But what do you do if you buy a fish tank second hand or if someone gives you a large tank and you’re not entirely sure how much water it holds? Knowing the total water volume of your tank is essential for choosing the right canister filter, lighting, and heater, as well as making sure you’re not overstocking it with fish.

When you don’t have the original packaging, there are a few ways to figure out your aquarium dimensions and its gallon capacity. Let’s take a look.

Standard Aquarium Size Chart

The first thing you have to do is to measure the dimensions of your new aquarium. Fish tanks come in a range of shapes and sizes, but there are standard large and small tank sizes. This aquarium size chart tells you the gallon capacity these common sizes can hold:

What If My Aquarium Has Different Dimensions?

If you measured the dimensions of your aquarium and they don’t fit one of the categories above, you’ll have to do some math.

Rectangular Tanks

If you have a rectangular tank, use a measuring tape to get the length, width, and height. For accuracy, measure from the outside of the tank and then subtract the width of the tank walls. So, if your tank is 13 inches long but the glass is ½ inch thick, you will subtract one inch (½ inch for each side) for a length of 12 inches.

Multiply the final length, width, and height. This gives you the total volume of your tank in cubic inches. Using the dimension for a 30-gallon tank above as an example, we would multiply 36 x 12 x 16 inches, which is 6,912 cubic inches.

To convert cubic inches to gallons, divide by 231; so, 6,912 divided by 231 is 29.9 or 30 gallons.

Cylindrical Tanks

To find the volume of a cylinder, you need to measure the height and radius. If you don’t remember from high school geometry, the radius is the distance from the center of the circle to the edge. The easiest way to do this is to measure across the width of the tank (again, accounting for the thickness of the walls) to get the diameter and then dividing by two.

Then, square the radius and multiply it by pi, or 3.14. Finally, multiply the result by the height of the aquarium to get the volume in cubic inches.

So, let’s say you have a cylindrical tank that’s 12 inches in diameter and 24 inches tall, after accounting for the wall thickness.

Divide the diameter in half to get the radius, which is 6 inches. Next, square that number by multiplying it by itself to get 36, then multiply that by pi. So, 36 times 3.14 is about 77.

To get the volume in cubic inches, multiply the result by the height, so 77 times 24 or 1,848. To convert to gallons, divide by 231 for a tank volume of 8 gallons.

How Much Water Your Tank Holds

Now that you know exactly how much water your tank can hold, it’s worth mentioning that your aquarium is not going to hold this much water. Why? Because anything you put in your tank will take up some of the volume, including substrate, plants, and decorations. Generally, about 10 percent of the volume of your tank will be taken up by something other than water.

Why It’s Important to Know Aquarium Size

It’s impossible to properly set up an aquarium without knowing how much water it holds. You need this information to make sure your filter is powerful enough to cycle the tank and that the lights and heater are the right sizes for the tank.

You also have to know the types of fish that are appropriate for the size of your aquarium. Putting too many fish into a tank will likely end in disaster, so be sure you know what you’re working with before you add any fish friends.

For More Fish Tank Information

Check out our fish tank hub page for more great information for the budding aquarist.

Including: 

• How to deal with brown algae in your tank
• Best wall-mounted fish tank
• Best self-cleaning aquarium

The post Aquarium Size Chart – How Can I Figure Out How Much Water My Fish Tank Holds? appeared first on aquaticly.com.

Before you set up any tank or bowl, planning is essential. Do you need a heater in a small aquarium? It depends.

What determines whether or not your tank needs a heater is not the size of it, but what kind of fish you’re planning to keep. Some fish prefer cooler water and can get by without a heater.

Some of them include fancy goldfish, white cloud mountain minnows, and some loaches, tetras, and barbs, but the truth is that none of these do particularly well in a small tank anyway.

The smaller your tank is, the more limited you are to the fish you can keep in it. Shrimp, snails, and bettas are your best bets, but make sure you do your research before adding anything.

Putting a fish that needs at least 20 gallons into a five-gallon tank is not only cruel, but it will also not end well. For example, a lot of people think keeping a goldfish in a small bowl is fine, but the truth is that goldfish need at least 20 gallons to be safe, healthy, and happy.

Once you research the fish you’re planning to keep in your nano tank, you’ll soon realize that a heater is a good idea. Because it’s not always easy to find a reliable heater for a small tank, we’re going to take a look at five of the top aquarium brands and the heaters that are suitable for tanks between one and ten gallons.

Hopefully, this will make it easier for you to find a heater that works for your setup.

Best Small Aquarium Heater Brands

Cobalt Aquatics

Our first heated brand is Cobalt Aquatics, which has been around since 2011. It’s led by a team with more than 60 years of combined experience in the aquatic industry, including a former research biologist, a high-end African cichlid importer, and one of the founding members of Marineland Aquarium products.

They decided to start a company of their own, taking the lessons their mentors had taught them and combining it with their years of experience in fishkeeping.

This brand started out making a line of probiotic-enhanced flake fish food and quickly expanded into other foods, lighting, and equipment, including some of the best heaters available for small tanks.

What makes the Cobalt Aquatics Flat Neo-Therm Heater such a great choice? It’s available in a wide range of sizes, including a 25W option that’s perfect for tanks up to six gallons and a 50W for tanks as large as 12 gallons.

Finding a heater for a small tank – especially one smaller than six gallons – is not always easy. Finding one with as many features as this one is almost unheard of.

This heater has a super-flat design, which is absolutely essential for micro tanks. Small tanks do not have a lot of space, so finding a heater that doesn’t take up too much room is key. Installation is simple.

A reversible mounting bracket with suction cups is included so you can position it anywhere.

A lot of heaters designed for small tanks have one preset temperature, but one of the things that makes this Cobalt Aquatics heater so special is that you can adjust the temperature between 66 and 96 degrees F.

Plus, it has integrated thermal protection so you don’t have to worry about it overheating above the set temperature.

It’s also extremely effective. It’s not always easy to maintain the temperature of an aquarium that’s much warmer than room temperature.

Most are only able to raise the water temperature by one or two degrees. The Cobalt Aquatics heater can raise the temperature of the water 11 degrees above ambient temperature.

Now, this isn’t necessarily something that you would need to do, but the fact that the heater is powerful enough to do it means that it will have no problem maintaining a standard temperature. Plus, it shows how well-made these filters are. You do not have to worry about overworking them.

Another great thing about this small aquarium heater is that it’s practically indestructible. It’s made of resin and thermoplastic and has a shatter-proof outer-casing that’s so strong, the heater is backed by a three-year warranty.

If you’re looking for something smaller, Cobalt Aquatics also has a Mini-Therm model that is specially made for small aquariums. They have a 5W for tanks up to 1.2 gallons, 10W for up to 2.4 gallons, 15W for up to 3.6 gallons, and 20W for up to 4.8 gallons.

This model is a little different than the Flat Neo-Therm Heater. The casing is made from shatter-proof plastic polymer and the internal ceramic disc provides even heat distribution for the tiniest of tanks.

Aquatop

Another great brand to consider when shopping for a small aquarium heater is Aquatop. This company was started by a group of aquarium enthusiasts with over 35 years of experience in the industry.

What’s great about this brand is that they really love the hobby. The founders have been into aquariums since they were kids and want to make everything as simple and effective as possible so that everyone enjoys the hobby as much as they do.

In addition to selling aquarium heaters and just about any other equipment you need to keep your tank up and running, the Aquatop team has also created an in-depth learning center and blog on their website where you can learn about different types of fish, how to solve some of the most common aquarium problems, and get updates about what’s next for the brand.

Aquatop has a variety of aquarium heaters, ranging from simple analog models to more advanced titanium designs.

The Nano Aquarium Digital Heater NH is only 25W and meant for tanks between four and seven gallons. It has an insanely compact design that makes it really easy to fit into these small tanks.

Each unit has a built-in electronic thermostat that comes preset to 78 degrees F that’s accurate to within 1.8 degrees. You don’t have to worry about turning it off and on or adjusting any settings.

When the water reaches the set temperature, the heat turns off automatically to prevent overheating. Suction cups are attached for quick and easy installation.

This small heater is made of reinforced plastic and is practically unbreakable when used appropriately.

For bigger tanks between five and 20 gallons, Aquatop has the Nano Aquarium Digital Heater D1HT. The cylindrical shape is 10.5 inches long with a 1.25-inch diameter.

Since it’s very thin, it’s not too intrusive in your tank, but the length might make it a tough fit for tanks on the small end of the range.

This heater has a clear digital temperature display and an easy-to-use control button. While most heaters have a built-in temperature sensor, this one is attached separately and can be placed anywhere in your tank.

You can use this thermometer with a saltwater or freshwater aquarium and it saves energy when compared to analog heaters.

Fluval

Another well-known brand you can count on when it comes to heaters for a small aquarium is Fluval.

This brand has been in the business since 1975 when they developed the world’s first three-stage filtration system with synchronous motor technology.

It was a breakthrough that’s still being used today. Since then, this pioneering brand has continued to grow, making products that raise the bar for functionality and quality.

Fluval is also very involved in charitable and educational efforts across the fishkeeping community but shining a light on endangered fish species and funding the protection of wild coral reefs.

This is a well-rounded company that strives to help hobbyists setup and maintain beautiful aquariums while raising awareness about environmental and aquatic issues.

There are three types of Fluval heaters that are suitable for small tanks. First is the Submersible Aquarium Heater, which is available in 10W for tanks up to three gallons and 25W for tanks up to six gallons.

The Fluval E Series also appeared on our list of the best overall aquarium heaters. So we hold them in high regard.

This design features a shatterproof polymer construction that’s safe and protects both the heater itself and the inhabitants of your tank from damage.

The fully submersible design is safe for freshwater and saltwater, and each one is preset to a temperature ranging between 76 and 78 degrees F so you don’t have to make any adjustments. It turns off when the water reaches the appropriate temperature and there’s a small LED light that alerts you when the product is in use.

The 10W heater is only 5.3 by 0.78 inches and the 25W is 5.9 by 1.1 inches, both small enough to fit nicely into smaller tanks.

They have a sleek black design that shouldn’t be too difficult to hide but isn’t particularly distracting so it shouldn’t take away from the environment you’re creating in your tank.

A good choice for tanks between six and 10 gallons is the E Series. This submersible heater features an internal thermal sensor which makes it super accurate.

It has an LCD display that can show temperatures in either Celsius or Fahrenheit. Setting the temperature is easy, and you can choose between 68 and 93 degrees F in 0.5-degree increments. This gives you precise control over the temperature so you can make any necessary adjustments.

Something cool about this one is that the temperature display changes color if the water temperature varies more than two degrees from the selected temperature setting. If the difference is more than 5.5 degrees, the screen flashes to alert you to the problem.

The E Series also features an integrated fish guard that prevents fish and other living things in your tank from coming into direct contact with the heater core. There’s also a protective glass sleeve that protects larger fish from shocks.

Installation is really easy. A slim-profile mounting bracket is included, and you can adjust the positioning without actually having to remove the bracket.

This lets you mount it at different angles to fit it among your tank’s décor while still being able to see the LCD screen.

There are no moving parts to this heater and nothing to corrode or wear. In fact, it’s so durable, it’s covered with a five-year warranty.

Finally, Fluval also offers the M-Series in a 50W size that’s good for tanks closer to 10 gallons. This one is a little basic compared to the other Fluval options, but some people prefer the simple, straightforward design.

The durable, mirror finish blends into the tank’s surroundings by reflecting what’s around it and is particularly easy to hide behind aquarium plants.

The control is easy to adjust, and large suction cups make installation easy. This heater is 11 inches long and has a one-inch diameter, so it’s long but generally easy to hide.

One word of caution, make sure you follow the directions carefully when installing this one. They suggest letting it acclimate to the tank temperature before plugging it in and it has to be completely submerged to prevent damage.

Penn Plax

One of the interesting things about Penn Plax is that they don’t just know about aquariums. They’re passionate about all kinds of pets.

The brand started as a small family-owned pet shop in Brooklyn in 1956 and, more than 60 years and three generations later, became one of the most well-respected pet brands on the market.

Innovation has always been the core of Penn Plax.

As the Goldman brothers’ pet shop grew more and more popular, they began developing new products for their customers right there in the shop. Among other things, Penn Plax invented the first 3D aquarium background, developed their own aquarium filter, and devised a way to create underwater rivers.

By the 1960s, the Goldmans were ready to expand into a large-scale manufacturing facility and the Penn Plax brand was born.

Penn Plax has a few small aquarium heaters to choose from, and, as you can see from their extensive product catalog, there are plenty of other pet products available, too.

One of their most popular small heaters is a part of their Cascade Heat line. This 25W heater is perfect for tanks up to five gallons, and the 50W is the right size for tanks from six to 10 gallons.

The Cascade Heat Aquarium Heaters are fully submersible and are accurate within one degree of the set temperature. The easy-to-read gauge displays temperatures in both Celsius and Fahrenheit.

It comes preset to 76 degrees F but you can easily program it to any temperature between 68 and 89 degrees. All you have to do is dial in your preferred temperature, attach it to the tank, plug it in, and you’re ready to go.

The heater automatically turns on and off as needed to maintain the set temperature, and the Easy View indicator light lets you know when it’s on and when it’s not.

