Did your aquarium water heater break? Are you setting up a fish tank for the first time? The purchase of an electrical device that is going into water deserves special consideration. Here are some tips for buying an aquarium water heater for your fish tank.
Do you need one? Do you need a water heater? This is the first thing to consider. A water heater is used to warm the water in a fish tank. Freshwater tropical fish as well as saltwater fish prefer their water to be a certain temperature. The temperature of your tank water can vary throughout the day, the year, or seasonally. If it ever drops below the preferred range of your fish, you need a water heater. In addition, even cold water fish like goldfish will benefit from the consistency provided by a water heater.
Options, watts, and size Some water heaters are called fully submersible. Others have a water line which should not go under the water. Most have a cord that should not be submerged even if the heater is submersible. Some submersibles can be placed horizontally. Others must be vertical to work. Even if a heater is listed as submersible in the text of an online description, be sure to check the package or the exact model item on the manufacturer’s website for specific instructions for your heater, before using the item. You also need to measure the depth of your tank to be sure it is the right size, has the correct watt number and will fit before buying the fish tank heater.
Is the heat setting adjustable? Can you change the temperature on your heater? You can on some. Raising the temperature properly can be the cheapest, easiest, safest way to treat Ich. Ich is a common fish parasite. Consider this when buying a heater. Research how to treat Ich with this method before trying it.
Buying a used device Should you buy a used water heater? Has it been fixed, repaired, or tested? There are some more things to consider when buying a used appliance for your aquarium. Used items tend to come without boxes or instructions. They can be out of date and may not be listed on a brand manufacturer’s website. The water line of a non-submersible heater can become faded with time. They may seem like a simple appliance but when used improperly they can be dangerous and overheat, crack, or even explode. Some need to be turned off for water changes as exposure to air can damage them while they are on.
Have a backup device A thermometer is important to test the accuracy of your heater. Even if you don’t have a water heater, you need a thermometer. A thermometer will tell you how much the temperature of your water varies. It will also provide backup to tell you if your automatic heater is working properly. Broken water heaters may not come on and water temperature can drop too low. Broken heaters can also get stuck on or measure temperature inaccurately and the temperature of the water can get too high. If your heater is not working it can result in sick fish.
How long can they work? If you have an aquarium, your pet fish will probably benefit from the consistency provided by a water heater. The ability to set the temperature can be beneficial. I had a heater that worked for about ten years, then it broke. The water line was faded and not readable. My preferred brand was no longer being made and I learned about many different sizes and types of heaters. Aquarium heaters can be dangerous and break if you don’t use them right and you still need a thermometer. Consider these tips when buying a water heater for your aquarium. You can read aquarium heater reviews online but be sure to read instructions for your specific device and use this aquatic appliance properly.
Sources:
Personal experience with a fish tank
Talking with pet store employees
www.drsfostersmith.com
www.petfinder.com
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