When it comes to finding the best aquarium heater brand there are a number of options. The important thing is to start with your individual setup and pick the right type of heater for your aquarium and fish.
We’ve carried out aquarium heater reviews for several different setups. If you’re looking for a digital aquarium heater we found the best overall option to be the Cobalt Aquatics Neo Therm Pro. Or for an all-round submersible analog, the Eheim Jager is hard to beat!
But whether you’re looking for a digital heater, a submersible analog, or even an inline aquarium heater, we’ve gone through several options from top brands in this list. So you can find the right one for your tank.
So let’s get started!
- Best Digital Aquarium Heater: Cobalt Aquatics Neo Therm Pro
- Best Submersible Analog Heater: Eheim Jager Thermostat Heater
- Best Inline Aquarium Heater: Hydor Inline External Heater
- Best For Small Aquariums: Fluval M50 Submersible Heater
- Best For Temperature Alerting: Fluval E Electronic Heater
Best Aquarium Heater Brand Picks Reviewed
We’ve conducted reviews across many different types of aquarium heater for many different scenarios. From small nano tanks to larger 75 gallon aquariums and above, the options below represent some of the best aquarium heater brand picks available today.
1. Cobalt Aquatics Neo Therm Pro
Photo: Amazon.com
- Heater Type: Submersible, adjustable, digital/ electronic
- Dimensions (inches): 25W/ 50W/ 75W = 6.75 (length) x 2.25 (width) x 1.25 (depth), 100W = 9.75 (l) x 2.25 (w) x 1.25 (d), 150W/ 200W = 11.0 (l) x 2.25 (w) x 1.25 (d)
- Wattage: 25W, 50W, 75W, 100W, 150W, 200W
- Key Features: Temperature range of 68 to 94°F, built-in thermostat accurate to +/- 0.5°F, touch-button control, set temperature and current temperature LEDs, automated shut-off to prevent overheating, shatterproof casing
- Best For: Digital Aquarium Heater
US-based Cobalt Aquatics was established in 2011 and produces a range of aquatic products including food, filtration media, and heaters [1]. When it comes to digital aquarium heaters, their Neo Therm Pro makes them one of the best aquarium heater brands we’ve reviewed.
They offer a generous 3-year warranty on the Neo Therm Pro, which is great assurance in case you do have any problems. And many owners report excellent customer support too, with some highlighting issues that had been resolved and parts shipped the very same day.
The Neo Therm Pro can be used for freshwater or saltwater aquariums and comes in a range of sizes from 25 Watts to 200 Watts. So whether you own a 5 gallon tank or a 55 gallon aquarium you’ll easily find a suitable size.
It has a temperature range of 68 to 94°F and is highly accurate to within +/- 0.5°F, making it an excellent choice for sensitive aquatic life like corals. Many owners report the Neo Therm Pro gives a stable temperature once set too.
With its clear LED display showing the current and set temperature, and the easy-to-use ‘One Touch’ adjustment button, the Neo Therm Pro is also really simple to adjust. Although unlike some digital aquarium heaters you do need to reach inside your tank to operate it.
2. Eheim Jager Thermostat Heater
Photo: Amazon.com
- Heater Type: Submersible, adjustable
- Dimensions (inches): 25W = 9.57 (length) x 1.4 (diameter), 50W = 9.63 (length) x 1.4 (diameter), 75W = 10.2 (l) x 1.4 (d), 125W = 12.2 (l) x 1.4 (d), 150W = 13.6 (l) x 1.4 (d), 200W = 16.0 (l) x 1.4 (d), 250W = 17.7 (l) x 1.4 (d), 300W = 20.0 (l) x 1.4 (d)
- Wattage: 25W, 50W, 75W, 125W, 150W, 200W, 250W, 300W
- Key Features: Temperature range of 65 to 93°F, built-in thermostat, heating indicator light, thermo safety cut-off to protect from running dry, recalibration dial for temperature adjustment, shock-resistant shatterproof glass
- Best For: Submersible Analog Heater
Eheim is a well-known German manufacturer that began producing aquarium filters in the 1960s [2] and has previously won Brand Of The Year at the World Brand Awards [3]. The Eheim Jager is one of the best aquarium heater brands when it comes to submersible analog heaters.