The Cascade Heat line is so effective because it uses superior insulation and has excellent heat distribution from end to end, so it heats your water more reliably.

The shock-resistant glass keeps your fish safe and extends the life of the product.

This heater can be installed either horizontally or vertically using the included dual-mounting suction cups.

The 25W model is six inches long and the 50W is seven, so either size is easy enough to hide and doesn’t take up too much room. All Penn Plax products are made to last and covered by a three-year warranty.

Another option is the Cascade Mini. This is a small, simple heater that’s only 10W and ideal for nano tanks between two and five gallons.

It’s fully submersible and it’s important to note that it has to be completely underwater or it will no longer work thanks to an automatic safety feature that cuts power to the heater once it is exposed to air. Because of this, it’s very important to follow the installation instructions carefully.

They’re not difficult, but there are a number of steps you have to take to make sure the heater adjusts to the tank environment properly so be sure to pay close attention.

This heater has a preset temperature of 77 degrees F and can be used with either a glass or plastic tank. It’s extremely small at only four inches long, and the attached suction cups make it easy to install anywhere in your tank.

You can position it horizontally or vertically, depending on how you have your tank set up and which works best for your decor.

Hydor

Hydor is a really interesting brand that is heavily focused on technology and engineering. It was founded in 1984 by an engineer and his wife who saw a need in the aquarium market in the United States.

They started with a range of hang-on filters and rapidly grew, creating many innovative products including pumps and heaters.

Today, Hydor has shifted its focus to solidifying its brand by becoming the benchmark for design and innovation in the aquarium industry.

Their products are sold worldwide and are well known for being high-performing and innovative. While this might sound like the focus on larger, more elaborate equipment for complicated setups, Hydor has created plenty of amazing options for small tanks.

Their small heaters are some of the simplest and most reliable on the market.

The Hydor Submersible Glass Aquarium Heater is available in 25W for tanks from two to seven gallons and 50W for tanks between five and 14 gallons.

This is billed as the first shatter-proof heater and is shock resistant and exceptionally durable.

These heaters are about seven or eight inches long and you can position them horizontally or vertically using the included suction cups. Each has a graduated scale and a simple top dial to choose the temperature setting.

Something that really stands out about this design is that it has a special feature where it won’t get damaged if it runs dry. Considering a small tank heater typically breaks if it’s exposed to air, this is a pretty cool feature that might come in really handy.

Another cool product from Hydor is this Slim Heater. It’s available in three sizes: 4W for tanks and bowls up to 2.5 gallons, 7.5W for up to five gallons, or 15W for up to 10 gallons.

This heater model is small and flat, perfect to warm the water in a small tank without taking up too much room. The aquarium heater can even be positioned under the gravel to keep it completely out of the way.

This model is either round or oval in shape, depending on the size, though both are surprisingly compact. All you have to do is plug it in and it’s ready to go.

There are no glass components and it’s completely safe for your fish, and you can use the Slim Heater in glass, plastic, or acrylic tanks or bowls.

The third option from Hydor is their Mini Heater for Aquariums. It’s suitable for tanks between five and 10 gallons.

Size-wise, the dimensions are a little larger than the previously discussed Slim Heater, but this one is exceptionally thin at roughly 5mm. It’s safe to use under gravel, too, so you can easily tuck it away, out of sight.

This option is also not damaged if left to run dry and is extremely durable. It raises the temperature in a five-gallon tank about five degrees and about four degrees from the ambient temperature in a 10-gallon tank.

The Right Heater for Your Small Tank

It’s easy to think that keeping a small fish tank or aquarium is easy, but the truth is that it’s sometimes more difficult than managing a large tank. There’s not a lot of water so keeping it clean and safe is really important.

Finding fish that are suitable for these small habitats isn’t always easy, either. Remember, just because a fish is small, doesn’t mean it’s healthy for it to live in a small space.

Take the example of the goldfish. How many times have you seen a big, beautiful goldfish in a small bowl? They need a lot more space – 20 gallons, minimum – to thrive.

It’s important to take the time to find the right fish for a small tank, but don’t get discouraged! There are some great options out there, including betta fish and snails, some of the most beautiful and interesting creatures in any tank or freshwater aquarium.

After you choose your fish, take a look at their temperature requirements. It’s always important to check, of course, but the chances are that your new friend is going to need a heater. Luckily, there are plenty of options available from some of the best brands in the industry.

We included introductions to five of the best brands as well as the small heaters they have available not only to help you choose one, but also to give you an idea of the wide variety of products out there. If you’re looking for a brand you can be loyal to, there are those rooted in innovation to choose from as well as those that started as simple, small family-run businesses decades ago.

When it comes to heaters, there are a few styles to choose from. Which will work best for you is a matter of preference but also depends on your tank setup.

Cylindrical heaters tend to heat the water more evenly because they have a larger surface area than thin, disc-like heaters.

That said, most thin heaters can be tucked under the rocks on the bottom of the tank, meaning they’re completely out of the way and won’t take up any precious space as the cylindrical ones do.

Another thing to think about is whether you want to be able to adjust the temperature or not.

A lot of these small heaters come with a single preset temperature so you just put them in your tank, plug it in, and it’ll set the ideal temperature on its own.

That said, there are other options available if you prefer to have a little more control. For example, if you have a fish that likes the water a little warmer, a preset heater might not be the best choice.

Or, if you live in a place where it gets really cold in the winter and the ambient heat in your home drops, you might prefer a heater that has a little more power to keep your fish happy all year wrong.

As you can see, there’s a lot to think about when setting up a tank, from how to take care of the tropical fish in your large aquarium, to having the appropriate water temperature for even a small tank.

Choosing the right fish tank heater is an important piece of the puzzle and a simple thing you can do to get your small aquarium off to a swimmingly good start.

For More Fish Tank Information

Check out our fish tank info page for more great information for the budding aquarist.

Including: 

• How to maintain the ideal aquarium temperature
• Best aquarium air pumps
• Wall-mounted fish tanks for your home

The post 5 Best Small Aquarium Heater Brands (1 to 10 Gallon Fish Tanks) appeared first on aquaticly.com.

There are a lot of valid concerns when getting new fish or starting a new tank. A common question people ask is, what water temperature does my fish need? 

Thankfully, it’s not rocket science, even with a mix of different species of fish, inverts, corals, or even plants. There is usually a safe range that is easy to maintain. 

Why is Temperature Important? 

Every animal has its limits for either hot or cold temperatures. Humans and mammals have greater temperature tolerances because we are endothermic, or warm-blooded. Humans are also able to use outside sources to moderate our temperature, such as a jacket or winter boots.

Fish, on the other hand, are ectothermic, or cold-blooded. Cold-blooded means the temperature of their surrounding water regulates their internal body temperature. 

Extreme temperature fluctuations can cause unnecessary stress on your fish and even lead to death. Not to fear, temperature is both easy to test and adjust!

Risk of High Temp

Usually, when we think of temperature issues in an aquarium, we consider acquiring a heater to help maintain water temperature. However, certain fish and invertebrate species require lower water temperatures.

In higher temperatures, less oxygen is dissolved in the water. To make matters worse, it increases the metabolic rate for fish. This means that they should be intaking even more oxygen! 

An unnaturally high temperature will leave your fish gasping for oxygen and will lead to stress-born illnesses, such as ich!

Risk of Low Temp

In low temperatures, your fish’s metabolic rate comes to a stall; this has more consequences than just a slow fish. 

The lowering of their metabolic rate causes fish to lose their appetite. This creates unnecessary stress and compromises the immune system of your fish!

Best Temperature Range 

Different species of fish and inverts have different tolerances for temperature ranges. This usually directly correlates with the temperatures of the body of waters which they are native!

Listed below are common fish to keep in aquariums and their ideal temperature ranges. Keep in mind these ranges can offer what seems like a fair amount of wiggle room, but ideally, the temperature in your tank should be kept consistent. 

Freshwater Species Temperature Range

Saltwater Species Temperature Range

Coldwater Species Temperature Range

Certain tank mates prefer cold water. If you’re interested in keeping a cold water tank or seeing what you could possibly keep with your goldfish.

Explore the list below: 

Tropical Species Temperature Range

You might’ve heard someone refer to tropical fish, and might be thinking I wonder what temperature range a tropical species prefers. 

Tropical fish often need a temperature between 75 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Most fresh and saltwater fish sold in pet stores prefer these temperature ranges, with the exception of coldwater fish. 

How to Control The Water Temperature

There are a couple of different ways to help control the temperature in your aquarium. 

First, make sure to invest in a thermometer so that you can keep track of the temperature in your aquarium. These are often inexpensive and submersible.

Tropical Tanks

If you need to keep water warmer, buying an aquarium heater is going to be your best bet. 

Place your aquarium heater where there is ample water movement. For example, you can place them by outputs, powerheads, filters, or air-stones. This placement ensures the water stays at a consistent temperature throughout the tank. 

Depending on the size of the aquarium, you may need heaters of greater or lesser strength. In some large aquariums, you may need multiple heaters placed throughout the tank. 

These submersible aquarium heaters are sold with application suggestions based on the size of your aquarium. However, a heater does not necessarily automatically get your tank to the desired temperature. For better temperature control, you may want to pick up a heater with temperature settings.

Coldwater Tanks

For fish and invertebrates that require colder tanks, chillers are available for purchase. Chillers are typically kept outside of the aquarium. 

Chillers are more expensive than heaters, but they’re reliable. A cheaper alternative to cooling your water is floating ice packs on the top of the tank. However, this is far less convenient. Make sure to remove these after the ice pack is warm. 

Another method for keeping your aquarium cool is taking off the lid, just make sure your fish are not prone to jumping. Also, if you have cats, it’s probably best if you don’t do this. 

Turning off the light will also decrease the temperature, as it introduces heat into the tank. 

Causes of Unnatural Temperature Change 

Tank Location

Location, location, location! So we might not be talking about real estate, but the area of your aquarium is essential for the comfort and safety of your fish. 

One of the most common mistakes is placing your aquarium near a window. Windows allow sunlight into the aquarium which will raise the temperature of the aquarium. This type of placement will also lead to algal blooms and unnecessary stress on your fish during the summer months. 

Another poor location is near an air conditioning unit, fan, or heater. It might seem like you’re skipping a step by cooling or heating your tank using the same tools you use in your home. However, this will just cause unnecessary temperature fluctuations in the tank and it will not evenly distribute the temperature throughout the tank. 

The best location for your tank is an area of low sunlight with a consistent temperature.

Faulty Aquarium Heater

The best way to tell if you have a faulty aquarium heater is to have a submersible thermometer in your aquarium. 

Aquarium heaters work overtime in your tank. Therefore, they run the risk of malfunctioning after extended use. Like many pieces of electronic equipment, you also run the risk of purchasing a faulty device right off the bat.

If you believe your aquarium heater is not heating the water, test it in a smaller container or aquarium of water. It should take approximately a day to be able to see a rise in temperature in your aquarium. 

Water Changes

A common mistake made when performing regular water changes is not unplugging your heater. If you don’t unplug your heater while it’s out of the water, you put unnecessary strain on it. This is an easy way to kill a heater over time.

When performing water changes, try to get the replacement water’s temperature as close to the temperature in the tank. For tanks that need significant water changes, this may involve using a water heater or chiller to prepare the water for the change. 

Don’t add warm or cold water to try to lower or raise the temperature of your tank. Changing the temperature of your water should be done gradually. This way you’ll avoid shocking the tank. 

Additional Fish

When acclimating a fish to a new tank, it’s important to check that certain water parameters are as close as possible to the water that they were previously living in. 

One of the simplest methods is to allow a fish to float on the top of the tank for approximately 30 minutes to adjust to the temperature of your tank. This method works best for freshwater fish. 

Saltwater fish need to be acclimated to the temperature as well, but they also require extra acclimation to the pH and salinity of the water. Saltwater acclimation is best accomplished using a drip acclimation. 

Additionally, when adding new fish to an aquarium, make sure they have compatible temperature ranges. A consistent temperature will increase the longevity and health of your tank mates. 

How to Safely Correct the Water Temperature

The best way to safely correct the temperature of your water? Slowly. 

Fish often face fluctuations in water temperature in their natural habitat, but it happens slowly due to the large amount of water available. 

All the methods recommended above for cooling and heating a tank will gradually alter the temperature of your aquarium. 

What about Coral and Plants?

Corals

Different corals come from diverse regions and require different temperatures to thrive in your aquarium. Most corals require higher temperature ranges, approximately 75-78 degrees Fahrenheit, although some corals prefer even warmer waters. 

If your water is too hot or your lights are adding too much heat to the tank, you may see bleaching on your stony corals. Coral bleaching can be fixed by changing the position of the coral in the tank if the temperature ranges are in the coral’s parameters. 

There are cold-water corals that reside in waters with temperatures below 40 degrees Fahrenheit! Yikes! These are rarely sold, though, and are not compatible with many of the tropical fish species sold online and in stores. 

Aquatic plants 

Aquatic plant’s ideal temperature ranges from 70-80 degrees Fahrenheit. These are, of course, going to need cooler or warmer temperatures according to the area of the world they reside in. 

