If you plan on setting up a fish tank, one of the first things you need to be aware of is that fish are poikilotherm. It means that they cannot produce or maintain body heat; they rely on the temperature of the water they live.
That is why you need to invest in a quality heater. The right heater can provide the ideal aquarium temperatures for your fish.
In general, a fish tank that contains freshwater should be between 71 and 86 °F; there are certain freshwater fish that require precise temperatures. If you have bettas, the temperature should be between 75-82°F.
A heater is essential if you have betta fish. These tropical fish will only survive in warm water. And, because the water in a fish tank is affected by outside temperatures, you will need a heater to keep it warm.
If you go for a tank that holds less than 1 gallon of water, it only won’t be ideal because the temperature will rise and fall rapidly if you place a heater inside. It can stress the fish. Also, extreme temperatures may cause health issues and death in some instances.
Best Heater for 5 Gallons Betta Tank
Selecting the right heater for your aquarium can seem like a daunting task, mainly because there are so many options out there. You have to make sure that the one you go for does not end up overheating or shutting down. So, we have narrowed down the list for you. The heaters below seem to be popular among aquarium owners.
1) Eheim Jager Aquarium Thermostat Heater
One of the best heaters on the market is the Eheim Jager Aquarium Thermostat Heater. This heater can maintain the desired temperature in a fish tank as it has a control precision of 0.5 °C. The reason why it is so precise is that it can recalibrate.
You can completely submerge it in the tank. Because it comes with shatterproof glass, it is suitable in both saltwater and freshwater. It is made using durable material, meaning that it can handle lots of pressure. It can generate between 25 and 300 watts, and it also features a light that lets you know if it is functioning or not.
The 300-watt variety can heat a tank that can hold as much as 100 gallons of water. Besides this, there are also smaller varieties that produce 25 watts, ideal for 5-gallon tanks. The heater also has an automatic shut-off feature, which turns the heater off if the water levels get too low. The safety feature makes it one of the best heaters on the market.
It is also relatively easy to install as it comes with a suction cup and mounting bracket.
Pros:
- Very accurate temperature settings and tight controls.
- Easy to use.
- Provides precise readings.
- It is strong.
- Made using good quality materials.
- It is reasonably priced.
Cons:
- Heater length needs improvement.
2) FREESEA FS-28 Aquarium Heater with LED Temperature Display
FREESEA FS-28 Aquarium Heater with LED Temperature Display
This fully submersible heater is small in size and has an oval shape. It has a shield that protects the heater from damage even if water reaches the heating elements. Because it is small, it is ideal for tanks that are between 1 and 10 gallons. The heating capacity is between 59 degrees and 94 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature range is perfect for betta fish.
It also boasts a big and bright LED display, making it easier to read the temperature. What that essentially means is that you will not need to buy a separate thermometer. But this useful feature tends to a distraction when you are trying to focus on the beautiful fish and tank. It is very compact, and its plastic protector guard helps to keep the fish safe.
There are three variations of the heater available; the 50 watts, 75 watts, and the 100 watts version. Another very useful feature is its automatic constant temperature function. The heater stops heating the water automatically when it reaches the set temperature, and it starts automatically when the temperature drops.
This aquarium heater also features a memory off function. It enables the heater to remember temperature settings before shutting down. As such, should the power go out, it will require less maintenance.
Pros:
- Its small oval-shape makes it easy to position in smaller sized fish tanks.
- LED display gives accurate and clear readings.
- Durable.
- Temperature easily adjustable outside the aquarium.
- Very precise readings, the built-in temperature control chip.
Cons:
- The big red and bright LED temperature reading can be distracting when the viewers enjoy the fish tank.
- It comes with a short cord meaning it has to be close to the electricity outlet.
3) Orlushy Mini Aquarium Heater
This heater is also compact and can submerge entirely in water. It can fit perfectly in a tank that is between 3 and 15 gallons. It has an oval shape and a built-in thermometer that monitors the temperature of the water. The thermostat allows you to maintain continual temperatures. It is available with two suction cups that enable you to stick it on the tank walls. The cups help to keep it in place.
This compact heater has a digital LED temperature indicator, which shows both the water’s actual temperature and the set temperature. The heater also features two on and off indicator lights, which are visible in the water.
The 50-watt heater is ideal for a tank that holds between 3 and 10 gallons of water. The cord is quite long; it is five feet in length. It means that the tank can have a safe distance away from the outlet. Its thick quartz glass material is safe to use in both fresh water and saltwater fish tanks.
Pros:
- Safe and simple to operate.
- The combination of heater and thermometer, meaning you don’t need to buy them separately.
Cons:
- Can give slightly inaccurate readings.
Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose the Best Heater for Your Betta Tank?
Due to advancements in technology, you will find quite many good quality heaters on the market. But there are always some types that will be a cut above the rest. Below are some of the factors that need to be taken into account when buying a heater.
1) Wattage and Tank Size
For the heater to heat the water in the tank properly and consistently, it must produce enough wattage. When choosing a tank heater, you need to factor in the water volume, the temperature you want, and the average room temperature.
In general, we recommend that you make use of between 2.5 and 5 watts for a single gallon of water. As such, if your tank is 5 gallons, the heater that you buy must be able to generate between 12,5 and 25 watts. You can always opt for two heaters if one is not enough.
2) Thermostat
You must also ensure that you buy a heater that has a precise thermostat. The function of the thermostat is to set the temperature that you desire. It comes with a sensor that continually monitors the conditions of the water inside the tank. The thermostat should always be accurate if you want to prevent undesirable water temperatures.
3) Adjustable Temperature
When choosing a heater for your tank, you will have two choices. You can either buy one with a fixed temperature or the type that allows you to adjust the temperature.
Given the two choices, the best option would be the one that allows you to change the temperature as desired. The main reason is you can have extreme outside temperatures that may affect the temperature inside the tank.
For instance, if it is really cold outside, you need to adjust the temperature in the tank so that it remains warm enough for the fish. If it is really hot outside, on the other hand, you can also adjust the temperature in the tank to make sure that it is not uncomfortable for the fish.
4) Readability and Accuracy
The main reason behind buying a heater for the aquarium is so that you can heat the water and be able to read the temperature. It is, therefore, imperative that you buy a heater that is easily readable.
That way, setting it to the correct temperature and monitoring the temperature variations becomes easier. The heater you opt for must also provide accurate readings if you keep the water in the tank warm enough for your fish.
5) Safety Features
In general, a water tank heater is put inside the tank, and it uses quite a bit of electricity. In general, most heaters are safe for use because they have an automatic safety shut-off feature that automatically turns off the heater if the heater is not submerged entirely in the water.
Therefore, you should choose a heater with the shut-off feature as it is the safest option for your betta fish and you. Make sure that the heater you choose has maximum safety features.
Conclusion
When it comes to selecting the perfect heater for your betta fish tank, it all comes down to the size of your tank. A bigger tank needs more wattage. Always carry out extensive research before choosing a heater.
