In winter, we make sure that our aquatic animals are warm. In the summer, on the contrary, we puzzle over how to cool the aquarium water so that our pets do not cook.
The key to success in this matter is the right choice! In this article, we will talk to you about why you need to strictly observe the temperature regime, how and with what to maintain it. We will give recommendations on choosing devices for heating and cooling aquarium water.
For those who find it inconvenient to read at this moment, we invite you to watch our comprehensive video on this topic.
We need to start with the fact that 99% of the hydrobionts that are kept in our aquariums are tropical - warm-water species. Water temperature fluctuations in their natural habitat range from ~22-27 degrees Celsius, year-round. And that is why in almost all fish articles, a temperature of 25 degrees is the qualification and postulate for keeping fish.
It should also be noted that ~ 25 degrees is optimal for maintaining the aquarium as a whole. This is due to the fact that the higher the water temperature, the less oxygen remains in it, and this affects not only the respiration of fish, but also the nitrogen cycle - beneficial nitrifying bacteria and other organisms that also need O2. In addition, at high temperatures, nitrogenous poisons become more “vigorous” .
In turn, cold water provokes fish diseases. Pathogenic microorganisms become “more aggressive.” And the fish’s immunity weakens.
We also note that the higher the water temperature, the faster the fish’s metabolism - life cycles. On the one hand this is good, on the other hand it is bad. In warm water, immunity is stronger, pathogens are worse, but due to the acceleration of metabolism, the fish age faster.
There are other aspects that influence the choice of temperature regime.
The most important thing in this matter is stability. You can adjust the temperature as much as you like. It is important that the changes are smooth, so that there are no sudden temperature jumps. And aquarium water heating and cooling devices help us with this. Let's look at them.
Aquarium water heaters
A heater is a device that lasts a long time. Our advice is not to skimp and choose a heating pad carefully. Today there are two types of heaters - immersion and flow-through. There are different modifications of them, for example, bottom, fixed - with a preset temperature. There are also differences in size.
Let's look at each option in more detail. And let’s do this using ISTA heating pads (Taiwan) as an example; they are widely represented on the market and combine the best in price and quality.
SEACHEM
FERTILIZERS SUBSTRATES TESTS INSTRUMENTS
FULL LINE OF JBL Pro Scaper Products for Professional Aquascaping!
Every aquarist eventually begins to want more than “just” an aquarium with fish and plants and becomes a landscaper: he will want to replicate an above-water landscape, for example, a mountain range and forest, or a specific habitat of fish and plants (biotope) in his own aquarium. A skipper has slightly different requirements than the average aquarist: he grows more and more demanding plants, and keeps very few or no fish in the aquarium. And this is where the main differences between a skipper’s aquarium and a regular, decorative community aquarium lie: in a community aquarium, as a rule, there are more fish, and accordingly there are more macroelements, for example, nitrogen in the form of nitrates and phosphorus in the form of phosphates. In a skipper's aquarium with a large number of plants, these nutrients are often not enough and must be added separately (NPK fertilizers). In turn, in a general aquarium this will lead to an overabundance of fertilizer and thus will not make any sense. escaper
Every landscaper needs the right tools (JBL Pro Scaper Tools) for working in an aquarium. They are ideally suited to the needs of professional aquascapers. The tools are made of high quality Japanese stainless steel (with a very smooth surface) for the best quality and high precision cutting with scissors. Tweezers, for example, have transverse ribs at the top so that plants can be optimally grasped without crushing them. The weight of all tools is optimized for fatigue-free work. Working in an aquarium will become even more exciting! And even when choosing soil there are significant differences. Landscapers often use special soils (scaper soil) tailored to their needs. These soils, unlike “normal” substrates (sand, gravel), are not neutral, but soften the water, and the pH decreases slightly. JBL plant substrates are already enriched with nutrients and minerals, while shrimp substrates are nutrient-free. For an aquascape without invertebrates, the soil is maximally rich in plant nutrients (JBL Pro Scaper PlantSoil). For aquariums with invertebrates, there is another substrate option that is identical to JBL Pro Scaper PlantSoil, but without the additional fertilizer. escaper
The most important water parameters for aquarium plants can be determined using a new set of highly sensitive tests (JBL Testlab Pro Scaper). The skipper always knows exactly what is happening in his aquarium. This is impossible without water analysis! The tests allow you to determine important water parameters in a few minutes in order, for example, to calculate the dosage of individual fertilizer components. escaper
Flow-through heaters for aquariums
An excellent solution for all those who have external filters. Such heaters are installed on the outlet hose of the external filter and heat the water that goes into the aquarium.