If you’re looking for plants to go into a colder water tank, There are a couple of aquatic plant species that do well in colder water temperatures including: 

• Java Moss (wide range: 59-86 degrees Fahrenheit)
• Marino Moss Balls
• Cabomba 
• Water Cabbage
• Brazillian Pennywort
• Java Fern

Final Tips

Appropriate temperature is important for the health of your aquarium. 

Remember:

• Your fish need a steady (and appropriate) temperature in their tank.
• Keep a thermometer inside the tank, so you catch temperature fluctuations before they stress or cause harm to your tank.
• Select fish that have compatible temperature requirements
• Use a heater or a chiller to control your water temperature
• Always raise or lower water temperature gradually

Follow these tips and you’ll be well on your way to success. Good luck and thanks for the read!

Read more fish tank maintenance guides: 

• How to remove brown algae from your tank

The post Guide to Maintaining The Ideal Aquarium Temperature appeared first on aquaticly.com.

Self-cleaning fish tanks sound like a dream. Whether you travel a lot or you have a young one that wants fish, self-cleaning fish tanks are handy.

They do some of the work for you, so that leaves you to feed the fish. Don’t get us wrong, you still have to change out the water. It can’t do all the work for you.

And keep in mind, self-cleaning fish tanks only come in smaller sizes. They work best for someone with only a fish or two.

You don’t want too many fish in a small tank. There won’t be enough oxygen for them to survive.

So, they’re not for everyone. But they’re for anyone who needs a little more time.

If you’re new to self-cleaning fish tanks, don’t fret. There’s a lot out there to consider when you’re looking for a self-cleaning tank.

We have all the information you could ever need to know to find the right one. And we’re going to share our 8 favorite self-cleaning fish tanks. Welcome to our ultimate guide. 

In this article we will review the following self-cleaning fish tanks: 

• Back to Roots Water Garden Fish Tank
• Vivosun Aquaponic Fish Tank
• Penn Plax Aquaponic Fish Tank
• Marineland Contour Glass Aquarium Kit
• Hagen HG Fluval Flex Freshwater Aquarium
• AquaSprouts Water Garden
• biOrb Flow 30 Aquarium
• ECO-Cycle Aquaponics Indoor Garden System

Benefits of a Self-Cleaning Fish Tank 

There are more benefits to a self-cleaning tank besides the fact that it can clean itself.

• Self-cleaning fish tanks are gorgeous. Between your fish and the plants, one of these tanks will spruce up a room. You can get bright tropical fish and bright plants. Or you can stick to neutral colors. Whatever fits with your décor.
• These fish tanks give you a fun way to grow plants, including herbs you can use in your kitchen.
• Self-cleaning fish tanks save you time. Since you don’t have to clean the tank as much, you get extra time for yourself.
• They always clean the water when it’s needed. It’s not going to forget or put it off a few days. Things most of us have done once or twice. This keeps your fish healthy. It prevents diseases and an ill fish that’s been swimming in waste.
• Self-cleaning tanks produce less waste than your usual pet fish tanks. Since they clean themselves, you don’t have to empty them as much as you normally would. Plus, when the waste fertilizes the plants, there’s less waste hanging out in the water.
• These tanks also use less energy. You don’t need pumps or other added accessories for these tanks. So, your fish tank isn’t going to take up even half the energy used by a regular tank. This pertains to aquaponics type of self-cleaning fish tanks.

Negatives of a Self-Cleaning Fish Tank 

There are always disadvantages to something, no matter how shiny it is. This includes self-cleaning fish tanks.

• Self-cleaning tanks are expensive. These fish tanks have a high price tag on them since they have such a unique ability.
• Not all self-cleaning fish tanks are created equal. There are duds out there and with some of them, you might not even know it’s not working until it’s too late. Worst case scenario, your fish die.
• As we discussed earlier, self-cleaning fish tanks are pretty small. There shouldn’t be more than two fish in most of them. So, if you’re wanting several fish, you’re going to have to settle for a traditional fish tank.
• Another disadvantage due to the small size has to do with your fish’s growth. When a fish is in a tank that’s a limited size, it won’t always grow to be full-sized. Of course, this depends on the type of fish you have.

Types of Self-Cleaning Fish Tanks 

There are two types of self-cleaning fish tanks. Which one you pick is up to you and your preferences.

The most common type of self-cleaning fish tank works by what’s called aquaphonics. Aquaphonics is a mix of raising fish and using hydroponics to grow plants.

You can’t forget the bacteria. All three of these things creates a perfect balance.

The waste from the fish fertilizes the plants, which is helpful since the plants don’t have soil.

Bacteria get rid of ammonia and nitrate in the water. In other words, the bacteria is purifying the water for the fish. This is the bacteria going through the nitrogen cycle.

Gravity tanks are the other type of self-cleaning fish tanks. This tank uses a pump a pull out all the bad, icky water. It sucks it out the waste and debris.

All you have to do is replace the dirty water with clean water.

These fish tanks do make you give more effort than the aqua-phonics tanks. 

What to Look For in a Self-Cleaning Fish Tank 

So, what do you look for in a self-cleaning fish tank? It’s not quite the same as other tanks but there are a lot of similarities.

Size of Self Cleaning Fish Tank 

The size of a fish tank is based on gallons, like any other tank.

What size you need depends on how many fish you have and what type of fish you have. Bigger fish need bigger tanks.

On a normal basis, per inch of a full-grown fish needs at least a two-gallon fish tank. This gives them appropriate room to grow to full size and to roam.

When a fish is stuck in a tank that’s too small, they feel closed in. This makes an unhappy and unhealthy fish.

Maintenance of Self Cleaning Fish Tank

When we speak of the maintenance of a self-cleaning fish tank, we’re referring to how often you have to change the water.

The maintenance can differ from tank to tank, from brand to brand.

Some of these fish tanks have very little maintenance. Other self-cleaning fish tanks need more attention.

Most fish tanks will advertise low maintenance. But the best way to tell how easy it is to care for (or hard), is to check out customer reviews.

Design of Self Cleaning Fish Tank 

The design of a self-cleaning fish tank can make a big difference for some people. And every self-cleaning fish tank differs.

You want to like the fish tank you have. You want an appealing fish tank if it’s going to the office with you. You want it to match your home decor.

Don’t settle for an ugly design because you feel you have to. You have choices.

Material of Self Cleaning Fish Tank 

Any fish tank material can be important. For most fish tanks, including self-cleaning tanks, there are three main materials.

First, there are plastic self-cleaning fish tanks. These are on the cheaper end of the spectrum.

Depending on the company and type of brand used, plastic is usually not a great choice. Which is why it’s the cheapest choice as well.

The next type of material of self-cleaning fish tanks is acrylic. Acrylic isn’t a bad choice, though it’s not the best choice.

Acrylic is lighter than glass. But it’s easy to scratch and these tanks yellow over the years. It’s also more expensive than glass.

Last is glass. We think it’s the best material for fish tanks. The thick glass used for fish tanks is thick and tough.

It doesn’t scratch and it keeps its’ clarity for years and years.

Self-Cleaning Fish Tank Kits 

There are two main types of self-cleaning fish tanks. And which you choose depends on your needs.

There are self-cleaning fish tank kits that include everything you could need. You get a tank and an area that holds the plants.

Some even include extra features like LED lights or seeds. These kits are best for anyone who’s starting from scratch and anyone who’s a newbie to the system.

The other type only includes an add-on to attach to a tank you already own. These add-ons are often more advanced than the whole kits so they’re more expensive.

But these self-cleaning fish tank kits are perfect for tanks that are 10 to 20 gallons. Whereas, the whole kits are usually much smaller. 

Our Favorite 8 Self Cleaning Fish Tanks 

1. Back to Roots Water Garden Fish

Size: 3 gallons

Weight: 3 pounds

Other Features

• It comes with organic micro-green seeds. They’re great for starter crops and for children to grow.

• Alongside the seeds, you get D-Klor to remove chlorine and improves a fish’s protective coating. You also get Zym-Bac keeps both ammonia and nitrate at healthy levels.

• There are grow stones. The stones allow your plants to take root.

• Did we mention the kit also includes fish food? Plus, you get a coupon for a betta fish for the tank.

• There are four slots on the tank that let you hook up anything extra, from heaters to grow lights.

• You clean this self cleaning fish tank 50% less than traditional fish tanks.

• It’s super easy to set this fish tank kit up.

• This fish tank is affordable. You won’t break the bank.

• This aquaponics kit happens to be a perfect addition to a science classroom.

• Whenever the company sells one of these kits, they donate one to an elementary classroom you choose.

>>>CHECK PRICE<<<

2. Vivosun Aquaponic Fish Tank 

Size: 3 gallon 

Weight: 7 pounds 

Other Features 

• This fish tank and planter work well with over 150 types of hydroponic plants.

• The self-cleaning fish tank has an automatic siphon system. This makes the water level on the surface like a tidal fluctuation. Because of this fluctuation, the roots of the plants immersed in water.

• Another benefit of the fluctuation is that the oxygen supply circles within a mere two minutes.

• The mini pump moves the dirty water to the planter on the surface. The fish waste fertilizes the plants. The now clean water returns to the fish tank.

• The mini pump has a switch that lets you control the water flow. Plus, it’s super quiet.

• There’s a thermostat attached that lets you measure the water’s temperature. It makes keeping the correct temperature easier on you.

• It includes a USB charger, sponge filter, and siphon cover as well.

>>>CHECK PRICE<<<

3. Penn Plax Aquaponic Fish Tank

Size: 1.4 gallons 

Weight: 2 pounds 

Other Features 

• This fish tank is a high-quality plastic tank perfect for smaller fish like bettas.

• It has a unique cylinder design.

• Whenever you need to, you can remove the planter without struggling. This makes cleaning the tank easy when you need to.

• You can even use the planter for several types of plants, including for reviving dry plants.

• It comes with ceramic planting media. Ceramic planting media retains water and assists in the root growth of your plant.

• The tank doesn’t take up much space since it’s so small.

• This self-cleaning fish tank kit is super affordable.

• Set up for this fish tank is very easy.

• It also includes a plastic lid for the tank as well as a planter lid.

>>>CHECK PRICE<<<

4. Marineland Contour Glass Aquarium Kit 

Size: 3 gallon 

Weight: 8 pounds 

Other Features 

• This self-cleaning fish tank has a cool design that you won’t see anywhere else. It uses rounded corners and a clear glass canopy. You can see everything going on in the tank.

• There’s also a hinged LED light rail and sliding glass canopy.

• The sliding glass canopy makes it so much easier to get into the tank to clean or feed your fish.

• The canopy helps maintain the temperature of the fish tank and stops fish from hopping out.

• It comes with white LED lighting that creates a shimmering sunlight effect. It also comes with blue LED lighting that creates a nighttime feel and a moonlight glow. There’s a toggle switch to go back and forth.

• The LED lights are energy efficient. They’re not going to run up your energy bill.

• It has a 3 stage filtration and comes with a Rite-Size TM Z cartridge. And you get an adjustable flow filter pump. The filter gets out all that gross debris and waste so you don’t have to.

• The filter also goes through chemical filtration. It removes strange odors and discoloration.

• The filter hides from sight so it’s not making an ugly add-on to the fish tank.

• There’s a molded ribbed back for max water-to-carbon contact.

• It comes with Marineland BioFoam. This foam creates a large 3-dimensional area. In this area, aerobic bacteria cultivates. You don’t have to replace the BioFoam.

• It’s a low maintenance tank. You have to put in very little effort to keep your fish healthy and comfortable.

• This self-cleaning fish tank is super easy to set up despite its’ advanced design.

• It’s super affordable, especially for such a high-quality fish tank kit.

>>>CHECK PRICE<<<

5. Hagen HG Fluval Flex Freshwater Aquarium 

Size: 15 gallon 

Weight: 30 pounds 

Other Features 

• The self-cleaning fish tank is made of durable and tough glass.

• The curved front and interesting design make the fish tank seem larger than it is.

• There’s an infrared remote sensor that’s already integrated. You can get access to this sensor through the canopy of the tank.

• There are 48 white and six RGB 2450 lux LED lights that illuminate your fish. These LED lights are adjustable to your liking. There are special effects options. You can get creative and help your plant out at the same time.

• A flexpad remote controller comes with so you can change the LED light settings.

• The 7500K LED lamp promotes the growth of your plant.

• The self-cleaning fish tank has a three-stage filtration system. For this system, there are media included for all the stages. These stages include mechanical, chemical, and biological filtration.

• The multi-directional 132 GPH dual output that lets you adjust the water flow.

• The add-ons are all hidden in a rear compartment. It has a Honeycomb wrap.

>>>CHECK PRICE<<<

6. AquaSprouts Water Garden

Size: 10 gallon 

Weight: 24 pounds 

Other Features 

• A fish tank doesn’t come with this kit. Instead, it’s a planter kit. You can add this to any 10-gallon tank.

• This kit allows you to grow herbs or veggies. Almost any plant you want, you can grow.

• It comes with a special clay media. This clay lets the roots take hold and grow. They make a surface area for bacteria cultivation. This media doesn’t degrade.

• There’s so much that comes with this self-cleaning kit. First, there’s a light bar. The light bar is removable if you’d rather use your own grow lights. It’s also adjustable. Making sure the light hits your plants has never been easier.

• The 24 hour timer included can be set for 15 minute intervals.

