The water in the aquarium can get cold in a few minutes. This is especially true during the cold season, when the temperature of the living space depends on the weather and the diligence of the heater.
There are many other factors that affect the temperature, which the novice aquarist may not even guess. For example:
- The heat from the lights and the distance of the tank from them;
- construction: shape, volume, whether there is a lid, gasket under the tank, the presence of internal volume background, whether it is located on the rack;
- Whether there is a running system from the water supply;
- the amount of water changes.
Aquarium heaters by location are divided into three types.
Remote. Their advantages:
Submersible ones are in the form of a cylinder that is lowered into water. The body is made of:
And now more about each type of water heater in the aquarium.
Heaters
The simplest device. heater water in the aquarium without thermostat. Is a glass or metal tube with a nichrome thread soldered inside. On the principle of action vaguely resembles all known boiling kettle. During Soviet times, in the era of total deficit, boilers were used as a substitute for heaters. Even nowadays experienced fish-lovers don’t disdain this primitive device. in a hopeless situation, of course.
It is necessary to catch very clearly the moment when the kipyatilnik should be taken out, so as not to get a soup of precious fish. Some craftsmen connect kipyatilnik with temperature sensors. However, today’s market for aquarium equipment provides a lot of options for providing such an indicator as temperature.
Electromechanical thermostats
Advanced mechanical heater is a metal or glass tube stuffed with a heater and thermostat, hermetically sealed. Thermostat. bimetallic plate. The property of metals to expand when heated provides automatic on-off.
This device is reliable in operation, but sometimes distorts readings. To prevent trouble, measure the water temperature with an ordinary thermometer.
Electronic thermostats
Has the appearance of a tube. Inside is the electronic “stuffing” that provides the functions of. Such a thermostat has features that Soviet aquarists could see only in dreams or in Western European specialty stores, if they managed to get abroad.
Advantages include:
Heating cables
Is a long elastic tube with a heating element that is installed in the ground of the container.
- heats the entire mass of water evenly;
- Creates extra circulation;
- the aesthetic aspect wins;
- very useful for the plants planted in the aquarium.
- when replacing failed cables, you have to disturb the entire interior;
- ecosystem design has limitations. you can not use heavy stones, which can crush or damage the heating system.
Heating mats
Mats, or heating mats, are placed under the tank. The principle of action. the same as that of underfloor heating, water mattresses, electric heaters.
- the water and the bottom are warmed evenly from below, which is extremely useful for plants;
- the cold layers do not stagnate at the bottom, the environment in the whole aquarium is the same temperature.
The disadvantages include the inconvenience of installation and replacement. you have to remove the aquarium. If it is large, it becomes clear that this is a whole event, without help is not possible.
Flow-through thermostats
This device is mounted vertically on the return hose of the external filter. Appreciated by hobbyists. It provides:
Thermo Filters
Thermofilter. a device built into the external system of equipment.
Aquarium heater
Heater for the aquarium with their own hands can be made, but I would prefer a store version, as our fathers say Let’s try to figure out what is heater for the aquarium and what it is needed.
Many fish are inhabitants of tropical and warm rivers, so suitable for their living water temperature of about 26-27 degrees Celsius. That is why aquarium water heaters are very important equipment. While in summer the water may be warm enough, in winter without an aquarium heater the fish can simply die.
Why buy an aquarium heater:
- In winter, the water in the aquarium may be too cold;
- Night and day water temperature is different, and fish do not tolerate sharp jumps;
- For many fish, the optimal water temperature for life is often higher than room temperature, which means that the water itself does not warm up to the right values.
Keep in mind that thermometer readings during the day may be false, because the light bulbs add to the temperature in the aquarium. So you must be sure that the water is exactly the right temperature for the fish before you give up on buying an aquarium heater. Modern aquarium heaters are equipped with temperature sensors, so as not to overheat the water.
