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Heating |
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For freshwater tropical fish, an aquarium heater
is essential. Fish are cold-blooded, meaning their body temperature is usually
the same as their surroundings. Since they can't maintain the body temperature
at a chosen fixed level, the temperature must be maintained through a heater.
Heaters are only necessary if you keep tropical fish rather than coldwater fish like goldfish or koi usually prefer cooler temperatures (68º - 72º F) and don't need a heater. Tropical fish are warm water fish, meaning they like to have their water between 78º F and 82º F. Heaters can help maintain this constant water temperature. Fluctuating water temperatures will cause stress on the fish, which may lead to disease or possibly death.
A submersible heater actually attaches to the inside of the aquarium (typically with suction cups) and the entire heater is positioned under the water. Because the entire heating tube is under the water a submersible heater is more efficient and provides a more consistent temperature. Also with a submersible heater, you can put the heater just about anywhere you want underwater, which is great for hiding. The rule of thumb when buying a heater is about 3-5 watts for each gallon the aquarium holds. Typically, one heater is sufficient for an aquarium. However, for better heat distribution in larger aquariums, especially tanks more than 36 inches in length, it may be best to have two heaters. The heaters should be placed at opposite ends of the tank and each should be about half the total required wattage. For example, if you have a 75-gallon aquarium, you will have the best heat distribution is you put a 150-watt heater at each end of your aquarium. If you have a 10-gallon aquarium, one 50-watt heater placed in the center of the aquarium will be enough. If you use a power filter or a canister filter with only one heater, place the heater at the opposite end of the tank from the filter. This will help ensure good distribution of the heated water. Aquarium heaters come in different tube lengths to accommodate different height tanks. Because heat rises it is important that you pick the right length heater so that all the water is evenly heated. While most aquarium heaters can be set to the
desired temperature, is always a good idea to buy an aquarium thermometer. The
thermometer will help you make sure your heater is functioning properly and
maintaining the temperature that is best for your fish. Also, it is best to
place the thermometer at the opposite side of the heater. This way the
thermometer gives a more accurate reading of the aquarium temperature.
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There
are two types of aquarium heaters: A "hang-on tank" style heater
(shown to the right) and a submersible heater. A "hang-on tank" style
heater provides basic heating of the water. Because the heater is not fully
submersed in the water, it is less efficient than a fully submersible heater.
Also because "hang-on tank" style heaters are generally less
expensive, they have less precise controls and have fewer operating features.
There
are two major types of thermometers, the glass, that float or fasten
inside your aquarium, and those that you stick on the outside glass of an
aquarium. We have found that most the time, the classic glass thermometer gives
the most accurate readings, because it is actually inside the water, and the
stick on thermometers tend to sometimes mix both the room temperature and water
temperature, therefore displaying an inaccurate reading.