• The pump that comes with this kit is 9.5 watts and submersible.
• This kit is low maintenance. You don’t have to do much to keep everything going.

• This kit is super easy to put together.

• It comes with a specialized teacher curriculum for the classroom.

>>>CHECK PRICE<<<

7. biOrb Flow 30 Aquarium 

Size: 8 gallon 

Weight: 7 pounds 

Other Features 

• This self-cleaning fish tank is made of durable and tough acrylic. It’s ten times stronger than glass. It’s also 50% lighter.

• It has a 93% transparency rating.

• There’s a true five-stage filtration. This is biological, mechanical, chemical, water stabilization, and oxygenation.

• It comes with LED lighting with 16 preset colors and brightness adjustments. The lights include a remote controller. You can make your self-cleaning fish tank look fun and funky. You have tons of choices on colors.

• It also comes with a filter cartridge that fits all biOrb aquariums. You only have to replace the filter cartridge every four or five weeks.

• Plus, it has two pounds of ceramic planting media. The media retains water.

• There’s a feed hole on the top of the tank, making feeding the fish that much easier.

• It has an extra gap that’s used for a heating cord.

• There’s very little effort that goes into caring for this fish tank.

• It’s easy to set the fish tank up. You won’t need any help with this one.

• Also included with tank are an air pump, an air stone, water conditioner, and bacteria liquid. 

>>>CHECK PRICE<<<

8. ECO-Cycle Aquaponics Indoor Garden System 

Size: 20 gallons

Weight: 17 pounds

Other Features 

• A fish tank does not come with this kit. Instead, it’s a plant and LED set made for any 20-gallon fish tank. So, you already need a tank to use this.

• You use up to 90% less water using this ecosystem kit. The plants grow 25% with this kit than they do in soil.

• The gallon size of this kit is awesome. You don’t see kits this big often at all.

• This self-cleaning fish tank kit comes with programmable LED lights. The LED lights help your plants grow healthily. After all, you don’t want to stick a fish tank in the sun. It’s not healthy for your fish and will likely result in death.

• These LED lights have four grow settings, a remote controller, and a built-in timer.

• The LED lights use very little energy so your electricity bill won’t grow using the tank.

• The self-cleaning fish tank kit is super easy to put together, as easy as the smaller kits. There are even instructional videos if you need help.

• It also includes a teacher curriculum if you need one for your classroom. 

>>>CHECK PRICE<<<

For More Fish Tank Information

Check out our aquarium page for more great information for the budding aquarist.

Including: 

• Aquarium tank size chart
• Best wall-mounted aquariums
• Best fish tank bubbler

Final Thoughts 

Self-cleaning fish tanks are a great invention. They’re perfect for anyone who doesn’t have the time to clean a tank all the time. But they want the enjoyment of fish life in their home.

The post Best Self-Cleaning Fish Tanks: The Ultimate Review Guide appeared first on aquaticly.com.

They can improve fish health and increase oxygen. They can even help filter out waste from the aquarium. These are just a few benefits and advantages. We’ll go over more down below.

Air pumps have a few different jobs, which makes them so useful. They’re very versatile pieces of aquarium equipment.

But do you need an aquarium pump, and what exactly does one do?

Well, that depends on your aquarium’s needs and your personal needs, an aspect we’ll cover in this article.

Not everyone requires an air pump but they can always be a major plus to think about. We’re pro-air pumps for most fish owners.

We’re also going to go over when you need one, the different types of air pumps, and other qualities to consider.

We have the ultimate guide to picking the right aquarium air pump. And we’re going to share the six best aquarium air pumps to check out online.

In this article we will review the following aquarium air pumps:

• Tetra Whisper Air Pump
• Hydrofarm Active Aqua Aquarium Air Pump
• Mylivell HPump Aquarium Air Pump
• Hygger Quiet Mini Air Pump
• Pawfly MA-60 Aquarium Air Pump
• Uniclife Aquarium Air Pump

Types of Air Pumps

There are different types of aquarium air pumps out there.

Before you buy one, you have to know what you need an air pump for. It depends on whether you need one for a bubbler or filtration.

So, what types of air pumps are there?

Battery Air Pumps

Battery air pumps run on batteries. You don’t have to plug them into electricity to run which is a plus.

Changing batteries out is the only real downside of a battery air pump.

These air pumps are portable. You can switch them to different aquariums as needed, or use them for any other situations that you need to switch air pumps.

Air pumps are also available as backup battery air pumps. It can fit in both the battery category and the plug-in air pump category.

They run on electricity, but they take batteries in case the power goes out.

Plug Air Pumps

Plug air pumps run on electrical power. When you plug it in, the air pump starts. It keeps running until you unplug the pump.

They’re the easiest air pumps and the most common. They take little maintenance. You can plug them in and go.

Sound of an Air Pump

For some, the sound of an air pump doesn’t matter. That constant buzzing is comforting.

But for others, that sound can be irritating. They would do anything to shut their air pump up, but they need it, so they put up with the annoyance.

For those who hate the sound of air pumps, there are quiet air pump options you can buy that are advertised as silent.

They’re not fully silent but they make very little noise while running.

The smaller the air pump happens to be, the quieter it’ll be.

The noise (or any noise) of an air pump is measured in decibels. The quietest air pumps won’t make noise over 25 decibels, which is pretty hard to hear.

Size of an Air Pump

The next feature to consider when buying an air pump is the size. There are a few sizes to choose from.

Each size of air pump correlates with the size of your aquarium.

The bigger your aquarium is, the bigger your air pump needs to be. The smaller your aquarium is, the smaller your air pump needs to be.

It’s based on back-pressure, which is the pressure in your aquarium.

The worse the back-pressure is, the larger the air pump you’re going to need. Otherwise, the air pump won’t be able to push enough air into the aquarium.

The size of an air pump is measured by the airflow rate. Each size has a different flow rate depending on the amount of water per gallon of the aquarium.

Energy Consumption of an Air Pump

There are air pumps that take up a lot of energy. Energy consumption is measured in watts. The higher the number, the more energy you’re using.

Large energy consumption can run your electric bill very high. Your wallet takes a hard hit.

Additionally, there are air pumps that take very little power, so you won’t even notice a change in your bill.

As a rule of thumb, the larger the air pump, the more work it has to do. The more work it has to do, the more energy it consumes.

Can you afford a high electricity bill? Do you need a more powerful air pump? These are questions that you need to ask yourself.

6 Best Aquarium Air Pumps

1. Tetra Whisper Air Pump

This air pump is for aquariums 60 gallons or smaller. There are six other sizes of air pumps to choose from.

You can use it in deep aquariums up to eight feet deep.

They feature a patented dome shape, suspended motor, and sound-dampening chambers. These features flatten sound wave frequencies. They also stop the sound wave frequencies from bouncing off of surfaces.

All of these features create an almost silent air pump.

It has thick walls to block the majority of the motor’s sound leaving the inside of the air pump.

But the air pump’s motor is still very powerful.

The air pump also cuts down on vibration that will also cut down on noise. The wide footprint and rubber feet contribute to preventing hard vibration.

The diaphragm gives the pump and tubing plenty of airflow for deepwater applications.

>>>CHECK PRICE<<<

2. Hydrofarm Active Aqua Aquarium Air Pump

It’s perfect for hydroponics as well as standard aquariums.

It uses a special artificial rubber diaphragm for a consistent airflow output. It also lets you adjust the air pressure as you want it with a pressure dial.

It has very little energy consumption while running. It only uses six watts of energy when it’s used.

The air pump is pretty quiet. It makes 45 decibels, meaning it doesn’t make too much noise. It’s not the best we’ve seen for quiet pumps, but it’s not the loudest either.

The quietness is because it uses a multi-level muffler.

The airflow rate is 15 liters per minute. There are four other sizes to choose from.

>>>CHECK PRICE<<<

3. Mylivell HPump Aquarium Air Pump

It’s perfect for small and medium-sized aquariums. It’s made from aquariums up to 40 gallons and three feet in depth. It’s designed for shallower areas of water.

These air pumps are perfect for high-grade aquariums. It’s lightweight and portable if you need to move it for some reason, and is about the size of a biscuit.

There’s no motor or shaft. Because of this and the ceramic plate, the air pump runs super quiet.

It’s super easy to install. You don’t need to be a genius to get it started. It has a suction cup attachment that keeps it in place on the aquarium.

The noise decibels record at 35 decibels or quieter.

This air pump includes airline tubing and an air stone.

>>>CHECK PRICE<<<

4. Hygger Mini Aquarium Air Pump

It’s a mini air pump, measuring in at two inches in diameter. So, it’s compact, portable, and lightweight. It’s easy to move the air pump as needed.

For such a small air pump, it works with aquariums that range from one to 15 gallons. It’s also perfect for hydroponic systems.

Since it doesn’t have a motor, it’s quieter than the standard aquarium air pump.

Because it’s so small in size, it only consumes one and a half watts of power. It saves you a lot of money on your electric bill.

The airflow rate is a whole 420 milliliters a minute.

It includes a three and a half foot silicone airline tubing and an air stone. Plus, it comes with a suction cup so you can attach it to the side of the aquarium.

For noise, it’s 35 decibels or less while running.

>>>CHECK PRICE<<<

5. Pawfly MA-60 Aquarium Air Pump

It’s both compact and lightweight. This makes it also portable so you can unhook it and move it to another aquarium.

The size allows you to hide it so it doesn’t stand out while hooked up to your aquarium.

It has rubber feet to cut down on vibration as well as sound.

It consumes very little energy, consuming only two watts. You won’t have to worry about how high your energy bill will be.

The airflow rate is almost two liters per minute.

The noise is 40 decibels and less while running. It’s a pretty quiet air pump while it’s on.

Pawfly threw everything you need together with this air pump. Included are a standard five-foot-long airline tubing, a check valve, and even an air stone.

>>>CHECK PRICE<<<

6. Uniclife UL40 Aquarium Air Pump

The air pump also works well for aquariums from the size of 20 gallons to 100 gallons. It’s great for medium and large-sized aquariums.

You can adjust the airflow rate with two different outlets. It has a rotating dial to adjust the airflow rate.

The higher the setting, the more it creates bubbles (and oxygen). But this will increase the noise from the air pump.

It has small energy consumption. It only uses four watts of power.

It’s super quiet and has one of the lowest sound ratings. While running, the air pump makes 25 decibels of noise or less. It sounds similar to a light fixture humming.

It comes with a six and a half 3/16 standard airline tubing, two return valves, two connectors, and even two air stones. You’ll have everything you need to use this air pump.

>>>CHECK PRICE<<<

What is an Air Pump?

An aquarium air pump pushes air from outside to inside your aquarium. This mechanical device connects to fish tank bubblers, filters, and even decorations.

Air pumps sit on the outside of an aquarium and push the outside air through airline tubing.

Air pumps create movement in the water and they can create rising bubbles.

Filters are beneficial for most aquariums. For some filters to be efficient, they need an air pump.

There are many types of filters you can use in your aquarium. Most filters remove waste, dirt, and other water impurities.

It’s most important benefit happens to be when it creates oxygen in the water for your fish.

The water absorbs oxygen from the surface of an aquarium, but depending on the circumstances, this oxygen might not be enough.

You can connect fish tank bubblers to air pumps to further increase the oxygen levels, but not everyone needs or utilizes bubblers.

When your device is working in the fish tank, there’s a transfer of the gases from the bubbles. When the bubbles hit the surface and the bubbles pop, they create oxygen.

Air pumps can also increase the surface area, as an air pump agitates the surface of the water in an aquarium.

This increases and improves surface area so more oxygen can enter the aquarium.

Air pumps can also kickstart the circulation of the water. It moves water from the surface of the water to the bottom of the aquarium.

The water lets carbon dioxide move from the bottom to the top. When the carbon dioxide releases at the surface, the water takes in oxygen.

Signs You Need an Aquarium Air Pump

Not everyone needs an air pump, especially if you don’t plan on using a bubbler or filter.

You need to decide if a fish tank bubbler or a filter is a must-have in your aquarium.

There are a couple of other things you should think about before you throw money at an expensive aquarium pump.

• Do you travel a lot for vacation? Or do you travel a lot for work? You might want to invest in an air pump. If anything happens while you’re gone, an air pump is going to make sure the aquarium still gets oxygen.
• Water temperature can be a reason for needing an air pump for your aquarium. When the water in an aquarium gets too warm, there will be less oxygen. It can also create a film over the surface of the water, which makes even less oxygen for your aquarium.
• If any area of your aquarium is closed in by decorations, there’s a high chance of the water becoming stagnant due to lack of air flow. Your water might get stagnant for other reasons. In any case, you’ll need an air pump to circulate the water through the aquarium. This keeps it from becoming stagnant.

• Do you travel a lot for vacation? Or do you travel a lot for work? You might want to invest in an air pump. If anything happens while you’re gone, an air pump is going to make sure the aquarium still gets oxygen.
• Water temperature can be a reason for needing an air pump for your aquarium. When the water in an aquarium gets too warm, there will be less oxygen. It can also create a film over the surface of the water, which makes even less oxygen for your aquarium.
• If any area of your aquarium is closed in by decorations, there’s a high chance of the water becoming stagnant due to lack of air flow. Your water might get stagnant for other reasons. In any case, you’ll need an air pump to circulate the water through the aquarium. This keeps it from becoming stagnant.