Thermostats for aquariums are aquarium heaters with built-in regulator. That is, you set the temperature you want it to hold, the thermostat heats the water to that temperature. Further, it turns off and on again when the temperature drops below the desired. Aquarium thermostats come in mechanical and electronic versions. Mechanical ones are less accurate (1-2 degrees of error) but cheap. Electronic ones have an amazing accuracy of temperature measurement, but they are not cheap. And this despite the fact that many manufacturers are just starting to produce electronic thermostats, and their electronics fly out rather quickly. Temperature regulators for aquariums in most cases (except for some models) are without a built-in thermometer. This means that they measure it for themselves but not for you. Together with a thermostat desirable to buy a thermometer. This is necessary to control the thermostat itself (just in case), as well as in summer. When the water gets too hot in the summer, it has to be cooled. Coolers for aquariums are very expensive, and the noise is strong. Therefore, cool the water in the aquarium, mainly by frequent changes of cold water.
When choosing heaters for the aquarium, you should pay attention to the following characteristics:
As a standard, 10 watts is considered sufficient to heat up 4.5 liters of water. For large aquariums, it is better to choose not one powerful device, but several weaker ones. so it is easier to heat the water evenly. If the room is cool in winter, it is better that the aquarium heater is more powerful than the volume of water requires.
The advantages of modern heaters for the aquarium:
Keep in mind that over time heaters can be inaccurate, so check the thermometer periodically. Just in this case it will be a plus to be able to adjust. If at the bottom of the aquarium ground is a fine fraction, it is best to use a special heater in the form of a thermal cable, which is placed at the bottom. In this case you get two important pluses:
How to choose a water heater?
Rod heaters are available in both waterproof (they must be installed in the aquarium so that the upper part was above water level), and in sealed version. The depth limit of the latter is specified by the manufacturer and is quite sufficient for the aquarium (usually about 1 m). In most cases, immersion heaters are combined with built-in thermostat in the case.
Aquarium heaters complete guide. all you need to know about fish tank heater
When choosing a heater, pay attention to its length, which should ensure that it can be placed in the aquarium. Domestic heaters, unlike foreign ones, have the same length, which does not depend on the power.
When using a heater without automatic temperature regulation, you should take into account temperature fluctuations in the room and choose a heater with such a capacity that the water temperature in the aquarium would not rise above 28-30 ° C. You can install two heaters and turn one of them off on hot days.
Table 1 shows the heater capacity to heat water in aquariums of different volumes at a certain temperature.
| Aquarium volume, l | Difference between the water temperature in the aquarium and the room, °C | |||||||
| 2 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 15 | 20 | |
| 20 | 5 | 12 | 17 | 22 | 29 | 34 | 59 | 80 |
| 40 | 9 | 18 | 26 | 36 | 46 | 55 | 100 | 125 |
| 60 | 12 | 23 | 35 | 47 | 59 | 70 | 128 | 140 |
| 80 | 14 | 29 | 43 | 56 | 70 | 85 | 144 | 170 |
| 100 | 17 | 33 | 49 | 66 | 82 | 99 | 150 | 200 |
| 150 | 20 | 43 | 65 | 86 | 108 | 127 | 200 | 250 |
| 200 | 26 | 52 | 78 | 104 | 130 | 156 | 210 | 300 |
| 250 | 30 | 60 | 91 | 121 | 150 | 182 | 270 | 360 |
| 400 | 42 | 82 | 124 | 169 | 208 | 247 | 390 | 500 |
There are two opinions on the advisability of using an automatic temperature controller. Some believe that the aquarium should simulate natural temperature conditions, t.е. The temperature must decrease during the night hours and experience seasonal fluctuations, which the thermostat cannot do. Others, on the other hand, believe that it is not necessary at all. Thus, for example, P. Riel and X. Bensch writes: In an aquarium with an automatic regulator, we can provide the fish with a constant temperature. The widely held notion that the temperature in the tank should change according to its daily rhythm in natural conditions is incorrect. This is confirmed by the fish that have lived in the aquarium for 10 or even 20 years, which is hardly possible in natural conditions.
Still better to choose an aquarium heater combined with an automatic thermostat in one housing. It is more convenient and takes less space. The main thing is not to miss the power. It is better to buy a heater with more power.
Heaters with a thermostat that automatically turn off when the desired temperature is reached, much better than simple. If your aquarium is equipped with such a powerful enough heater, then air the room as much as you want he will maintain the desired temperature mode, and when the room warms up himself turns off. This is ideal.