They differ in power and compactness.
Ista External Heater
The trick of flow-through heaters is that they do not take up any space in the aquarium and do not spoil the aesthetics of the created world. In dense herbalists and aquascapes they are generally irreplaceable. Check out the topic “The Way of an Aquascaper.”
Where should I put the submersible heating pad? Nowhere! In such compositions there is only enough space to place the intake and exit from the outside. In connection with this, for many years now, we have been sitting tightly on the flow. And we say thanks to Neptune for such an invention!
DIY aquarium heater
When making such a device, you need to remember that the operating conditions are associated with a serious risk of electric shock.
But if the decision is made in favor of a homemade craft, then there is a good option to create a structure from resistors (resistance), a piece of glass tube with thick walls, dry filler and a remote thermostat. Installation work occurs in the following order.
1. The power of the heating element is determined based on a special table, which takes into account the difference in temperature between that required in the aquarium and room temperature. The required current is calculated by dividing the selected power by the applied voltage. By dividing the voltage used by the calculated current, you can obtain the resistance value of the heater. The required number of identical resistors is selected so that their total power and resistance indicator corresponds to the calculated values.
2. The length and diameter of the glass tube are determined based on the size and number of resistances.
It is important that the resistors soldered in series are placed in the tube with a free space of 15 cm.
3. Cleaned and calcined sand can be used as a filler.
4. The bottom of the glass tube is closed with a suitable rubber stopper placed on the aquarium sealant.
5. The ends of the network cable are soldered to the upper and lower resistors. The entire structure is placed in a tube and covered with sand. It is important that the sand is at the bottom of the tube and covers the top resistor.
6. The top of the tube is carefully sealed with aquarium sealant. The power cable is connected to a thermostat with a remote temperature sensor, which in turn is placed in the aquarium.
7. The heater is placed vertically so that the part of the tube containing the resistors is hidden under water. The structure is attached to the wall of the aquarium using special suction cups.
Schemes for manufacturing the thermostat itself based on a comparator and thermistors have also been developed.
Aquarium heater with thermostat
The main inconveniences when using the heater are related to the need to constantly monitor its operation. Even having reached the desired water temperature, the device still continues to function and must be disconnected from the network manually.
To get rid of this problem, a special device is used - a thermostat, which is a device with a built-in temperature sensor. It allows you to turn off the heating element when a preset value is reached and turn it on again when the water begins to cool.
This ensures a stable microclimate without temperature changes. The use of modern technologies makes it possible to produce very compact and easy-to-use thermostats.
According to manufacturing technology, they are divided into two types.
Electronic . They are highly accurate (most of them are equipped with an information board). Disadvantages include the relative high cost and lack of reliability.
Mechanical . They are found most often, are characterized by stability and reliability during operation, and are cheaper in price. They often distort real readings by several degrees, so to accurately adjust the device, you must use a separate thermometer.
According to the level of safety during operation and durability of the devices, thermostats are divided into:
- Remote - located outside the aquarium, not affected by the aquatic environment and the waste products of aquatic organisms. This increases their service life and makes it possible to use cheaper heaters and replace them without additional costs. To determine the operating mode, a separate temperature sensor is used, which is located in the aquarium and connected by a wire to the thermostat.
- Built-in - mounted in a sealed housing together with a heating element. With this configuration, the entire water control and heating system becomes very compact and easy to use.
Spiral-heater-for-aquarium
The latter type of design is the most popular among aquarists and is often made in the form of an elongated glass flask, inside of which there is an electric heater and thermostat. For greater thermal conductivity, the space of the flask is filled with the smallest ceramic filler.
The tightness of the structure is ensured by a rubberized or plastic cap through which the power wire passes. There is also a regulator here that allows you to set the required temperature.
Well-known brands of aquarium equipment - Eheim, Fluval, Ferplast, Aquael, Tetra - produce reliable and high-quality submersible heaters for aquariums with a power thermostat from 25 to 300 W. Such devices are capable of providing the necessary conditions in aquariums up to 1500 liters.