What You Need to Buy with Your Air Pump

There are pieces of equipment that you need if you buy an air pump. Most air pumps don’t come with everything.

To be on the safe side, always check to see what’s included with your air pump.

So, what do you need to buy with your air pump?

Airline Tubing

That tube that connects your air pump to a bubbler or filter is airline tubing. It’s how the air pump pushes oxygen from the outside into the aquarium.

The sizes run by the diameter of the tube. Different air pumps need different diameters. Most airline pumps need a 3/16 in diameter airline tubing.

Penn Plax Standard Airline Tubing

The tubing is the standard 3/16 in diameter.

It’s made from a clear plastic that’s super flexible so you can work with it. It’s safe for both freshwater and saltwater aquariums. It’s also non-toxic.

It’s durable, and is not going to give away with some wear and tear from daily use. It’s not going to crack either. The airline tubing is also resistant to kinking.

When you put this tubing inside your aquarium, the plastic almost disappears to the naked eye.

>>>CHECK PRICE<<<

Check Valves

Check valves sit inline in the airline tubing. These nifty valves stop water or oxygen from flowing backward.

Pawfly Aquarium No-Return Check Valves, 10 Pieces

The air hole diameter 4 millimeters or 0.15 inches.

They’re made of durable plastic. These check valves come in both clear and red.

You can’t use the valves with CO2 systems. They’re only for standard air pumps for standard aquariums.

>>>CHECK PRICE<<<

Gang Valves

You only need gang valves if you plan on having several objects attached to the air pump. If you’re using several airline tubing, you’ll need several gang valves.

You can also change the flow direction of both air and water.

Penn Plax Lok Tite 3-Way Aquarium Gang Valve

It’s made of a tough and durable plastic that’s not going to break from little force. It won’t corrode in the water either.

But you don’t want to use it 24/7 or it’ll wear out quickly.

The company has made it super easy to adjust the airflow. That way, only the amount of air you need is flowing through the tubing.

There’s an anti-siphon feature. If the electricity goes out in your home, you don’t have to worry about the air flowing in the opposite direction. And it protects your air pump.

You can mount the gang valve to your aquarium. It hooks on the back and connects to the airline tubing.

>>>CHECK PRICE<<<

Connectors

Connectors let you split your airline tubing into multiple paths.

These are only needed for those who plan on hooking their air pump up to several objects and devices.

Pawfly Aquarium T Air Valve Connector and Aquarium Straight Air Valve Connectors

They’re non-toxic. It fits with the standard 3/16 diameter airline tubing.

The T connectors split the airline tubing so you can run two devices. It also lets you combine two inputs to create a stronger output. You can use this with two air pumps.

>>>CHECK PRICE<<<

Final Thoughts

Air pumps are a wonderful piece of equipment. There’s so much you can do with one, no matter the size of your tank or the type of fish you own.

We hope our ultimate aquarium air pump guide helps you find the right air pump for you.

Read more: 

• Best aquarium heaters for your tank

The post 6 Best Aquarium Air Pumps: The Ultimate Guide to Picking the Right One appeared first on aquaticly.com.

Are fish tank bubblers necessary? No. But are they worth it? Yes, if you have a freshwater tank.

If you’re new to fish and aquariums, you might be asking yourself what a fish tank bubbler does. And it’s a legitimate question.

See, oxygen is a must for fish to survive. There needs to be enough oxygen in their tank so they don’t get sick or die. Getting enough oxygen in a tank can be difficult.

This is where a fish tank bubbler comes into the picture. Bubblers are pieces of equipment that create bubbles in a fish tank. They connect to air pumps through an airline tube.

Those bubbles hit the surface of the tank and pop. The pop creates oxygen in the water.              

There are several types of fish tank bubblers too, but we’ll get into that later on this article.

So, we’re going to learn about fish tank bubblers today. We’ll discuss the benefits, the types of bubblers available, and we’ll also share our favorite bubblers.

Signs of a Fish with Lack of Oxygen 

The lack of oxygen for a fish can be fatal. A lot of people don’t realize that despite fish living in water, they need an ample amount of oxygen.

If you’re wondering if a fish tank bubbler is a must, you need to watch your fish. Here are some major signs that point to a fish that’s not getting enough oxygen.

Keep in mind, some of these symptoms are also symptoms of other conditions and diseases.

1. Your fish sits at the bottom of the tank most of the day. Some hang out at the surface all day long.

2. They’re less active and don’t swim as often as they usually do.

3. Other fish will stick next to the filter output in the tank. This is where most of the oxygen is entering at the moment.

4. Your fish isn’t eating well. They might not be coming to the surface at all to eat.

5. Rapidly moving gills are another sign that your fish needs more oxygen. The fish is attempting to get oxygen by quickly flapping their gills.

6. One of the scariest signs is when you find your fish at the top of their tank. They’ll be gasping for air. You’ll know right away. This means there’s not much time left for your fish unless you introduce more oxygen into the tank.

7. When your fish are dying for no reason. They’re getting adequate food and their tank is clean. They aren’t showing signs of any disease.

You can measure the oxygen in a fish tank. There are digital meters or water test kits.

You might find yourself with an oxygen emergency and you don’t have enough time to buy a bubbler. But don’t worry, you don’t have to watch your favorite fish die.

Change the tank water. This introduces new and fresh oxygen in the tank.

You’ll need to figure out why there’s not enough oxygen. And you’ll need to either make some changes or buy some type of bubbler. 

What Causes Lack of Oxygen in a Tank

You don’t want to spend money on a fish tank bubbler unless it’s necessary. But you’ve now discovered your fish has all the signs of a lack of oxygen.

The next step is to find out what’s causing a lack of oxygen. You can fix some situations without a bubbler.

Several reasons can cause little oxygen in a fish tank. 

• Floating plants are covering the surface of the tank. When there are too many plants, there’s no way for oxygen to get in. You need to clean out most (if not all) of the floating plants out of the tank. Plants are great but floating plants aren’t necessary.
• There’s too many fish in one tank. You’ll need a separate tank to move some of them. But be careful because moving is stressful for some fish. Stress leads to illness. On that same note, the tank might not be big enough to handle the amount of fish you have, sucking up all the oxygen.
• The temperature of the tank water is too high. Your fish thermometer should read the temperature. Either you need to invest in a new thermometer or check your water temperature more. The fastest way to bring down the temperature is to change the water out with clean, cool water.
• Your water filter has a clog. The water filter has the job of moving oxygen from the top of the fish tank to the bottom of the tank. So, a clogged water filter isn’t going to move as much oxygen.
• The chemical cleaner you use is taking up oxygen. Believe it or not but quite a few tank cleaners take up large amounts of oxygen when used. It’s important to read a label front to back before using a cleaner.
• If there’s a lack of water surface agitation, you need to buy some type of fish tank bubbler. At the surface of a fish tank, water and oxygen meet. As they meet, they go through a natural exchange of gases. This allows the carbon dioxide to escape and oxygen to break through the surface. This is water surface agitation. When there’s a lack of agitation, not enough oxygen is coming in and not enough carbon dioxide is leaving the tank.

Advantages of Fish Tank Bubblers

Besides the obvious mesmerizing look, there are advantages to using bubblers.

First, it rids your tank of bad bacteria. When too much waste builds up in a tank, bacteria form. They feast on the waste from the fish.

This seems like a good thing but they take up more oxygen than you would expect.

Bubblers help keep the tank clean, preventing the fish from getting sick without taking up oxygen.

The constant stream of air filters all that bad bacteria from the fish waste.

Of course, you still need to clean your fish tank on a regular basis because a bubbler isn’t going to do all the work for you.

It improves and increases the water movement in your fish tank. There’s always a steady stream running through to create the bubbles.

The most important advantage is how it aerates the water in your fish tank. It increases the oxygen introduced to the tank. 

Disadvantages of Fish Tank Bubblers 

There are a few disadvantages to using fish tank bubblers in your fish tank. They’re few and far between but it’s important to know everything before you make a decision.

Bubblers can cause salt to creep in saltwater tanks. Saltwater creep happens at the top of a fish tank.

When the bubbles pop at the surface of a tank, they can splash. And after water splashes out of a tank, it evaporates. But it leaves salt behind. The salt starts to build up.

Airline tubing pinches. When this happens, you should try to fix it. If you’re not able to, you have to replace it.

They don’t work as well as using water pumps. And you have to replace them more often. 

Types of Fish Tank Bubblers 

There isn’t a one-size-fits-all bubbler. You have many choices when it comes to fish tank bubblers.

But there are a few constants. The constants being what every type of fish bubbler can hook up to.

An air pump sits on the outside of the tank. Connected to the air pump is airline tubing with a check valve.

The air pump pushes air through the airline tubing. The check valve stops water from flowing through the tubing. The tubing leads into the tank and connects to the bubbler.

The main types of fish tank bubblers include: 

• Air stones (also known as aquarium bubblers) are weighted bubblers. They’re small and come in different shapes. These stones come in limewood or other porous materials. They work by creating tiny bubbles that diffuse oxygen into the tank. Some even include LED lights for a nice glow. There are also decorative air stones. They come in various shapes like animals or volcanoes.
• Bubble wands work a lot like air stones and they’re made of porous material as well. You use a suction cup to keep the wand inside the tank. It creates a wall of bubbles that float to the top of the tank.
• Flexible bubble walls sit in the bank of the fish tank. You can bend or twist the bubbler tube into any shape for any design you want. You can get creative. They’re made from a rubber-like material. Bubble walls have small holes all around them that releases the bubbles. They also increase water circulation and create less pressure than other bubblers.
• Sponge filters, as their name implies, are made from sponges. They provide both mechanical and biological filtration for a fish tank. The air pump pushes air through the airline tubing. This air moves through the hole in the filter. The sponge produces bubbles and they rise to the surface of the tank. These bubbles diffuse oxygen. At the same time the bubbles are rising, the sponge sucks in water. This removes fish waste and even some bad bacteria from the water.

Our Favorite Fish Tank Bubblers 

Uniclife Aquarium Decorations Volcano Air Stone Ornament

• Uniclife’s volcano is made from a hand-painted resin. It’s non-toxic so it’s safe for your fish and the tank.
• It’s durable and can take a beating. It isn’t going to rust away in your tank. This air stone is going to last a while before you have to replace it.
• This air stone creates a cool volcano eruption effect when it releases bubbles. The design of the volcano is pretty cool.
• It uses a red LED light to light up your tank. Included with the LED light are an 8-foot power cord plus 3 suction cups.
• The LED light is a waterproof design so there’s no electric leakage.
• It’s made for fish tanks up to 60 gallons. There are bigger sizes for bigger tanks as well.
• You also get UL-listed power adapter and 5-foot airline tubing, but an air pump and check valve aren’t included.

>>>CHECK PRICE<<<

Tetra Whisper Easy-to-Use Air Pump

• Tetra is a dependable brand.
• Tetra uses its patented dome shape. There is a suspended motor and sound-dampening chambers. This makes it one of the quietest tank air pumps out there.
• It has rubber shock mounts to cut down on vibration, which also cuts down on the vibration sounds, making it even quieter.
• There are 2 air outlets on selected pumps.
• You can download the My Aquarium app. It’ll send you reminders for when to perform maintenance on your tank. You can also use it for inventory or reminders to feed your fish.
• Airline tubing and check valve aren’t included.
• It’s made for fish tanks up to 10 gallons. There are larger sizes.
• The dimensions of the air pump are 3.9 x 2.8 x 5.5 inches.

>>>CHECK PRICE<<<

Final Thoughts 

Fish tank bubblers are a fantastic asset for most freshwater tanks. They increase oxygen for the fish and improve water circulation. The benefits of a bubbler outweigh the cost or negative effects that could come from one.

The post Best Fish Tank Bubbler – Cheap and Effective but is it Necessary? appeared first on aquaticly.com.

But algae can be found in almost any tank. Usually, it’s not cause for immediate alarm.

It is often a sign of underlying water quality issues, though. And it’s worth getting under control so that it doesn’t get worse.

So we’re going to go over what Brown Algae is and how to remove it!

All About Brown Algae or Diatoms

What is Brown Algae

First things first, “brown algae” and “diatoms” are interchangeable names for the same thing.

The interesting thing about brown algae is that it isn’t an alga at all.

The brown grimy substances sitting in your tank is a colony of bacteria. Fortunately, these little guys are relatively harmless to humans and fish.

Diatoms are a type of algae typically found in newly established salt and freshwater tanks. They commonly exist in recently cycled tanks, due to the excess of nitrates and phosphates in the water.

Once a tank is better established following cycling, the diatoms tend to go away after a few weeks.

Unfortunately, diatoms can stay past their welcome if water quality does not improve over the next couple of weeks.

How to Identify Brown Algae

Diatoms look less like algae, and more like a brown or copper dust sprinkled over all the surfaces of the tank—the glass, the substrate, the decorations, everything really.

If you rub your finger over it, it will quickly come off.

If you gravel vac and wipe the sides off the tank, you will also notice the diatoms come back soon.

Diatoms are often confused with cyanobacteria.

Cyanobacteria can be easily distinguished since it comes off in large clumps. It is also relatively harmless.

Why Does Brown Algae appear

Most algae appear in a tank due to an excess of nutrients.