It comes in a wide range of Wattages, from 25 Watts up to 300 Watts, so is suitable for nano aquariums right up to larger 75 gallon tanks and above. Compatible with freshwater and saltwater, it’s adjustable from 65 to 93°F so you can use it with a wide range of fish too.
Many owners report the Jager is very efficient at holding a stable temperature. And you can increase the accuracy with the ‘Tru Temp’ dial. If you find the temperature is out by a degree or so just adjust this dial to the current temperature to recalibrate.
The main temperature dial is clearly broken down into 1-degree increments making setting an accurate temperature easy in the first place. There’s also an auto shut-off to stop the heater from running when dry, so extra peace of mind if your water level drops.
Bear in mind that compared to other brands, Eheim Jager heaters do tend to be quite large so check your measurements carefully. And while some owners report that recalibration with the Tru Temp dial can be tricky, many praise the Jager for its efficiency and stable heating.
3. Hydor Inline External Heater
Photo: Amazon.com
- Heater Type: External inline, adjustable
- Dimensions: 12.5 (l) x 4.0 (d) x 4.0 (w) inches
- Hose Sizes: 200W = ½ inch, ⅝ inch, 300W = ⅝ inch
- Wattage: 200 Watt, 300 Watt
- Key Features: Temperature range of 65 to 93°F, built-in thermostat, electronic temperature dial, LED heating indicator, hanging eyelet
- Best For: Inline Aquarium Heater
Italian company Hydor was founded in 1984 and began producing aquarium filters for the American market [4]. Today they produce a range of equipment and are our top pick for the best aquarium heater brand when it comes to external inline heaters.
If you’re looking to save space in your aquarium, or you simply prefer having less equipment on show, an inline aquarium heater is a great choice for a large enough tank. The Hydor comes in a 200 Watt and 300 Watt version so is great for 30 gallon tanks up to 75 gallons.
You’ll need a sump or canister filter to use this heater. The 200 Watt model is available with ½ inch or ⅝ inch hose connectors, and the 300 Watt with ⅝ inch connectors, so should fit most canister outflow hoses but do check yours first.
Because this inline heater warms your water as it flows from your filter outflow, it helps ensure even heating throughout your aquarium. The control dial shows clear 2-degree increments so you can easily set an accurate temperature too.
The Hydor is made from a PTC (Positive Thermal Coefficient) polymer. PTC is ‘self-limiting’, so once it reaches maximum temperature it stops conducting. This way you can be confident you won’t overheat your water.
Some owners report that the Hydor can be tricky to set up and you need to ensure you get a good seal on the hoses to prevent leaks. But many praise this heater for its even heating and accuracy.
4. Fluval M50 Submersible Heater
Photo: Amazon.com
- Heater Type: Submersible, adjustable
- Dimensions: 11.0 (length) x 1.0 (diameter) inches
- Wattage: 50 Watt (other Wattages available)
- Key Features: Easy control temperature dial, shock-resistant glass tube, computer-calibrated thermostat, ceramic heat sink for even temperature distribution, heating indicator light
- Best For: Small Aquariums
Fluval is another well-established brand that started out in 1975 [5]. It’s part of the Hagen Group that also owns brands like Marina and AquaClear [6]. Fluval has several lines of heaters and we believe the M series is one of the best aquarium heater brands for small tanks.
Although M Series heaters come in several sizes from 50 Watts to 300 Watts, the 50 Watt M50 is perfect for a tank up to 10 gallons. At 11.0 inches in length, it will fit easily into a standard 12-inch high 10 gallon tank if placed at an angle.
It’s also ultra-slim at only 1-inch in diameter. So while it doesn’t come with a bumper guard to protect your fish, you can easily find a separate one to fit. It has a ceramic heat sink which helps evenly distribute the heat produced, helping maintain a stable temperature for your fish.
We found the adjustable temperature dial clear and easy to read, although because the dial is not split into 1-degree increments it can be a little tricky to set your temperature exactly. So it’s best to use it alongside a separate in-tank thermometer.
But overall this heater receives great feedback from owners for its ability to maintain a consistent temperature, as well as being reliable and easy to use.