To reduce the likelihood of water overheating, there is a practice of simultaneously using several less powerful thermal devices.
If it is not possible to purchase the necessary equipment, you can make it yourself.
Submersible heaters for aquariums
This is the most common type of aquarium heater. There are: glass, ceramic, plastic.
For example, check out the ISTA Mini Fixed Temperature Heater - mini, micro heating pads!
A very cool thing for naniki and aquariums with bettas! And there is no need to tell on the forums that there are no mini-hot water bottles, that the cockerels are kept at a temperature level: “Like they inhaled in the house.” You can't do that. If you bought a cockerel, please, create comfortable conditions for him!
Ista actually has a whole series of Ista Fixed Temperature Heater - for any size and power. Your task is only to choose.
In the assortment you will find:
— Compact ISTA heater with preset temperatures of 25, 28 and 33°C, height 50mm, 10W.
— Compact ISTA heater with preset temperatures of 25, 28 and 33°C, height 65mm, 15W.
— Compact ISTA heater with preset temperatures of 25, 28 and 33°C, height 110mm, 30W.
— Compact ISTA heater with preset temperatures of 25, 28 and 33°C, height 140mm, 60W.
— Compact ISTA heater with preset temperatures of 25, 28 and 33°C, height 240mm, 120W.
— Compact ISTA heater with preset temperatures of 25, 28 and 33°C, height 295mm, 300W.
— Compact ISTA heater with preset temperatures of 25, 28 and 33°C, height 340mm, 500W.
— Compact ISTA heater with preset temperatures of 25, 28 and 33°C, height 400mm, 800W.
These thermostats can maintain 3 temperature levels in aquariums: a temperature of 25C - which is excellent for most aquatic plants and for marine aquariums; a temperature of 28 C is suitable for most types of tropical fish, and a temperature of 33 C is required for keeping warm-water fish species (for example, discus) or during the treatment of certain diseases.
In general, it is worth saying that the modern aquarium market provides us with a huge range of heaters. There are heaters in which you can independently set any temperature regime. If you want this option, take proven and high-quality brands, for example, Tetra heating pad - Tetra HT 25, 50, 75, 100, 150, 200, 300 .
Tetra HT
Time-tested, recommended by FF! 5 years of use and no complaints!
Why do we focus on quality?! Because many glass heating pads, especially cheap ones made in China, are crap, the thermostat in them does not work correctly - you set it to 25 degrees, but it heats up to 28 degrees. We actually once had a case when the XiaoLiaoHeater actually cooked the fish - it fried it at 35 degrees and did not turn off. Returning home, we had to urgently save the fish... Actually, after this incident, we never scrounged for a good heating pad again =)
Just don’t think that we are against the “Chinese”. Let me tell you, now many famous brands are also “China”. We simply do not recommend that you take a frankly cheap heating pad, which does not inspire confidence even at first glance.
If your budget is limited, take the ATMAN heating pad - good heaters from the Middle Kingdom that have been proven for decades.
Atman heaters
Atman Heater series heaters - for freshwater and marine aquariums from 10 to 50 liters. Made from very durable glass. Setting range from 18 to 34 degrees Celsius, measurement error ±1° C.
Atman heaters of the Galaxy series - for freshwater and marine aquariums from 50 to 300 liters. Made from very durable glass. Setting range from 20 to 34 degrees Celsius, measurement error ±1° C.
Atman heaters of the FIXED series - for freshwater and marine aquariums from 5 to 50 liters. Made of heat-resistant quartz glass. The devices are set to maintain a temperature of 26 degrees Celsius, measurement error ±1° C.
So, well, at the end of the conversation about heaters, let’s say that there are heaters in a plastic shockproof braid.
If you have, say, turtles or aggressive, large fish, for example, cichlids, which can easily move stones, you need a safe heating pad in plastic.
Let's summarize. Aquarium heaters are devices that should serve faithfully for a long time. Don't skimp and carefully choose a device to suit your needs.
Our selection of the three best aquarium heaters from Aliexpress
Aquarium heater 25 W/300 W
This heating rod can provide the required heat and maintain the temperature of the water inside the tank. It can automatically adjust the temperature as needed for the fish in the aquarium.