If your new tank sprung up diatoms, don’t panic.

As we already discussed, they are typically in a life-cycle of a tank and should disappear within the next couple of weeks.

Brown Algae is different from most algae because they need silicate to live, which exists in untreated water.

Under normal circumstances, other algae will keep out diatoms once introduced to the tank.

Can Diatoms Harm Your Fish?

No, diatoms are harmless to fish.

If you have a fish or invertebrate in your tank that is particularly sensitive to water quality issues, such as high nitrates, you’ll need to find the underlying cause for the outbreak. This water quality problem actually could affect the fish.

Otherwise, the main concern for diatoms is that they’re unsightly in an aquarium and can make it hard to view the inside of it.

There is even an upside to having diatoms in your aquarium. They convert the CO2 in your tank into oxygen. High levels of oxygen in tanks lead to healthier fish!

How to Remove Brown Algae

There are many different ways to get rid of Brown Algae.

It’s worth noting that these tactics are the same for both Saltwater and Freshwater aquariums.

1. Remove the water in your tank

Water changes are always good practice.

In any aquarium, I would suggest staying on a regular schedule for water changes and adding extra water changes when water quality issues occur.

Overstocked tanks and certain species of fish will produce more nitrates and might require more significant or more frequent water changes.

Be careful if you do have substantial nitrates in your aquarium not to drain your whole tank.

In the case of an emergency, I would suggest doing a 30% water change at a time not to shock the fish. Typically, a 10-25% water change per week is healthy.

2. Introduce phosphate adsorption resin

Phosphates are introduced into your tank through excess food, dead material, carbon, and tap water. So, make sure not to leave uneaten food in the aquarium.

If your phosphates consistently read high, add some phosphate removing products. Seachem has a product that eliminates both silicates and phosphates.

Kalkwasser and lime water also helps to reduce phosphates. Use with caution, though – Kalkwasser and lime water will naturally raise your water’s pH.

3. Add an animal that enjoys eating algae

A good cleanup crew is a staple for any aquarium.

Many animals enjoy eating diatoms, but some do a better job than others.

• For freshwater aquariums, I suggest Nerite snails and Amano shrimp.
• For saltwater aquariums, I recommend trochus snails and Mexican turbo snails.

It’s amazing how quickly a good cleanup crew can make an algae-ridden aquarium spotless.

The downside is that certain fish will eat algae cleaners, so use caution.

4. Monitor the nitrate level

Nitrate tests can be found online and at any pet store.

Nitrate will be found in any fully cycled tank and should stay under 5-10ppm, in an ideal world.

Freshwater aquariums can sometimes tolerate 50ppm, but saltwater aquariums should ideally remain at less than 10ppm.

Certain species will not tolerate nitrates and are more sensitive towards them, such as anemones or corals. Algae blooms are a sign of high nitrates.

Removing Nitrates

1. One of the best ways to maintain low nitrates is to, once again, do regular water changes.
2. The addition of a protein skimmer is necessary for individual tanks and will help pull out organic compounds and nitrogenous waste.
3. The third option for lowering nitrates is to buy nitrate-reducing products, although I would suggest this more for reef tanks that need particularly low nitrates.

Nitrates have other implications other than brown algae blooms and your aquarium should be regularly tested.

Sometimes the fix can be as easy as a more extensive water change or decreasing the amount of food offered to your tank!

5. Clean off the accumulated brown algae

Thankfully, diatoms are easy to clean! Here’s how to remove them from different surfaces in your aquarium.

How to clean Tank Glass

A good scrub usually is all it takes to remove diatoms from the surface of your glass.

I prefer scrubbing tools that have long handles to help reach into the tank, particularly if you have fish that will take a nip at you!

A sponge or algae scraper also works well.

This algae grows back fairly quickly, so if you’re mostly concerned about keeping the viewing part of your tank clean, I prefer a mag float. This is an algae scraper that attaches to a magnet, allowing you to clean the inside of the glass.

I also suggest one with replaceable scrapers since they tend to dull quickly.

How to clean Substrate – Gravel 

Gravel vacuuming is one of the most underrated cleaning procedures in aquariums. I would suggest doing it every time you clean your aquarium.

A gravel vac is generally attached to a siphon, which allows you to control the flow. Therefore, you can remove unwanted buildup in the gravel while not removing the gravel itself.

The gravel vac’s purpose is to remove any waste or algae on the surface of the gravel, as well as underneath.

Move any aquarium decorations and siphon under them as well for a more thorough cleaning.

You should see the diatoms disappear as you gravel vac the tank and should be able to go over areas where the diatoms stuck around.

How to clean Substrate – Sand

Sand is a little trickier to clean with a gravel vac, but not impossible.

Decrease the flow on the gravel vac and vacuum through the sand to remove anything underneath the surface.

Alternatively, look into gravel vacs that have cups or mesh that are designed to keep your substrate from going down the siphon.

How to clean Rocks

Take the rocks out of the tank, first. This way, you won’t reintroduce the algae into the water column as you’re cleaning them.

Start scrubbing. A bristle brush should remove any stubborn spots, but sometimes a sponge works just as well.

Sterilize your cleaning equipment after you’re done with them.

Bleach them in a 10% bleach solution and then stick them in some de-chlorinator. Afterward, thoroughly rinse them.

These steps help prevent reintroducing any algae to the tank.

How to clean Plants or Décor

Take any fake plants or décor out of your tank and scrub.

For more thorough cleaning, let the décor soak for 10 minutes in a 10% bleach solution and put it in a de-chlorinator.

I usually use thiosulfate. This de-chlorinator is instant, and you should no longer be able to smell the bleach.

Rinse them in treated water and reintroduce them to the aquarium.

Cleaning filters

Cleaning filters should be on a regular schedule.

Disposable filters and filter sponges are cleaned or replaced according to directions on the box.

Filter socks can be changed as much as twice a week for large systems.

Protein skimmers require cleaning as often as warranted. (If it looks gross, it probably needs a good wipe!)

Filtration systems should be cleaned on separate days to prevent nitrogen cycling.

Keep in mind, if there isn’t enough bacteria available to convert ammonia to nitrite or nitrite to nitrate, your tank will begin to cycle again.

A detailed schedule for cleaning filter media will assist with algae issues while making sure your bacteria still has a good home!

How do you stop brown algae from returning?

If you were able to isolate the culprit of your brown algae congratulations!

If not, make sure to keep testing your water quality regularly and keep a detailed schedule of tank maintenance and feedings.

Tank maintenance is the best way to prevent most issues found in home aquariums.

How to Prevent Brown Algae – Find the Root Cause

Finding the root cause might involve some trial and error if this is an established tank.

If you have a new tank, it is best to continue regularly checking water quality and thoroughly cleaning the tank for the next couple of weeks.

If the issue remains, try addressing some of these issues.

1. High Nitrates

Almost everyone has run into an issue with high nitrates in their aquarium. Consider these questions if your nitrates fall in the undesirable range (saltwater over 10ppm and freshwater over 50 ppm).

Is your tank overstocked?

An overstocked tank will always have water quality issues.

There are general rules for stocking aquariums, but I find it best to research the individual fish. Some fish produce much higher nitrates than others!

Are you doing enough water changes?

Sometimes life gets in the way of a water change, but this can spell trouble for your aquarium if you don’t do them frequently enough.

Aim to do water changes at least once a week, twice if your tank’s nitrates are out of control.

Make sure not to do more than a 30% water change on time; you can, but only in emergencies, more substantial water changes can be very stressful on a system.

Do you need a protein skimmer?

Protein skimmers are excellent at removing nitrogenous waste from the water.

I prefer in-sump protein skimmers to make sure to clean out your protein skimmer whenever it starts to look dirty. I usually clean mine twice a week in between water changes.

2. Poor Lighting

Typically, high lighting can lead to large amounts of algae growth.

Diatoms do not do as well in high lighting conditions, though. So look into either the settings on your light fixture or look into getting a more substantial light source!

3. Increase Filtration

Increasing your filtration will help remove brown algae and other undesirable algae in your tank.

There are three main types of filtration used in aquariums, mechanical, physical, and biological.

Mechanical

Mechanical filtration helps remove unwanted items from the tank while seeding a biological filter.

• Examples: filter socks, filter sponges, filter cartridges

Biological

Biological filtration uses beneficial bacteria to help your tank cycle and remove nitrogenous waste.

• Examples: ceramic rings, bio-balls, and live rock

Chemical

Chemical filtration removes impurities from the water.

• Examples: Carbon,Granular Ferric Oxide, and Phosguard

4. Increase Water Flow

Powerheads and wavemakers are effective for removing different types of algae.

So, if your brown algae convert to that lovely green algae, the wavemakers should help as well.

Research your wavemakers to find one that best fits the size of your tank.

Also, be careful with individual specimens.

For instance, anemones are known to get caught in wavemakers when moving around in the tank.

Wave Pumps can also be rough on particularly sensitive species such as seahorses, which already have a hard time swimming.

5. Avoid Silicates

Diatoms need silicates to survive.

Silicates often leach off substrate over time.

Thorough rinsing of rocks and substrate before they enter the aquarium can help with accidentally introducing silicates to your aquarium.

If you’re too late, don’t worry; simply keep a proper cleaning schedule. Make sure to deep clean each time, including the substrate and a good scrub on any aquarium rocks.

6. Avoid Overfeeding

Overfeeding can lead to many problems in an aquarium setting.

Especially for new aquarists, finding the right balance of food is hard to maintain. Similar to many household pets, or children for that matter, just because your fish looks hungry does not mean they need to be fed.

If your tank is adequately stocked, investigate what each specific species should be eating.

Some species of fish need to eat two small meals a day, while some only need to eat a couple of times a week. Watch your water quality and adjust accordingly.

Make sure all the food given to your tank is eaten, and make sure to remove any excess food from your aquarium.

7. Use Reverse Osmosis (RO) Water

Reverse Osmosis Water, RO Water, removes trace elements from water and can solve many problems in your home aquarium. It’s good for both freshwater and saltwater aquariums.

Phosphate, nitrates, and silicates are all removed from RO water.

RO water can be made at home using four-step systems, which are available online and at pet stores. Once the water is purified, it can be stored in a reservoir for water changes and top-offs.

The only downside is that the stages need to be replaced regularly

If the upkeep is more than you bargained for, many pet stores sell pre-packaged RO water. Which is easier to manage for smaller aquariums.

8. Chemical Filtration

Chemical filtration is helpful if you know the specific cause of your diatom bloom.

For instance, there are phosphate, silicate, and nitrate removers on the market, which are easy to add to your aquarium.

If you’re unsure why your aquarium is having issues, GFO and carbon are excellent additions to any aquarium.

Make sure to put the GFO or carbon into a phosband reactor to prevent phosphates from being leached into your aquarium, and rinse them thoroughly before adding them to the tank.

9. Protein Skimmers

Protein skimmers come in all shapes and sizes. Make sure to get one that appropriately fits your tank, and suits your needs.

Protein skimmers are bulky and intimidating looking, but they’re straightforward machines.

They simply pull particulates from the aquarium.

Protein skimmers, not only remove unwanted waste and impurities from the water but they also lower the nitrates in your aquarium!

Protein skimmers are typically recommended for saltwater aquariums, but can be used in freshwater aquariums as well, especially if there is an issue with nitrate buildup in the water quality!

What to do if none of this works? 

A frustrating aspect of working with live animals in closed systems is that the effects are not always as quick as we would like!

Sometimes it takes months to see the results we want.

I tend to be on the impatient side myself and find it best to take a picture every couple of days to see if things are getting better or worse.

This is a good trick not only for algae blooms but fish health as well.

There are multiple suggestions here, so I would suggest taking them one at a time once the water quality issue is detected.

If you can isolate the problem causing the algae, it might be easier to decide which method(s) you would like to approach to attack your algal bloom!

If you’re looking for a quick fix, you could always use vodka dosing, hydrogen peroxide, or other quick remedies found at the pet store.

The issue with these methods is that certain fish or invert species do not respond well to these treatments.

They also do not address the actual water quality issues at hand and will have to be repeated frequently.

FAQs

I regularly maintain my tank, why do I get diatoms?

Diatoms appear in new tanks, because of an excess of nutrients.

Algae usually mean than an excess of nutrients is available in your tank.

Often when algae exist in an aquarium, something is amuck in your water quality and it might require additional types of filtration or an adjustment on feeding.

General tank maintenance, such as cleaning, gravel vac, water changes, etc. will help prevent many problems.

However, since tanks are not natural environments for aquarium plants and animals, additional care is often needed.

If green algae follow diatoms, why would I want to get rid of diatoms?

Green algae are generally easier to manage.

Generally, fixing the water quality will help keep it under control. Thorough cleanings of tanks will help as well and robust algae eating crew.

Algae is something to pay attention to in your aquarium, but also not something that should make you want to pull your hair out.

Final Word

So now you should have the knowledge that you need to battle diatoms. They’re easy to get rid of with a little patience and the right tools!

If these tips seem overwhelming, start by exploring water quality.

Often when there are issues with your fish or with the appearance of your tank, water quality is the culprit! 

The post What Is Brown Algae in Your Aquarium and How to Remove it appeared first on aquaticly.com.

Wall mounted fish tanks are the most beautiful structures you’ll see hanging on the wall of a home or business. Anywhere you find them, you get that sense of style and care.