5. Fluval E Electronic Heater
Photo: Amazon.com
- Heater Type: Submersible, adjustable, digital/ electronic
- Dimensions (inches): 100W = 11.75 (length) x 2.0 (width) x 1.12 (depth), 200W = 14.0 (l) x 2.0 (w) x 1.12 (d), 300W = 14.0 (l) x 2.0 (w) x 1.12 (d)
- Wattage: 100W, 200W, 300W
- Key Features: Temperature range of 68 to 93°F, adjustable in 1°F increments, two digital temperature sensors, LCD screen with VueTech color alert system, fish bumper guard
- Best For: Temperature Alerting
The E Series is another excellent digital aquarium heater range from Fluval. They are available in several sizes suitable for 30 gallon tanks to over 75 gallons. Fluval offers a fantastic 5-year warranty on the E Series, making it easy to resolve any issues if you do have them.
The heater has a full bumper guard encasing the length of the heating element, so there’s no concern about your fish accidentally coming into contact with it. And the adjustment switch can be set in 1°F increments, so you can get just the right temperature for your fish.
But it’s the VueTech color alert system that really sets the E Series apart. If the temperature falls +/- 2°F outside the set range the digital display will alert you by changing color. Red for too hot, or blue for too cold. This makes it really easy to see any issues and take action quickly.
Some owners report that initial installation of the E Series can be tricky as you do have to position it correctly near your filter’s outflow. But overall the E Series receives great feedback for its efficiency and ability to maintain an accurate temperature inside your tank.
How To Find The Best Aquarium Heater Brand
If you’re looking to find the best aquarium heater brand for your needs, the starting point should be your individual setup. Let’s start by looking at the importance of choosing the right type of heater for your tank and fish.
Benefits Of Using The Right Aquarium Heater
Finding the right aquarium heater for your tank and your fish has several benefits. We’ve outlined some of the main ones below:
- Control The Environment: The right heater gives you complete control over your tank’s temperature. So if your room gets colder in winter, the heater will compensate. Or if you ever want to start a new tank with species that prefer a different temperature, by choosing an adjustable heater you can do so.
- Consistent & Even Heating: Larger aquariums need a powerful heater to warm your water but they do retain heat longer, whereas smaller tanks are prone to fluctuation [7]. So choosing the right heater based on tank size is key to a consistent temperature.
- Prevent Disease: Fish are cold-blooded and rely on their tanks water being at the correct temperature to support their immune system [8]. The right heater, keeping your water at 74 to 80°F for most species, will help prevent stress and disease.
- Support Breeding: Having the right adjustable heater can be vital if you are breeding fish. Several species like specific ranges when breeding. Guppies, for example, prefer a range of around 72.5 to 78°F [9], whereas bettas prefer around 79.8°F [10].
Should You Use A Submersible Or Inline Aquarium Heater?
Whilst you can find other types of aquarium heater, such as immersible (aka hang on back) or substrate heaters for planted tanks, the best aquarium heaters for most scenarios are either submersible or inline.
Submersible heaters are an excellent choice for any size aquarium, from small 5 gallon tanks up to 55 gallon tanks and beyond! As they are fully submerged below the water line, they monitor the temperature well and are very efficient at heating your water directly.
Inline aquarium heaters are generally for use in larger aquariums. They sit outside your tank, usually hidden in your aquarium cabinet, and are plumbed into the outflow line from your canister filter or sump.
These heaters are powerful and are great for heating a large volume of water evenly. They are costly though, often at around twice the price of submersible heaters, and can be tricky to install. Unless you ensure a good seal with your filter hoses they can sometimes leak.
Best Aquarium Heater Brand By Type
Choosing the best aquarium heater brand really depends on the type of heater you are looking for. Let’s look at some of the most common types of aquarium heater along with our favorite brands.
Submersible Analog Aquarium Heaters
Analog submersible heaters have their controls fully underwater, so it’s important you’re able to easily read them and set an accurate temperature. As many consist of a heating element inside a glass or plastic tube, it’s also key that these materials are robust and shatterproof.
Eheim is one of our favorite brands of analog submersible heater, as not only is their Jager Heater adjustable in 1°F increments, it’s robust, can be accurately re-calibrated, and comes in a wide range of sizes suitable for 5 gallon tanks to 75 gallons and above.
Submersible Digital Aquarium Heaters
There are one or two top brands producing fantastic submersible digital aquarium heaters, including Fluval and Hygger. But when it comes to the best aquarium heater brand of this type our overall choice is Cobalt Aquatics.
These guys produce the awesome Neo Therm Pro Heater which comes in a range of sizes from 25 Watts up to 200 Watts and is compatible with freshwater and saltwater aquariums. It’s not only easy to adjust, but it’s accurate to +/- 0.5°F and maintains a very stable temperature.