And in practice, they do not always turn off, especially after a year or more of continuous operation. Ear in the aquarium unpleasant spectacle that costs a lot of nerves and money. Buying an aquarium heater is just the case when you do not need to save money.
Here the reliability and accuracy of the temperature sensor, as well as the mechanical strength of the glass bulb, above all. Buy only products from reputable manufacturers of aquarium equipment. Do not forget to ask the sales clerk for advice. If this store sells aquarium fish, then look in the commercial aquariums. What heaters are installed there and what the fish look like? If possible, visit aquarium forums on the Internet.
In short, choosing a reliable model is very important. And yet, even if you have bought the world’s best heater, don’t be lazy to check whether it has a properly adjusted thermo regulator with a thermometer.
Using a water heater
The heaters are manufactured according to the current safety standards. The heater may only be connected to an electrical network with parameters corresponding to those indicated on the heater and its packaging. Do NOT turn on the heater after it has been removed from the water. MUST DISCONNECT the voltage before each operation on the heater. Before putting your hand in the water, make sure that the heater and all electrical devices in the aquarium are DISCONNECTED from the mains. Do not use a damaged heater or a heater with a damaged connection cable. The connection cable must not be changed or repaired, in which case the entire heater must be replaced. Also DO NOT mount the switch on the heater wire. The water level must always be above the minimum immersion level marked MINIMUM WATER LEVEL on the heater housing. Maximum immersion depth of the heater is 80 cm. The heater is designed for indoor use only and only in aquariums.
How to install the heater in the aquarium
The heater is waterproof and may be installed in the aquarium either in an upright position with the control knob above the water surface or in a horizontal position fully immersed. Do not insert the heater into the sand and gravel. The water level should always be above the minimum immersion level marked MINIMUM WATER LEVEL on the heater housing. Keep in mind the constant lowering of the water level due to evaporation. The heater is attached to the aquarium wall using a bracket with two suction cups, which should be attached to the heater directly under the head. The heater should be attached in the aquarium in a position that allows a constant and even circulation of water. WARNING! Only after approx. 15 minutes after installing the heater into the tank, when the temperature of the bimetallic switch in the heater equals the water temperature in the aquarium, the heater can be connected to the mains.
Adjusting the heater temperature
It takes some time for the heater to work well in the new environment. The temperature stabilization consists in a cyclical replenishment of the heat that the aquarium constantly gives off to the surroundings. When the indicator light is on, it means that at that moment the heater is on, when it goes out, it means that the heater is off. Assuming that the output of the heater is set correctly and that the room temperature corresponds to the specified regulation range, the desired water temperature can be set by turning the regulator knob. The scale on the outside gives you just a rough guide to the desired temperature. Because your ambient conditions may be different (e.g. temperature and air movement, water circulation, heat transfer area of the aquarium, etc.), it is best to keep the heater always switched off for a while.п.) the regulator may operate in a slightly different way than the factory calibration. It is therefore recommended to check the water temperature in the aquarium with a thermometer for a while after the connection. And if necessary, adjust the water temperature with the regulator. Do not exceed the permissible adjustment range (noticeable increase in resistance when turning the knob).
Maintenance of the heater for the aquarium.
The heater must not be dismantled. Care is to periodically clean the outside surface of the heater with a soft sponge. If the stones have sunk, they must be carefully removed with the special tool. means. After removing the stone the heater should be thoroughly rinsed
How to choose the right one
No one can help you determine which type of heater is best for your aquarium. There are two things to consider when buying. its power and thermostat.
The thermostat monitors the water temperature and turns it on and off as required.
You can determine the necessary power according to the following formula: 1 Watt per 1 liter of water. Do not use a stronger heater! If the device closes, the fish could die.
Most aquarium fish originate from tropical ponds with a stable temperature of 26 27 ˚ C. Water, without external influences, quickly heats up or cools. depending on the state of the environment.
Install a heater in the tank to prevent the liquid from cooling below the limits of the fish species.
Functions and tasks of the aquarium heater:
- There are fish species that need water warmer than the ambient temperature. Without heating equipment to achieve the desired temperature is not possible.
- During the night the water usually cools down, and the temperature fluctuations negatively affect the well-being of fish.
- During the cold season, the water temperature can drop due to inadequate heating of the rooms.
