To maintain the normal functioning of your home fish, you need to install a water heater. Its presence is required. It does not depend on the temperature in the room. In this article we will try to answer the questions: how to choose the right water heater for the aquarium and how to install it.
What is a water heater for fish?
Aquarium water heater is a special device for heating water. It helps ensure a comfortable life for your fish. It is especially necessary for tropical species, where the water temperature should be at least 22 and no more than 30 degrees. It is often believed that a water heater for an aquarium is a simple and optional device. Although it is equal in importance to a water filter.
Previously, salt heaters were most often found. They functioned by passing electricity through the solution. But consumers had to independently adjust the level of salt fluid. Therefore, gradually such a view has become a thing of the past. At the moment, there are a large number of different devices for heating water in a house for fish.
Types of Water Heaters
There are various devices for heating water in the aquarium. Basically all of them can be divided into four main types. Firstly, these are submersible models. They have several subtypes:
- Glass. The body of the device is shockproof, heat resistant. It closes tightly. It turns on and off automatically, while maintaining the set temperature.
- Plastic. Technically advanced heater compared to glass. It has compact dimensions, flat shape and LED signal.
- Model with a titanium heating element. Can be used for any aquarium. Perfect for heating large volumes of water, for example, if you do not contain fish, but turtles.
- Mini heaters. They are characterized by a flat design, which allows you to hide such a device even under the ground in the aquarium
Secondly, a flowing water heater for the aquarium is on sale. It is mainly used for external filters, which allows you to leave more space in the aquarium itself. A vertical filter return hose is attached, which makes it possible to distribute heat evenly. Thirdly, you can buy heating cables for heating water. They also provide a smooth supply of heat, pass along the bottom, are attached using suction cups. Fourthly, it is possible to use heating mats. They can be located under the aquarium. Provide smooth heat dissipation.
We make a water heater at home
Sometimes it is not possible to purchase even the simplest device for heating water. In this case, you should make a water heater for the aquarium with your own hands. There are many different ways for these purposes. Let's consider one of them step by step:
- First you need to find a container that would withstand temperature changes and not burst. A regular glass medicine jar may be suitable. To check, dip it in a container of water at room temperature, holding it with tweezers. Pour boiling water: if there is no damage, you can use such a container.
- The heater may have one or more resistors connected in series. In this case, there will be several. We prepare the resistors for placement. You can make a kind of valve to prevent sand from entering the heating part.
- Optionally, you can solder the LED. It will signal that the heater is on.
- Check if the part responsible for heating is working. To do this, briefly plug the device into a power outlet and check the temperature of the device. We put the resistors in the prepared capacitance. Only pre-fill it with sand or salt.
- We take a thermal gun or glue for sticking aquariums. And fill all the remaining space in the water heater.
- For ease of attachment, you can purchase a suction cup. It is only necessary to remove the hook from it.
- Using a fishing line we attach the suction cup to the heater.
That's all the steps that will be required for the independent manufacture of a device for heating water in an aquarium. If you are not ready to get to work yourself, it is better to contact specialized stores. The choice is very diverse: you can buy one or another water heater for the aquarium. The price will vary depending on the type, capacity and company of the manufacturer. Typically, the cost varies from 800 to 2,000 rubles.
Popular brands of aquarium water heaters
When you come to the pet store to purchase a device for heating water, the question arises: which model is better? As practice shows, it is better to purchase a water heater for an aquarium of well-known and trusted brands. The leading manufacturers of such devices include Aquael, Eheim, Hagen, JBL, Tetra and Xilong.
Thus, the Aquael aquarium water heater has long conquered the markets, thanks to a good price-quality ratio. Basically, the model range is replenished with glass and plastic models. To optimize the use of such a device, the manufacturer proposes to install control buttons and a built-in electronic thermometer on plastic water heaters.
Eheim offers rod-shaped water heaters. Thanks to the glass case and complete immersion, the water is evenly heated. And a manufacturer of temperature regulators for the aquarium, like Tetra, equips the device with an additional temperature regulator. Such devices work effectively in automatic mode.
How to choose the right water heater for you?
Suppose you decide to buy a water heater for an aquarium. How to choose it? You should think about this in advance, so that when you come to the store, you already know exactly what you want. Pay attention to the length, which should correspond to the water level in the tank. Domestic heaters are all the same in length. If you purchase a model without automatic adjustment, you will have to calculate the temperature so that the water does not overheat in the heat. Or you can put two such devices, and in summer weather turn off one of them.
There are two opinions regarding the advisability of using an automatic temperature controller. Some believe that a liquid at different times of the day should change its thermal regime, as in a natural environment. This automation can not provide. Others, on the contrary, are sure that the aquarium should have a constant temperature.
In order not to miscalculate with power, it is better to choose a stronger heater for the aquarium, with automatic adjustment. So you can set the heating off when a certain temperature is reached. In this case, be sure to pay attention to quality and, accordingly, to the manufacturer.
What information can be found in the instructions for use with the water heater?
In addition to the technical characteristics of the device, which can be found in the instructions for use with the water heater, it is worth considering the recommendations for installing and adjusting the device. When you purchase a water heater for an aquarium, how to install it correctly will be described in the annotation. There you can find the following recommendations: the device can be completely immersed in water, as it is waterproof. Do not install the heater in gravel or sand. Also remember to reduce water levels due to fumes. The water heater must be fixed in the place where a constant and uniform circulation of water is ensured. Pay special attention to the following point: only 15 minutes after lowering the device into water, you can connect it to the network.
The adjustment recommendations are as follows: wait until the heater warms up a little - to the temperature of the surrounding water. Only then should it be included. When the indicator light is on, it means that the device is on. Further recommendations will be different depending on the presence or absence of automatic adjustment. Read the instructions before installing the device. Important recommendations for a particular model will be indicated in it.
Reviews about different water heaters
And of course, any person will look at reviews about the device before buying a water heater for an aquarium. The price will be taken into account, as well as the positive and negative aspects of the operation of a device. For example, here are a few reviews about different models:
- Xilong AT-700 aquarium water heater. On the whole, buyers generally respond positively, because it is quite powerful. The working heat of the device is from 20 to 30 degrees. There is a manual adjustment, it is located on top. A well thought out method of mounting a water heater in the aquarium is there are suction cups. Perfect for a volume of 100 liters of water.
- Aquarium water heater Aquael Comfort Zone. The users are satisfied with the operation of such a water heater. Stops before buying only the fact that it is made using a one-piece case. Because of this, many problems arise during the repair of the device.
Water Heater Tips
If you have an aquarium, do not forget that in addition to a water filter, especially for tropical fish, you need a water heater. When buying it, consider the capacity of your capacity. It is worth buying only proven brands of water heaters. In addition, determine in advance the type of device that best suits all your needs. Before installation, read the instructions for use of the device.