A good aquarium heater should last for years.
However, some are better than others and there’s a bewildering number to pick from.
What size aquarium heater do you need? Which is better, titanium or glass?
We aim to help you choose by showing you the best rated aquarium heaters available.
Table of Contents
Top 5 Best Rated Aquarium Heaters
| # | Preview | Product | Quick Review |
| 1 |  | D-D Titanium Aquarium Heater | Best Overall |
| 2 |  | Fluval E Heater | Good Heaters |
| 3 |  | Eheim Thermocontrol Heater | Decent enough |
| 4 |  | Interpet Delta Therm Heaters | Will do the job |
| 5 |  | Aquael Plastic Ultra Heaters | Small size for tight spaces |
What to Look for When Buying an Aquarium Heater
Size – You need to make sure the heater you choose will adequately heat your aquarium. A larger aquarium will obviously require more power to heat it and so a greater heater output will be needed.
Aquarium heater power is measured in watts so the greater the watts, the greater the output of the heater.
Very large aquariums may even require more than one heater.
Type – Titanium heaters are more robust and efficient than glass heaters but they are also more expensive.
A glass heater with a robust plastic guard may be a reasonable compromise.
Fresh or Saltwater – Most heaters can be used in either environment but it’s best to double-check the specification of each heater.
Temperature Control – Most heaters have a built-in thermostat by which you can set the desired temperature.
The heater will then shut off when that temperature is reached and turn back on again when the temperature falls below it.
Aquarium Heater Product Reviews
Here are my reviews of the best rated aquarium heaters:-
1. D-D Titanium Aquarium Heater
Titanium heaters are far superior to glass heaters as they are shatterproof, saltwater proof and virtually indestructible. They also conduct electricity much better, delivering heat to your aquarium more efficiently and therefore, cheaply.
Their smaller size and full sumersibility mean they can be placed just about anywhere in your aquarium, sump, or where possible, your filter.
Manufactured in Germany from high-quality components.
Available sizes
- 150 W 250 mm x 25 mm (L x W) For aquariums up to 150 litres
- 250 W 250 mm x 25 mm (L x W) For aquariums up to 250 litres
- 350 W 250 mm x 25 mm (L x W) For aquariums up to 350 litres
- 650 W 350 mm x 25 mm (L x W) For aquariums up to 650 litres
Pros
- Virtually indestructible
- Better conductivity so more efficient
- Cheaper to run
- Fresh or saltwater
- Small size
Cons
- Requires a separate temperature controller
2. Fluval E Heater
Technologically advanced and in a very robust casing, Fluval E Heaters are probably the best glass aquarium heaters you can buy.
Fluval E Heaters continuously monitor the water temperature and use a simple, effective color coding system which they call VueTech®.
Basically, the temperature display will glow blue if the temperature is too cold, red if it’s too hot and green if it’s just right.
These heaters are large though, so if you’re tight on space, be sure to check that your chosen size of heater will fit where you want to put it.
Available sizes
- Fluval 50W – for Aquariums up to 60L
- Fluval 100W – for Aquariums up to 120L
- Fluval 200W – for Aquariums up to 250L
- Fluval 300W – for Aquariums up to 375L
Lengths from 24.7cm to 35.5cm
Pros
- Tough outer casing
- Fresh or saltwater
- Traffic light warning system
Cons
- Large size
3. Eheim Thermocontrol Heater
Eheim Thermocontrol Heaters are made from special rigid laboratory glass and are available in a large range of sizes to suit any aquarium.
The chunky temperature control dial at the top also incorporates the TruTemp® dial with a readjustment ring which allows the user to calibrate the heater for a more precise temperature reading.
The heater will shut off when out of the water thanks to a built-in Thermo safety control.
Available sizes
EHEIM Thermocontrol Heater 25W | up to 25L
EHEIM Thermocontrol Heater 50W | up to 60L
EHEIM Thermocontrol Heater 75W | up to 100L
EHEIM Thermocontrol Heater 100W | up to 150L
EHEIM Thermocontrol Heater 125W | up to 200L
EHEIM Thermocontrol Heater 150W | up to 300L
EHEIM Thermocontrol Heater 200W | up to 400L
EHEIM Thermocontrol Heater 250W | up to 600L
EHEIM Thermocontrol Heater 300W | up to 1000L
Pros
- Fresh or saltwater
- Precise temperature setting
- Thermo safety control
Cons
- No protective casing
- Large Size
4. Interpet Delta Therm Heaters
Interpet Delta Therm Heaters are made from thickened safety glass with a simple click control for temperature adjustment.
Available sizes
- Delta Therm 50W – for Aquariums up to 50L
- Delta Therm 100W – for Aquariums up to 100L
- Delta Therm 150W – for Aquariums up to 150L
- Delta Therm 200W – for Aquariums up to 200L
- Delta Therm 300W – for Aquariums up to 300L
Pros
- Fresh or saltwater
- Click control
Cons
- No protective casing
- Large Size
5. Aquael Plastic Ultra Heaters
The Aquael Plastic Ultra Heaters have an unusual shape and style and are none the worse for it.
Their smaller length means they can fit in a much lower depth of water which can be handy if you’re tight on space (in a small sump for example).
One-touch control and a very strong housing make them easy to use and long-lasting.
Available sizes
- Ultra 25W – for Aquariums up to 25L
- Ultra 50W – for Aquariums up to 50L
- Ultra 75W – for Aquariums up to 75L
- Ultra 100W – for Aquariums up to 100L
- Ultra 150W – for Aquariums up to 150L
- Ultra 200W – for Aquariums up to 200L
Lengths from 16.5cm to 27cm
Pros
- Fresh or saltwater
- One-touch control
- Tough casing
- Small size (length and depth)
Cons
- Large size (width)
Conclusion
The D-D Titanium Aquarium Heater is our choice for the best overall aquarium heater. Virtually indestructible and more efficient it will last years.
OK, you need a separate temperature controller but we recommend using one anyway.
Heater failure is one of the biggest risks to our tanks so we’d rather spend a bit more to mitigate that risk.
Aquarium Heater FAQs
Where is the best place to put a heater in an aquarium? – Always try to place a heater in an area of maximum flow, near a filter or powerhead output for example. Water flowing around the heater will spread heat quickly and evenly throughout the aquarium.
Can an aquarium heater be used in fresh or saltwater aquarium? – Yes, most can. Always check the full specification before you buy.
How many heaters should I use in a large tank? – We’d suggest adding two once the tank size is above 200 liters. That way if one fails, the other will maintain heat in the aquarium.
Will my heater shut off if the temperature gets too high? – Yes, all heaters now come with thermostatic controls. (Note: Titanium heaters require a separate temperature controller.)
Are glass aquarium heaters safe? – Yes, if handled correctly. But they can shatter, so we recommend heaters with guards.
Do I need a separate temperature controller? – For titanium heaters, yes. For glass heaters, with thermostatic controls, no but we do recommend using one.
How often do I need to replace an aquarium heater? – If you have a titanium heater the answer is probably never. For glass heaters, with or without guards, we’d recommend every 2 – 3 years.
For more information read our article, Choosing the Right Heater for Your Aquarium.