Subject: Heating Your Aquarium

Tropical decorative fish require temperatures ranging from 75-79 degrees. Since this is higher than most room temperatures, the water needs to be heated.

The fortunate few can afford a room strictly for their aquariums and can maintain their aquariums with the room temperature, the rest of us will need to use an aquarium heater.

Because of the moisture in these aquarium rooms, they are also ideal for plant rooms; however, they are very limited for use in any other way.

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Submersible or wand heaters are the cheapest heaters to use. These heaters are made of a heater and thermostat encased in water-tight glass tube filled with sand, and can be placed anywhere in the aquarium.

The best position is fastened to the side with suction cups, horizontally just above the sand or gravel. This allows the heat to rise in a broad front.

These can be camouflaged successfully by a large rock or root, but don't put either of these directly on the heater.

Do not under any circumstances put the heater under the gravel or sand; they can't let off enough heat and may break. This will also happen if it is allowed to heat without being under water.

It is wise to develop the habit of pulling the plug on the heater before changing the water, and always maintaining the water at an adequate level to assure the heater will always be submerged.

Heating cables are also available; they are more expensive, but can be installed in the gravel or sand on the bottom of the aquarium. Another advantage is that these heat not only the water, but the sand or gravel, therefore keeping our plants' feet “warm.” The plants also thrive due to the slight current created by the heater cable being buried under the sand or gravel.

A third means of heating is called a heating mat, and is placed between the mat and aquarium bottom. Additional matting may be required to keep the heating pad snugly against the bottom of the tank.

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The heat output depends on the amount of water to be heated and the temperature of the room the aquarium will be kept in.

These will be big considerations in choosing the type of heater you will use.

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Thank you,

Bill Anderson
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