They stand out and they scream that you have attention to detail. And they’ll brighten up your space.

But they’re not for large communities of fish because they only have so much depth. Nor are they for anyone who doesn’t have the time to care for the aquarium.

Of course, you don’t have time for the aquarium, you don’t have time for the fish.

And not any wall mounted fish tank will do. You want one that’s safe for both you and your fish. It has to be reliable so you’re not worried it’s going to fall off your wall.

Today, we’re going to go over what features to look for in a wall mounted fish tank. We’re also going to share the 8 best wall mounted fish tanks for 2020. 

In this article we will be reviewing the following wall mounted fish tanks:

• Aussie Aquariums 2.0 Panoramic
• Aussie Aquariums 2.0 Vertical
• Aussie Aquariums 2.0 Skyline
• Sweetsea Bubble Wall Mounted Aquarium
• Vandue Reflection Deluxe Mirror Wall Mounted Aquarium
• Outgeek Acrylic Wall Fish Bubble
• Hofumix Water Drop Wall Mounted Aquarium
• Yugust 2-Pack Transparent Wall Mounted Aquarium

Features to Look for in a Wall Mounted Fish Tank 

So, where do you start when you want to find a high-quality wall mounted fish tank? It isn’t as hard as you might think.

Below are the most important factors to consider before you pull out your wallet. These are factors that we always focus on when shopping for a wall mounted fish tank. 

Strong Frame Material 

The material that the frame is made of is very important for a wall mounted fish tank. It might be one of the most important factors to consider.

The material should be heavy-duty. It needs to be tough enough to hold water while holding the tank on the wall too.

It also needs to be tough enough to stand up to any damage that comes its way. If it were to fall off the wall (I’d hope not) it’s not going to shatter or break.

Source: canva.com

In most cases, the material should be some type of strong metal. You can always rely on metal. Aluminum is the most common material. Besides, glass, of course.

Now and then you’ll find an aquarium with some wood components. Make sure it’s built with perfection in mind. Wood can be stable as long as it’s assembled right.

It helps to check that the brand has a good reputation for high-quality products.

Acrylic Versus Glass

It’s not only the frame of the wall mounted aquarium you should worry about. You might be under the impression that all aquariums are made from glass. But they’re not.

You have to decide between clear acrylic and glass.

Which you choose depends on your personal aquarium needs and preferences.

• Acrylic Wall Mounted Aquariums: Acrylic is lighter than glass, making it easy to maneuver the aquarium. Glass weighs a lot more than acrylic. And when we say a lot, we mean a lot.

Acrylic is also tougher and more durable. It takes a lot to damage an acrylic aquarium, whereas it’s easy to chip glass.

• Glass Wall Mounted Aquariums: Glass is the cheaper option. So, if money is an issue, you might want to consider a glass aquarium.

Glass is more reliable. The glass panels are sturdy and rigid. It’s not going to fall apart out of nowhere.

We stated earlier that acrylic is more durable. It’s less likely to chip or get damaged. But glass beats it when it comes to scratching. It doesn’t take much to scratch acrylic. But it takes quite a bit to scratch real glass. 

Pick Your Size 

The size of your wall mounted aquarium is a huge deal for two main reasons.

First, you need to know how much room you have for your aquarium. The length and height should be a perfect fit or smaller than the wall room you have.

Measuring your space and knowing the dimensions saves you a trip of returning it.

Next, you have to decide how many fish you plan to care for. This determines the gallon size of your tank.

Each fish has different needs. Some fish can live in a small tank and be comfortable. Others need a large tank, enough if you only have two of them.

You also don’t want to cram five fish into a ten-gallon tank. They need space to swim around. They don’t want to be stuck to each other either.

And if you are only going to have two fish, you don’t need a 55-gallon aquarium. It’s a waste of space and a waste of money. 

You Need the Right Hardware 

The better wall mounted aquariums come with their own hardware. The hardware is the equipment needed to hold your aquarium up on the wall.

The hardware is usually wall mounting brackets. They should be made from heavy-duty material, like the rest of your aquarium.

It’s also a bonus of the nails you need for the bracket come with.

Accessibility to the Fish 

Believe it or not some wall mounted aquariums don’t give you the accessibility you need. You need to get into the tank with ease.

It should have a hole big enough that you can get into the aquarium for cleaning or feeding. Better yet, a removable lid is your best friend.

You should be able to easily remove the aquarium from the wall as needed. You need to get in there if you’re going to give it a deep clean or even clean up fish waste.

Determine Your Filtration System 

You’ll have to pick out a wall mounted aquarium that works with your filtration system. Or you have to pick a filtration system based on the tank you’re going to use.

Either way, you need a great filtration system for your aquarium.

There are three stages to filtration that your aquarium needs for clean water.

• Mechanical Filtration: Mechanical filtration stops anything solid from going on to the next process of cleaning. It’s usually done by a poly-fiber pad.

• Chemical Filtration: The next process is chemical filtration. The chemical filtration process uses activated carbon to absorb pollutants. These nasty pollutants do a number on your tank. They’re what causes your aquarium water to turn funny colors and to smell fishy.

• Biological Filtration: The biological filtration process uses a culture of bacteria. This bacteria often grow inside of the aquarium on the gravel and decor. The bacteria change the excessive and toxic ammonia and nitrate that builds up.

The different types of filtration systems include:

• Canister Filters: Canister filters sit underneath the aquarium. The tubes submerge inside the tank. The water goes through the lift tube and moves on to an external filter chamber. After the water goes through the external chamber it will go through a couple of more filter media to clean it. Then a pump pushes the water through another tube and back into the aquarium.

• Corner Filters: A corner filter sit in the corner of an aquarium. Every time water escapes the filter, more water comes in through the bottom. Air bubbles play a part in this. When it enters, the water goes through the filter floss for the mechanical filtration process. Then it moves on to the activated carbon. This is where the water goes through chemical filtration. Then the water, now clean, flows back into the aquarium. This filter works best for smaller aquariums.

• Power Filters: Power filters hang on the outside of your aquarium. The water enters through a tube. Then it goes through a chemical filter and biological sponge to clean it.

• Trickle Filters: The water goes through a biological filter when using a trickle filter. The water then enters an activated carbon unit and then leaves clean. They use these filters for saltwater aquariums. 

Best Wall Mounted Fish Tanks of 2020 

1. Aussie Aquariums 2.0 Silver Panoramic Wall Mounted Aquarium 

Dimensions: 68 inches by 17 and a half inches 

Depth: 4 and a half inches deep 

Size: 11 and a half gallons

 Weight: 68 pounds 

Finish: Brushed or smooth silver finish

• The Aussie panoramic wall mounted aquarium comes with simple mounting brackets. It also comes with the hardware needed to install it. It’s so easy to install, it’ll take you under an hour.

• There’s little maintenance with this aquarium.

• The double-panel aluminum fascia is water-resistant.

• There’s a pre-cut custom lid.

• It has an innovative submersible multistage aquarium filter. This filter has bio-media and charcoal filtration.

• It has an opening at the top that makes feeding your fish easy as well as cleaning the tank.

• There are different exciting marine backgrounds that you can switch out.

• It includes a fishnet, grabber tongs, a siphon cleaner, and an energy-efficient LED light fixture. The light fixture is a custom fit. 

>>>Check Price<<<

2. Aussie Aquariums 2.0 Silver Vertical Wall Mounted Aquarium

Dimensions: 31 inches by 15 and a half inches 

Depth: 4 and a half inches deep 

Size: 4 gallons 

Weight: 16 pounds 

Finish: Brushed silver finish or smooth finish

• This wall mounted aquarium from Aussie comes with an easy-to-use mounting bracket. It also comes with all the extra hardware needed to help hang the aquarium.

• The double-panel aluminum fascia is water-resistant.

• They take less maintenance than most aquariums.

• There’s an opening at the top of the aquarium so there’s zero struggle to feed your fish. And it’s just as easy to clean.

• The lid is custom fit.

• Included with this aquarium is a submersible multistage aquarium filter. It has bio-media and charcoal filtration.

• It also includes a fishnet, grabber tongs, a siphon cleaner, and an energy-efficient LED light fixture.

• There are several marine backgrounds included. You can switch them up and create cool backgrounds for your fish. 

>>>Check Price<<<

3. Aussie Aquariums 2.0 Skyline Wall Mounted Aquarium

Dimensions: 35 and a half inches by 17 and a half inches 

Depth: 4 and a half inches deep

Size: 5 gallons

Weight: 34 pounds 

Finish: Brushed or smooth finish 

• With this aquarium there are two easy-to-use brackets to hold it on the wall. You’ll have your wall mounted aquarium set up in under an hour. 

• These brackets are heavy-duty so they’re not going to give out any time soon. 

• It also comes with a submersible multistage aquarium filter. The filter has bio-media and charcoal filtration. 

• Plus, there’s a fishnet, grabber tongs, siphon cleaner, and an energy-efficient LED light fixture. 

• It’s super easy to clean. It has an opening at the top of the aquarium so you have easy access.

>>>Check Price<<<

4. Sweetsea Bubble Wall Mounted Aquarium

Dimensions: 9 inches by 9 inches 

Depth: 4 inches deep 

Weight: 12.8 ounces

• The high-quality and clear acrylic used for this Sweetsea aquarium is durable. Sweetsea always ensures they use the best materials for their products.

• The design saves you space. It saves you the headache of finding an area in the house where you don’t have to worry about it. You don’t have to worry about your children knocking it over.

• It’s super easy to install on your wall. It comes with a long nail and a U-radiant nail to make your life easier.

• It’s super lightweight so if you want to move the aquarium it’ll take almost zero effort.

>>>Check Price<<<

5. Vandue Reflection Fish Bubble Deluxe Mirror Wall Mounted Aquarium 

Dimensions: 14 inches by 14 inches 

Depth: 5 inches deep 

Size: 3 and a half liters/ one gallon 

Weight: 2 and a half pounds

• This small aquarium from Vandue has a unique bubble design. It’ll fit in with any home decor and with any small fish.

• It’s small enough to hang anywhere in your home or business.

• It comes with a cool background to make it snazzy and fun. And you can change it out to fit your decor or even your mood.

• You don’t need a filtration system for this aquarium.

>>>Check Price<<<

6. Outgeek Acrylic Wall Fish Bubble 

Dimensions: 9 inches by 9 inches 

Depth: 4 and a half inches deep 

Weight: 12.3 ounces

• This tank is super easy to install to your wall. There’s a small wall anchor and a small hole that you hook the anchor into.

• It’s the perfect size for goldfish or beta fish.

• It’s super lightweight. If you want to hang it elsewhere, it’ll take mere minutes to move it.

• Included with the small aquarium is one nail and one u-radiant nail.

>>>Check Price<<<

7. Hofumix Water Drop Wall Mounted Aquarium 

Weight: 1 pound

• This Hofumix wall mounted aquarium has a unique teardrop design that you don’t see very often.

• The clear acrylic used for this tank is heavy-duty and durable. It’s not going to break anytime soon.

• It has a wide hole so it’s easy to hang on the wall and to move around your home.

• You can place any fun picture you want in the back of the tank so it stands out to guests.

• They include a plastic water plant and some stones with this tank.

• They have superb customer service. Anything you need and Hofumix is on it.

>>>Check Price<<<

8. Yugust 2-Pack Transparent Wall Mounted Aquarium 

Dimensions: 3 inches by 3 inches

Outside Diameter: 6 inches in diameter

 Inner Diameter: 5 inches in diameter 

Size: 250 millimeters 

Weight: 3.39 ounces

• The acrylic used to make this Yugust wall mounted aquarium is strong and durable. It’s going to take a lot to damage it.

• It’s easy to install. There’s a wide hole on top of the tank so you can hang it or unhang it whenever you want.

• It’s super, super lightweight. One of the lightest on our list. You can move it around if you change your mind on the position. And you won’t struggle in the process or need a helping hand.

• The large opening on top makes it easy to deep clean the tank when it needs it.

• It includes two screw sets, one set for each aquarium. You use these screws to hang the tank. 

>>>Check Price<<<

For More Fish Tank Information

Check out our fish tank page for more great information for the budding aquarist.

Including: 

• Fish tank size chart
• Best heater for small aquarium
• Are fish tank bubblers necessary?

Final Thoughts

Wall mounted fish tanks are some of the coolest tanks you can find. They save your room because you don’t have to move everything around and find a stable table to hold them.

They can look sophisticated and cool and our top pick is an absolute stunner! The Aussie Aquariums 2.0 has that wow factor that is sure to impress. 

We hope this guide helps you choose the right wall mounted fish tank for you.

Read more about fish tanks: 

• Best self-cleaning fish tanks

The post 8 Best Wall Mounted Fish Tanks 2020 – Review and Buyer’s Guide appeared first on aquaticly.com.

Aquarium heaters (or even aquarium coolers) are a must-have for fish owners. Without a quality aquarium heater, your fish are going to turn sickly and slow.

And they can even die. And it doesn’t take long for this to happen. They can even freeze to death without the proper temperature from a heater.

See, fish aren’t able to create their own body heat. It’s created by the water they live in.

For example, tropical fish live in warm climates. But if tropical fish live in an aquarium, they don’t have that warm climate to keep their bodies warm and moving.

