Four Options for an Aquarium Heater

Your fish can’t create their own heat, so you will need an aquarium heater to provide their warmth. There are different types that you can buy. Some of these include substrate, submersible, immersible, and in-line. Each one has its own advantages and disadvantages. This article will discuss your options for an aquarium heater.

Substrate

One of your first options for an aquarium heater is the substrate design. This type of heater uses cables that are installed below the substrate of the tank. They will heat the water more evenly than submersible or immersible heaters. The heaters are also hidden, so they are more visually appealing. However, when a substrate aquarium heater needs to be repaired or replaced, you will have to tear up the complete substrate.

Immersible

One of your next options for an aquarium heater is the immersible variety. These heaters are designed to hang on the back of the aquarium. They are the least expensive type of aquarium heater that you can buy. The disadvantage of these heaters is that it will be more difficult to maintain the proper temperature. Also, the heater control must always stay above the water level.

Submersible

There are also submersible heaters. This type of aquarium heater can be placed at the bottom of the tank unlike immersible designs. This gives them the advantage of distributing heat more evenly throughout the tank. However, they are more expensive than the immersible heaters. Also, the tube is completely sealed so that the heater can be submerged in the water. This makes it difficult for them to be repaired.

In-line

One of your final options for an aquarium heater is the in-line design. They are also known as filter heaters. This type of aquarium heater consists of a heating block that is placed inside the water filter. It will heat the water as it passes through the filter. Since they are hidden inside the filter, there will be no equipment inside the tank. However, these are one of the most expensive types of heaters that you can buy. They are also hard to find.

These are some of your options for an aquarium heater. Substrate heaters will heat the water more evenly, but you will have to tear up all of the substrate when they need to be repaired or replaced. An immersible aquarium heater is designed to hang on the back of the tank. They are the least expensive, but may not be good at maintaining the proper water temperature.