It is recommended to check the temperature level in the morning, after turning on the light.
For example, if you have a small aquarium, the heater should not select a high power and, of course, small. For larger aquariums the heater must be more powerful and appropriately sized
| 75W | 60-80 л. |
| 100W | 80-120 л. |
| 150W | 120-170 л. |
| 200W | 170-220 л. |
Two things are needed to heat water: a heater and a regulator. Some devices combine these functions, and then they are called thermostats. It is equally important that the heat dispensed by the heater is evenly distributed throughout the aquarium.
Calculation of necessary power
An important factor when buying equipment is the choice of wattage, which depends on the size of the aquarium. Most often it is sufficient to buy a thermostat in the aquarium or a simple heater with a capacity of 1-1.5 watts per 1 liter of water. It is better to choose devices that have a small reserve, so that when the central heating goes out, you can increase the heating.
Aquarium heater. features of the selection and installation
The list of necessary aquarium equipment includes a heater for the aquarium, which helps keep fish in a comfortable environment for them. It is important for the good life, growth and health of fish. There are several recommendations regarding the selection of such a device.
Classification of heaters
In fact, the heater. is an integral part of any aquarium, so after the purchase of the product itself, filling, lighting and filter the question arises about maintaining the same water temperature.
There are several types of aquarium heaters: external (the heating element is not outside) and internal (the heating element is inside). External heaters come in several variants:
A more budget and popular option. this internal heater. Internal heaters are available in three variants:
All heaters also need a thermostat to turn the heater on and off, in order to maintain the desired temperature independently.
External Thermostat
Flow-through thermostats are usually built into the water circulation system of the external filter. And it also requires a powerful water pump to move the water. If it is not possible to purchase a pump, the power of the filter will do. The water is pumped out of the tank through a tube with a heater, and the heated water comes back.
And also there are models of aquarium filters with a built-in heater. They heat the water as it passes through the filter, returning the heated and purified water to the aquarium. Usually these filters are inside and are usually built into the filter.
Sometimes there is a heater element in the filter sump or sump heaters. An aquarium heater with sump thermostat is nothing more than an immersion heater for the aquarium, which is installed in the filter sump, not in the aquarium itself. This configuration provides better safety for fish, minimizing the risk of fish accidentally frying. And also reduces the likelihood of breakage during operation or when cleaning the tank.
Suspended and immersion heaters
Hanging heaters are the most common and least expensive heating systems. Almost all store-bought start-up kits contain a hanging thermostat heater. A suspended aquarium heater with a thermostat will provide a constant temperature while in the water itself. It is important to note that suspended models can be dangerous for saltwater saltwater aquariums, as salt can get into the tube and cause a fire.
Submersible aquarium electric heaters can be completely submerged in water. This makes them more efficient than suspended heaters. Immersion models can be placed vertically, horizontally or at an angle, however, they work best when installed vertically or horizontally. If the immersion heater has an internal thermostat, it will be more effective in a horizontal position.
Immersion heaters are usually attached to the back of the aquarium with a suction cup clamp. It is important to keep the device away from gravel, because there is a big difference between the thermal conductivity of water and gravel. And it is also important to provide enough space between the heater and the walls of the tank to ensure that no fish get stuck behind the appliance and get burned.
Aquarium plant heaters
Plant heaters are the least common model of indoor heaters. These devices are a special thermo mat or a thermo cord, which are placed at the bottom of the aquarium, and then filled with soil. So when the heater is turned on, the heat goes evenly from the bottom to the top.
These devices are thought to be especially useful for newly planted plants, as under normal conditions the ground remains cool. By heating the substrate, this problem is eliminated. Please note, however, that due to the increased water temperature in the aquarium, the plants need more light, as well as special nutrients. Otherwise, the new leaves will be weak and lifeless, and the overall condition of the plants will worsen dramatically.
How to control the temperature index?
If the temperature in the aquarium has dropped drastically, this will have a negative effect on the inhabitants. Some of them may die.
Therefore, it is recommended to install a quality thermometer that will indicate to the user the temperature of the water. If it decreases a lot, you can apply techniques for heating.
The best method is to use a device that not only measures but also heats the water. All you need to do is to set the temperature. Then you do not have to constantly monitor the indicator.