In-Line Heaters
When it comes to inline aquarium heaters for home use our favorite as the best aquarium heater brand is Hydor. The Hydor Inline Original ETH comes in a 200 Watt and 300 Watt version and is suitable for around 30 gallon tanks up to about 75 to 80 gallons.
Although you need to install this heater carefully to ensure a good seal and no leaks, if you have a larger aquarium it’s a great choice for ensuring your water is heated evenly throughout.
What To Consider When Choosing The Best Aquarium Heater Brand For Your Tank
As well as the type of heater you are looking for, there are a number of other factors to consider when choosing the best aquarium heater brand for your tank.
Wattage And Size Of Your Aquarium
To work out the power needed from their heater many aquarists follow the rule that it takes around 2.5 to 5 Watts to heat 1 gallon of water [11]. This is a good general guide, but there are other factors that affect the power needed as well as your fish tank’s size.
Whilst your room temperature and climate can play a part when it comes to finding the best aquarium heater brand be aware that different brands and models can sometimes run hotter than others.
Taking the example of a 75 gallon aquarium, you’ll generally need a heater somewhere between 250 and 375 Watts and in most cases a 300 Watt heater is ideal. But there are some exceptions where a 500 Watt heater is the better choice.
So when choosing your brand of heater do follow these general guidelines, but always check the manufacturers’ recommendations for the size of tank your chosen heater is designed for too.
Safety Features
Depending on the type of aquarium heater many have common safety features as standard. An indicator light to show when your heater is actively heating is very common and key so that you can identify if your heater’s not coming on when it should.
But the best aquarium heater brands go further. Many of their heaters have auto shut-off features that will turn off your heater if it goes out of the set temperature range, or if the water level drops. So you can be confident it won’t run when dry.
Some brands also produce digital aquarium heaters with alarms such as color-changing LCD panels to show if your water rises or falls out of the set temperature range. Extra peace of mind to know you won’t endanger your fish.
Adjustability And Temperature Control
Whether analog or digital many of the best aquarium heater brands produce heaters with a wide range of temperature adjustability. A range of around 65 and 95°F is common, but there are heaters with an even wider range – some even down to 55°F.
Digital aquarium heaters are easy to adjust with touch button control and displays that show adjustment in single degrees. But when choosing an analog heater with a temperature dial, look to make sure it still shows 1 to 2 degrees adjustment so you can set it accurately.
Durability And Price
If you’re looking for an aquarium heater on a budget, a submersible analog heater is a great choice. Some of the best aquarium heater brands such as Eheim and Fluval produce excellent analog heaters at an affordable price.
Submersible analog aquarium heaters can start at prices under $20 depending on the size and Wattage. Digital aquarium heaters tend to be more costly with some larger ones costing upwards of $70. Inline aquarium heaters can cost around this price too.
Our guide features some of the best aquarium heater brands for efficiency and durability. But it’s always a good idea to do your research as well. We always recommend checking reviews from owners to understand real-world feedback on your chosen heater.
Our Verdict
Finding the best aquarium heater brand very much depends on your aquarium’s setup and the type of heater you’re looking for.
If you are looking for the best all-round digital aquarium heater, we recommend the Cobalt Aquatics Neo Therm Pro. Or for the overall best submersible analog heater the Eheim Jager Thermostat Heater is reliable and comes in a range of sizes.
But whatever type of aquarium heater you’re looking for, take a look at the choices above and you’re certain to find the right brand as well as the best heater for you!
FAQs
Here are the answers to the top questions asked when it comes to choosing the best aquarium heater brand.
What Is The Best Aquarium Heater Brand?
It really depends on the type of aquarium heater you are looking for but Eheim, Fluval, Cobalt Aquatics, and Hydor are some of our top choices on today’s market.
What Is The Best Type Of Heater For My Tank?
Submersible aquarium heaters are one of the most efficient types for larger tanks and nano aquariums. Or if you have a larger tank an inline aquarium heater is a great choice.
How Do I Set Up My Aquarium Heater?
Many submersible heaters can simply be placed under your water line before the temperature is set. Inline heaters need careful plumbing into your canister’s outflow line.
When Should I Replace My Aquarium Heater?
A quality aquarium heater should last several years but it can vary. So look for a heater with an extended warranty, and monitor your temperature regularly to see it’s in good working order.