Which is why aquarium heaters are so important and not something to skip over.

Finding the best aquarium heater is a challenge. There are different types of heaters and each with their special use.

We created this ultimate guide to picking the right aquarium heater for your fish. Plus, we’re going to share the five best aquarium heaters.

In this article we will be reviewing the following aquarium heaters:

• Hygger Fast Heating PTC Aquarium Heater
• Fluval E Series Submersible Electronic Heater
• Boxtech Submersible Aquarium Heater
• Eheim Jager Aquarium Thermostat Heater
• Tetra HT Submersible Aquarium Heater With Electronic Thermostat

How Aquarium Heaters Work 

You might be wondering how aquarium heaters even work. It’s not too different than a space heater or other types of heaters.

Aquarium heaters use electricity to create heat. It only needs to heat the water around it because water absorbs heat.

When it absorbs the heat, it circulates it throughout the rest of the water.

When the heater reaches the set temperature, aquarium heaters turn themselves off. When the temperature of the water drops, the heater starts up again. 

Different Types of Aquarium Heaters 

There are several types of aquarium heaters out there. Which is what makes picking out the right one so difficult.

Each aquarium heater falls into one of two categories. They’re either an interior heater or an exterior heater. And each aquarium heater has its pros and cons.

Immersible Aquarium Heaters 

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Immersible aquarium heaters are also known as hanging heaters. This is because they hang over the top of the aquarium. So, only the heating element sits in the water to heat it.

These aquarium heaters work well for small freshwater tanks. But we don’t recommend an immersible heater for a saltwater tank.

They aren’t the best heaters to buy. They’re not always reliable, especially when it comes to bigger aquariums. They don’t have enough power to heat such big tanks.

Submersible Aquarium Heaters 

Submersible aquarium heaters are, well, submersible. You can submerge them underwater without any damage to the heater.

You sit one of these heaters next to the inlet of your aquarium’s filter. There’s an LED light at the top of the heater to let you know that it’s on and working.

The heating coil in this heater ensures the temperature is even and the water is always warm.

The downside to submersible heaters is that they use more energy than other heaters.

Substrate Aquarium Heaters 

Substrate aquarium heaters release the heat towards the bottom of the aquarium. They tend to hide out of sight.

They’re perfect for an aquarium with plants. Your plants will get the warmth they need to thrive at the bottom of the aquarium.

But you have to take your entire aquarium apart to install a substrate heater in it. And a substrate heater costs you a pretty penny.

In-Line Aquarium Heaters 

An in-line aquarium heater is always placed between the sump or filter of your tank. In-line heaters are great for fish who don’t like things in their environment.

But if they get damaged, they can leak into the water and get your fish sick.

Filter Aquarium Heaters 

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You place filter aquarium heaters in the filter to your aquarium. They’re heater blocks to be exact. And as the water filters, it disperses heat.

There’s no added equipment to install and they don’t take a large amount of energy. So, your electric bill is safe. 

Different Sizes (Watts) of Aquarium Heaters 

The size of your aquarium heater depends on the size of your tank. There are a few factors you have to take into consideration as well.

But, on average, you need two watts to five watts for every gallon of water you’re heating. That’s not factoring in room temperature.

You subtract the room temperature from the temperature your aquarium needs to be.

Once you know the temperature, you can compare it to the aquarium heater chart that most heaters use.

Dual Temperature Sensors for Aquarium Heaters 

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Aquarium heaters with dual temperature sensors are some of the best. They offer real-time readings of the water temperature.

You’ll always have the correct reading whenever you want it. You don’t have to wait for the temperature to pop up or set anything.

Dual temperature sensors deliver you reliability and accuracy. This accuracy is unlike any of the other aquarium heaters. 

Adjustable Temperature for Aquarium Heaters 

Not all aquarium heaters allow you to change up the temperature. The heaters on the cheaper side don’t have this ability.

If your aquarium and fish are simple and small, one of these heaters will work fine.

But most aquarium situations are more complicated, so the needed temperature can change.

So, you need an adjustable aquarium heaters. Always double-check that the heater offers you the ability to adjust the temperature. 

Alerts of Aquarium Heaters 

An alert on your aquarium heater comes in handy. Alerts let you know if you’re aquarium is at the right temperature, if it’s warming up, or even if it shut off.

The nicer aquarium heaters have LCD screens that you can read to determine what’s going on in the tank. The numbers are large so you can read them from a small distance.

Others use light indicators to let you know if it’s warming or at the correct temperature. Each flashing color stands for something different. 

Electricity from Aquarium Heaters 

Aquarium heaters suck up a lot of energy. Some more than others. And you have to take into consideration that the heater is going to be running all day and all night long.

The bigger your aquarium, the more electricity used to keep the water warm. Not to mention, some fish require warmer water. That ups the electricity use even more.

You need to be able to afford the electricity bill you’re going to get in the mail. You don’t want to heat a 120-gallon aquarium of tropical fish if you can’t afford the pricey bill each month. 

Safety of Aquarium Heaters 

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Safety is always one of the most important aspects of any product, for both you and your fish.

The better aquarium heaters offer you safety features. There are different ways different brands go about providing their customers with safety.

First, there are heater guards. These guards are like a cage that wraps around the aquarium heater.

This stops your fish from getting stuck behind the heater. With some heaters, fish can run into them and become fried. It all depends on the material used.

Some glass heaters are shatterproof regardless of temperature. Or even a fish running headfirst into it. Others are shock-resistant to protect your fish.

Some brands have technology that can detect if you removed the heater from the water. This technology shuts the heater off right away and by itself.

This prevents you from burning yourself. It also saves it from overuse. It doesn’t need to be on if it’s not doing its’ intended use, heating your aquarium. 

Ease of Maintenance of Aquarium Heaters 

If you plan on having your aquarium heater for a while, you have to take good care of it. Because of this, you want something easy to care for.

Difficult aquarium heaters to care for are frustrating. And you might not have the time to do all the extra work.

Check out the maintenance requirements of an aquarium heater before you buy it. Make sure you can do what it needs.

Maintenance includes cleaning the heater to even re-calibrating it when it needs it. You need to be able to fix it if it breaks or find replacement parts as they wear down.

Every bit of it is something to consider when you’re picking out an aquarium heater. 

Price of Aquarium Heaters 

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For most of us, the price of an aquarium heater is a huge factor. We don’t have a fortune to spend but we want high-quality care for our fish. And high-quality care includes a high-quality aquarium heater.

It’s lucky that most of the best brands don’t charge you an arm and a leg. They’re affordable and manufacture the best of the best aquarium products.

Make sure to stay in your budget range. Don’t believe that you have to spend more on a pricy fixture to keep your aquarium at the appropriate temperature. 

How to Install an Aquarium Heater 

Installing an aquarium heater doesn’t have to be difficult. But it can be confusing the first time around. And each aquarium heater differs but the basics remain the same.

So, we’re going to go over the steps to installing your aquarium heater and you don’t have to go any further to find out how.

1. The very first thing you need to do is double-check your aquarium heater. Make sure there’s no damage. You need to fix any damage before you begin to install it. A cracked casing, for example, can leave wires exposed in water, that’s going to electrocute either you or your fish.

2. Find the perfect spot for the aquarium heater. Clean the glass on the area that you plan on placing or sticking the aquarium heater.

3. Stick the suction cups to the heater and then stick the heater onto the clean glass. Make sure it’s perfectly positioned either horizontally or vertically. Some heaters have mounting brackets instead. The same idea applies to using brackets. Nothing should be touching the aquarium heater, even if it has a guard.

4. Place the thermostat or thermometer opposite from the heater.

5. Let the aquarium heater sit for about an hour before you move on to the next step.

6. Check the temperature of your aquarium using the thermostat. Make sure the thermostat is working right. Turn on the heater. If it’s adjustable set it to the temperature your water needs to be.

7. Let the heater warm your aquarium up. Check the temperature again after 12 hours to make sure it’s at your desired temperature.

8. Once the temperature is correct, it’s now safe to add all your fish to the aquarium.

9. Even after installation, you need to check the temperature at least once a day if not every few hours. This also gives you the chance to make sure the heater’s working properly as well. 

5 Best Aquarium Heaters 

1. Hygger Fast Heating PTC Aquarium Heater

• You can fully submerge this Hygger fast-acting aquarium heater.
• It has a blue LED that anyone can read without straining their eyes. It displays real-time temperature so you’ll always know your water temperature.
• It has a memory function. And it has overheat protection so it’ll never overheat on you.
• There’s an IC temp controller. It’s easy to set up and you won’t get your hands wet in the process. You can set it from 70 degrees Fahrenheit to 94 degrees Fahrenheit.
• This is one of the safest aquarium heaters out there. It’s made with premium PTC and double-sealed by a black protective guard. So, it’s corrosion-resistant and resistant to explosions. It also protects your fish from getting fried from a heating element.
• It also has Thermo Control. Once it detects it’s out of the water, it shuts down on its’ own.

Cons: 

• It can be difficult to run the temp controller. It doesn’t always register everyone’s finger when they’re trying to use it.
• The display screen glitches from time to time according to some customers.
• It doesn’t work very well while in the vertical position.

>>>Check Price<<<

2. Fluval E Series Submersible Electronic Heater 

• The Fluval submersible heater allows you to adjust to the temperature your fish need. You can adjust it by half of a degree each time.
• There’s an LCD temperature display. You can change it to either Celsius and Fahrenheit in real-time. You can take a peek at it every time you want to check the temperature.
• The range for the display is 68 degrees Fahrenheit to 93 degrees Fahrenheit.
• This LCD also changes colors if the temperature of the aquarium isn’t at your pre-set temperature.
• It has an integrated fish guard. The guard protects fish and invertebrates by making sure they don’t touch the heater element.
• The glass sleeve is protected from shocks from certain fish.
• It has microprocessor technology with dual temperature sensors that deliver accurate readings.

Cons: 

• The temperature reading can be off by a degree or so from time to time.
• It needs a high water flow to work well.
• The manual on installation is hard to work with. It needs to be updated in some aspects.

>>>Check Price<<<

3. Boxtech Submersible Aquarium Heater 

• The Boxtech aquarium heater can be fully submerged in water.
• There’s an LED indicator light. When the light is red, it’s on and heating the aquarium.
• It has an external temperature controller. The controller has a temperature range of 68 degrees Fahrenheit to 90 degrees Fahrenheit. It’s easy to adjust.
• When the water reaches the desired temperature, it shuts off on its’ own. When the temperature drops, the heater will turn back on to reheat the water.
• It was designed with safety in mind. It’s made from heat-resistant quartz glass. So, it’s both corrosion-proof and explosion-proof.
• It has a double-loop circuit design. This design allows a water temperature sensor installed in the IC circuit. This helps prevent any burning or overheating of the aquarium heater.
• It also has a black guard so your fish won’t swim into it and get overheated.

Cons: 

• The length of the wire from the heating element to the housing is too long.
• You need higher water flow to get it to work well.

>>>Check Price<<<

4. Eheim Jager Aquarium Thermostat Heater

• The Eheim Jager aquarium heater is submersible without corrosion or other damage.
• It’s made from shock-resistant and shatterproof glass. The glass is also made to survive both fresh and marine water. It’s protected against drastic temperature changes.
• The glass jackets make the heating surface larger so the heat is distributed evenly.
• There’s an On/Off indicator light. You can find out of the heater is on or off by a quick glance.
• The heater uses a TruTemp dial. The dial re-calibrates the heater so it has an accurate temperature at all times.
• With the TruTemp dial, you can adjust the temperature. The temperature range is 65 degrees Fahrenheit to 93 degrees Fahrenheit.
• When the water levels get too low, the heater will shut off.
• It has Thermo Safety Control. It enables running-dry protection. So, when the heater is removed from the water it shuts off by itself.

Cons: 

• It’s a super tall heater so it doesn’t fit in all aquariums.
• It needs a high water flow to work well.
• Sometimes you need to re-calibrate it more than you should have to.
• The suction cups used to hold the heater don’t last very long.

>>>Check Price<<<

5. Tetra HT Submersible Aquarium Heater With Electronic Thermostat  

• Tetra’s HT submersible aquarium heater can be completely submerged in water.
• It can be installed both horizontally and vertically in the aquarium. It’s super easy to install. And it’s so small you can hide it.
• The aquarium heater has a built-in electronic thermostat. It keeps the water of your aquarium at 78 degrees Fahrenheit. This is the perfect temperature for most tropical fish.
• It has an indicator light so you know the heater is on and warming up the aquarium. It’s red while it’s heating and green when it’s reached the desired temperature.

Cons: 

• You can’t change the temperature. It only works at 78 degrees Fahrenheit.
• It’s been known to overheat so it’s important to pay attention to the temperature reading.
• There have been a few reports of the heater breaking down after a few weeks of use.

>>>Check Price<<<

Final Thoughts 

This is an essential accessory for your home aquarium to ensure your water temperature stays consistent. 

The Hygger aquarium heater ticked all the boxes for us and is our recommendation for the best aquarium heater. But your selection will depend on the size of your tank and the temperature that you need to maintain. 

Also read:

• Best small aquarium heater brands

The post Best Aquarium Heaters: The Ultimate Guide to Picking the Right One appeared first on aquaticly.com.