Submersible vs. Hang-On Aquarium Heaters: Which is Best for Your Setup?

A reliable aquarium heater is an essential piece of equipment for keeping your tank water healthy. A good aquarium heater is easy to use, durable, and accurate.

Heaters should be positioned near filters or circulation pumps to better distribute their warmth. They should also be kept away from other heating sources like heat lamps or hot decorations to avoid overheating.

Types

Keeping the right water temperature is vital for fish health. With the exception of some cold-water species, all tropical fish require warm water to thrive. If you do not maintain the correct water temperature, your fish can suffer from stress, illnesses and even death.

Fish Aquarium Tank

Aquarium heaters are a crucial piece of equipment for the proper care of your aquatic pets. They use electricity to heat the water and they are available in a variety of sizes. They are either submersible or hang-on, and both types can be adjusted to reach your desired tank water temperature. When selecting an aquarium heater, be sure to select a model that is fully submersible, as this will not pose a danger of electricity leakage and it will also ensure that the heat is evenly distributed throughout the tank.

Hang-on aquarium heaters sit on the back wall of the tank and are usually positioned a few inches up from the bottom. They are often placed near a filter inlet or outlet, and they will circulate the heated water into the tank. This type of aquarium heater is typically more affordable than a submersible aquarium heater, but it may not distribute the heat as effectively. It is important to always keep an eye on your aquarium and to use a thermometer to verify that the aquarium heater is doing its job.

Submersible

Unlike rim-mount heaters, be hai san cho nha hang submersible aquarium heaters are fully enclosed. They’re more dependable and come in a variety of sizes to accommodate every tank. Some even include a digital thermometer for double-checking the accuracy of the settings. Their design also protects against moisture, and their internal and external seals provide superior leak protection. They use about 5-10 watts of electricity, depending on the tank size.

A popular option among tank owners, this heater is easy to set up and works well for small tanks. Its flat profile makes it easy to place in narrow spaces. It also has a one-touch control system and overheat protection. Plus, it’s made with durable plastic that’s resistant to cracking and breaking.

You must remember to unplug the tank heater before changing the water. Failure to do so could result in an immediate — and possibly fatal — electrical shock. The best way to avoid this is to connect a sensor that senses when the tank is being drained, and then alerts someone immediately so they can shut off the power to the heater before it goes off by itself.

This heater is designed to keep your aquarium at a steady 78 degrees. Its electronic thermostat helps prevent overheating and extends the life of the product. It features silicon carbide crystals that improve heat transfer and distribution, as well as a strong glass tube that’s heat- and shock-resistant. It’s easy to use: just attach it to the tank wall with the suction cup.

Heater Wattage Calculation

The heater’s job is to move energy from the incoming power lines into heating coils that convert this energy into heat, thus raising the water temperature. The higher the wattage, the more heat it will be able to deliver per unit volume of aquarium water.

It takes approximately 1/2 watt to increase the temperature of 1 gallon of water by 1 degree. To determine how much wattage your aquarium’s tank needs, subtract your room temperature from the desired aquarium temperature, then divide that number by your tank size. For example, a 10 gallon tank in a room with an ambient temperature of 70 degrees will need 3 watts of heating per day to raise the water temperature by 5 degrees.

When shopping for a heater, it is recommended to look for a model that will offer a wattage range of 5 watts per gallon or higher. This allows you to adjust the temperature of your aquarium easily and efficiently.

Also consider that other electrical equipment in your aquarium adds to the wattage required to maintain a certain temperature. For example, a fifty watt sump submerged pump is like running a twenty watt heater 24 hours a day seven days a week. And, a circulation powerhead can add five or ten watts worth of heater energy per day as well.

Adjustable

If you have a large aquarium, then multiple heaters are often required to maintain the ideal water temperature. An adjustable aquarium heater allows you to fine-tune the heating wattage to accommodate your tank’s size and the needs of the fishes living in it.

The aquarium heater can be placed in the tank at the bottom to avoid a lot of clutter, or it can be attached to the tank’s filter. It is advisable to use a heater that has an independent thermometer to monitor its function. This ensures that your aquarium’s temperature is stable and prevents overheating.

Another important thing to remember is that putting too many heaters in a small tank can cause them to cycle on and off frequently. This can wear the heaters out, or it may even cook the fishes. A good rule of thumb is to have a separate controller that cuts off the heaters when it goes over the set temperature.

Most aquarium heaters have safety features to prevent overheating. Some have an indicator light that comes on when the device is turned on and off. They also have a fuse that will cut off the electricity after a certain amount of time, preventing damage to the unit. Some also have a built-in thermometer. The aquarium heater should be plugged into a power outlet that is located in a warmer room, as it will help reduce its operating pressure and extend its lifespan.