Features: The temperature scale can be adjusted between 20~34℃(68~93°F). Fully submersible, waterproof double insulation, durable and safe design. Power indicator, ensures safe operation. Can automatically adjust the temperature, good for fish in aquarium. Specifications: Color: Black Material: Glass Plug: EU Plug Power: 25W/50W/100W/200W/300W (Optional) Voltage: 220-240V Frequency: 50/60Hz Temperature Range: 20 ~34℃/68~93°F Item Length: 25W: 20.5cm/8in 50W: 21cm/8.27in 100W: 25.5cm/10in 200W: 29cm/11.43in 300W: 29 cm/11.43in Cable length: approx. 85cm/33.5in Package Size: 25W: 26.5*7*4cm/10.4*2.76*1.57in (L*W*H) 50W: 26.5*7*4cm /10.4*2.76*1.57in(L*W*H) 100W: 30.5*7*4cm/12*2.76*1.57in(L*W*H) 200 W: 36.5*7*4cm/14.4*2.76*1.57in (L*W*H) 300W: 36.5*7*4cm/14.4*2.76* 1.57inch(L*W*H) Package Weight: 170g~230g/6oz~8.1oz
Note: 1. This item is only suitable for fresh water. 2. The heating rod must be completely immersed in water 3. When the indicator is on, it is working. 4. Before cleaning the fish tank or heating rod, please turn off the power for 15-20 minutes to cool down the heating rod. Package list: 1 * Heating rod
Price: 664.37 - 819.62 rub. / PC.
Special price: 418.29 - 516.59 rub. /PC.
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Stainless Steel Aquarium Heater with LCD Digital Thermometer
Ideal Aquarium Temperature Controller Kit Consists of: Stainless Steel Water Heater and LCD Immersion Thermometer. Both are fully submersible, waterproof double insulation, durable and safe design. With the easy-to-read LCD display for this thermometer, you can easily keep track of the temperature in your aquarium. The convector will turn off automatically when the temperature is reached. A sensitive and reliable thermostat maintains an even temperature. Parameters: Heater:
Model: submersible aquarium heater
Material: Stainless steel
AC input: 220V, 50Hz
Power: 50W, 100W, 200W, 300W, 500W
Temperature range: 16-32 degrees Celsius
Heater Length: 16cm/29cm/29cm/35cm/35cm
Protective cover: 6 parts, free stitching, adjustable length 15-42 cm.
Suit for aquarium: 50W: less than 50L water, about 20x30cm 100W: 50-100L water, about 40x60cm
200W: 100-200L water, about 60×80cm
300W: 150-300L water, about 80×100cm 500W: 250-500L water, about 130×150cm Thermometer: Color: black + silver
Material: ABS Plastic Display: LCD Digital Display Temperature Range: 0°C to 50°C Alarm Default Setting: Maximum: 28°C; Lowest: 18°C Power: 1*1.5V AG13 Button Battery(Not Included) Sucker Diameter: 3cm/1.2in Product Size: 50*30*20mm/1.97*1.2 *0.8in Item Weight: 26g/0.92oz Package:
Package size: 45x15x10cm Package weight: 370g-510g Package includes:
1 x Aquarium Submersible Water Heater
1 x EU/UK/AU adapter according to your address
Price: 1,132.14 - 1,274.51 rub. / PC.
Discounted price: 814.87 - 917.92 rubles. /PC.
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External heater EH-300 EH-500 AU/EU/UK
Features: Power: 300W/500W Voltage: 220-240V 50Hz LCD display Adjustable temperature: 20 to 35 degrees External design, work with filter cup Automatic shutdown when there is no water flow insid Note: Connect the heater to the inner tube filter cup The direction of the arrow on the heater should be the same as the direction of the water flo Package includes: 1 x heater 2x17mm adatper for 16mm ID water hose 2x22mm adapter for 20mm ID water hose
Price: RUB 2,325.29 / PC.
Discounted price: RUB 1,488.05. /PC.
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conclusions
There is a theory according to which aquatic animals must be kept in conditions as close as possible to natural ones. Temperature changes in nature occur constantly, and there seems to be no particular need to use an aquarium heater.
But in practice it has been proven that fish and plants feel much better, get sick less and live longer in a stable microclimate. This is why using an aquarium heater with a thermostat, especially during the cold season, is more than justified.
