Saltwater Aquarium - Heaters

Saltwater tropical fish usually need a temperature near 76 F (24 C).  Refer to the Fish Facts tab for details on the temperature range for specific species.  Since a normal room temperature is slightly less than this, an aquarium heater is usually necessary, especially when winter starts influencing the inside temperature.  You may also need a chiller if you live in warmer climates.  For heaters, manufactures suggest 3 - 5 watts per gallon.  Here's a rough guideline, but remember this is highly influenced by your room temperature:

For larger tanks, two heaters can be preferable, as this dissipates heat more evenly and also helps provide insurance in case one heater fails.  The price does not increase substantially on larger wattage heaters.  For example, it may only a few dollars more to get a 250 watt heater instead of a 150 watt from the same manufacturer.  So, don't skimp on the wattage.

Aquarium heaters provide a heating element inside a glass casing.  This insulates the electric operation from the water.  Less expensive units cannot be fully submerged and must remain upright.  If the heating coils aren't fully submersed, the unit will overheat and crack.  Never operate an aquarium heater when it isn't in the water.  If fully submersed these heaters will leak and short circuit.  An example of these heaters is the Radiant by Hagen.  This heater can be frustrating as the dial can easily be bumped, which causes wide swings in the aquarium temperature.

Submersible heaters are useful in breeding tanks where the water level has been lowered and an upright heater cannot operate.  The Visi-Therm Deluxe by Marineland, with its easy to read temperature dial, is a favorite.  Hagen makes a fully submersible heater called the Thermal Compact or the Tronic.  Ebo Jager has the best reputation for aquarium heaters.  They use thicker glass, which reduces breakage.  Their heaters have a precision of half a degree Fahrenheit and are adjustable from 64 - 94 degrees.  Ebo Jager heaters are durable, accurate and inexpensive.  Ebo Jager recently changed to the name Jager and Eheim has taken over responsibility for this product.  Ebo Jagers are fully submersible, however some manufacture locations may not have approval for this to be disclosed on the product.  The scoop from some users is that the quality of the product has declined.

Place a loop in electrical cords that run down from a tank, as this will cause any water to drip on the floor instead of entering an electrical outlet.  A Ground Fault Interrupter is always a good idea with electrical equipment that can come in contact with water.  Don't forget to have a thermometer and check it occasionally too.  

Tim's Tropical Fish Information about freshwater and saltwater tropical fish, fish care, fish facts, compatibility and aquarium maintenance.