 Guide To Aquarium Heaters You can maintain an ideal temperature in your tank by adjusting the thermostat on your aquarium heater. It’s a good idea to put a separate thermometer (independent from the heater) in your tank so you can monitor water temperature on an ongoing basis and make adjustments in your thermostat, since environmental conditions in and around your aquarium are always changing. A wide variety of heaters are available at Pet Supplies “Plus.” These heaters fall into one of two categories: submersible, which go completely underwater; and nonsubmersible, which are attached to the back of the tank with their tops above the water. The heater you choose will often be a matter of personal preference. Many people like submersible heaters because they can be hidden behind tank landscaping, without detracting from an aquarium’s appearance. However, other hobbyists find the nonsubmersible heater more convenient. Needless to say, a heater should only be used the way its designers intended. A submersible unit should never be kept above the water surface, and a nonsubmersible heater should never be placed completely in the water. The size of your heater should match the size of your tank. Generally, you’ll want to provide at least 3 watts of heater power -- and preferably 5 watts -- for every gallon of tank capacity. This formula provides us with the following general recommendations: · 10 gallon tank = 50 watt heater For tanks that are 50 gallons or smaller, it’s usually best to use one heater. In tanks with more than a 50-gallon capacity, you should reach the recommended wattage by using two smaller heaters rather than one larger model -- for example, one 200 watt heater and one 100 watt heater instead of a single 300-watt unit. Your aquarium heater should be positioned in an area where there is lots of water movement to ensure that heat is circulated adequately throughout the tank. A heater should also be set up and adjusted before fish are added to a tank, so they aren’t exposed to temperature fluctuations. For safety’s sake, always unplug a heater and allow it to sit in the tank for 10-15 minutes to cool down before it is handled. The heater should be unplugged before water is removed from your tank during water changes. This will protect against the hazards that can arise when an active water heater is exposed to air. You should also inspect your heater on a regular basis to make sure there are no cracks in its glass tubing. Selecting the right heater and keeping it in top condition will give your pet fish a warm feeling about their aquarium home.
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