fluval M50 Ultra-Slim Submersible Aquarium
- Temperature Control: Computer-calibrated thermostat has an easy-to-adjust temperature control dial and an on/off blue indicator light to display when it’s in use.
- Slim Profile: Ultra slim design allows for easy installation in your aquarium tank.
Orlushy Submersible Aquarium Heater
Orlushy Submersible Aquarium Heater
- ★It shows an area to adjust the temperature. It’s not exactly accurate but it turns easy and can be adjusted at small intervals.
- ★Explosion Proof: 2mm thickened quartz glass,can be used in fresh water and salt water aquariums,easy to hide in the tank.
Marineland Precision Heater
Marineland Precision Heater
- This 200 watt heater is for aquariums up to 55 gallons. Adjustable temperature dial allows you to set the temperature 1 degree with every click.
- Thermal Switch automatically turns off as temperature rises above an internal preset and turns back on once it cools down.
How to install aquarium heater properly
The Aquarium heater installation was simple but for working correctly, you need to set it up according to our guide. Here we are going to install a submersible heater because it was easy to install and efficient in working.
So, let’s start
After the Installation of the Aquarium heater, Don’t put your hand into the water while the heater is on. You can Turn off the Heater for tank maintenance
Step 1: Check Heater Size According to Fish Tank
Before buying an aquarium heater, you need to choose the size according to the fish tank size. You need to check the temperature of the room where the aquarium is situated.
- Tank Size
- Water quantity
- Room Temperature
- Suitable Temperature for fish
Below you can see the list of heater sizes according to room temperature of 68° to 72° for increasing the temperature.
| Aquarium Size | 5°F | 10°F | 15°F |
| 5 Gallon | 50 Watt | 50 Watt | 50 Watt |
| 10 Gallon | 50 Watt | 50 Watt | 50 Watt |
| 20 Gallon | 50 Watt | 50 Watt | 50 Watt |
| 30 Gallon | 100 Watt | 100 Watt | 100 Watt |
| 55 Gallon | 150 Watt | 150 Watt | 150 Watt |
| 75 Gallon | 200 Watt | 200 Watt | 200 Watt |
| 90 Gallon | 300 Watt | 300 Watt | 300 Watt |
You need to set the temperature required for fish in your tank.
Step 2: Placing Aquarium Heater
Now it’s time for placing the aquarium heater in the fish tank. Don’t place it anywhere you like.
You need to place the aquarium heater near the filter outer tube ( such as Sponge Bubbler) Because if you place the aquarium heater near the filter inner valve, the heated water will go to the filter.
The placement of the heater is important in every fish tank, So you can set the filter near the outer valve of the filter for efficient working and results. You can place it horizontally or vertically like as your wish.
Step 3: Power On the Heater
After installation of the aquarium heater, you can power up the heater and check the temperature on the thermometer. Don’t touch the water or heater after turning it on because you may get an electric shock.
You can touch the water only after turning the power off and wait for some minutes for the water temperature to lower.
It was the easiest and most simple way for installing the aquarium heater. For big-size aquariums, you can choose two heaters,s and need to be placed on the opposite side.
They should be placed within long distances, otherwise, only the heater side has a high temperature.
Some Important tips for aquarium heater
Before maintenance, you need to unplug the aquarium heater and wait for 30 minutes for cooling down the temperature.
After Installation, Don’t touch the water because you may get an electric shock.
Turn Off and unplug the heater while the water changes and after the water change, you can plug it in and turn it on.
What are the alternative methods for Controlling temperature?
These are the alternative methods for controlling the aquarium temperature. You can use this method in certain situations for reducing the temperature. If the water temperature becomes high, you need can use these methods for cooling.
Cooling Fans
You can use a cooling fan in the aquarium for reducing the temperature. The aquarium temperature will start dropping slowly using a cooling fan. If the water temperature becomes high, the goldfish will be staying at the top for a long time and they will be breathing rapidly for survival.
Sudden changes in the water parameter will affect the health and immunity system of the goldfish. So you need to maintain the water temperature and water parameters in the tank. Below result of the aquarium cooling using a cooling fan.
Ice packs
Ice packs are used for reducing the temperature suddenly. According to research, Ice packs will reduce the water temperature faster compared with other methods. But it was harmful to goldfish because sudden water parameter changes will affect the health of fish.
Do goldfish need heaters in outdoor
Goldfish need heaters in outdoor environments because it was hard to stabilize the water temperature outside when compared with indoors. In the winter season, the water temperature will start to reduce and the goldfish find it hard to breathe. If the water temperature becomes too low, you need to separate the fish from the indoor environment.
Can goldfish live in cold water outside?
Normal-type goldfish can live in cold water such as outside the pond. They can thrive in any water condition but fancy and rare type goldfish are hard to thrive in outside. Fancy types need suitable water-conditioned tanks for survival.
Normal-type goldfish such as common goldfish, and comet are suitable for outdoor ponds and they need a lot of space for living. But I recommend keeping an aquarium heater in the outside pond for controlling the temperature.
Where is the best place to keep a goldfish?
The best suitable place for keeping goldfish is indoors. The goldfish need water conditioned tank with water parameters and quality maintained. The location needs to be inside the home and avoid direct sunlight and keep in a quiet place because the goldfish become stressed when they hear loud sounds.
What temperature do outdoor goldfish need?
The ideal temperature for outdoor goldfish is 40-105 Degrees F. You need to provide a heater, air pump, and filter in the outdoor pond. Goldfish require a lot of oxygen for healthy growth and to improve their immunity system.
The goldfish can thrive in low water temperature but they need oxygen to thrive.
What is the temperature needed for Oranda Goldfish
Oranda goldfish are suitable for the indoor tank because their ideal temperature is 65–72 degrees Fahrenheit. They require a good water-conditioned tank with suitable tankmates to thrive.
- Temperature needed for Fantail Goldfish: The ideal temperature is 65–72 degrees Fahrenheit
- Temperature needed for Fancy Goldfish: The ideal temperature is 65–72 degrees Fahrenheit
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