Quick read: An aquarium heater is considered vital for a fish tank, which makes sense to maintain the ideal temperature and keep fish comfortable. If the water temp is too high, your fish may suffer death. In this article, we will give you ideas for small aquarium heaters for tiny tanks.
What is an immersion mini heater?
Generally speaking, there are two types of aquarium heaters, including external and internal heaters. The immersion mini heater is the internal heater, which is always fully submerged in water when it is running. Besides that, the immersion mini heater is usually placed vertically or horizontally on the tank. Next, we will get into an introduction to small aquarium heaters for tiny tanks.
5 Gallon Fish Tank Heater
5 gallon fish tank heater is a great option for small and medium fish tanks (5-30 gallons) and is suitable for freshwater and saltwater aquariums. The heater is waterproof and must be fully submerged in the water while running. It is recommended to place the heater vertically or horizontally near the water intake or areas where water flows. The heater tube is made of quartz glass, which is heat-resistant and explosion-proof. The temperature range is 68-90℉, and the exactness is within 2 degrees Fahrenheit.
Moreover, there is a built-in thermometer in the heater to check the current water temperature. According to, a separate thermometer is not required. Furthermore, the heater is helpful to maintain the water temp intelligently after setting an ideal temperature. It means that the heater will stop heating as the water temp reaches the setting number, and the heater will restart heating once the water temp is 1-2℉ below the setting number. More importantly, the heater possesses an overheat protection function. It will turn off automatically if the water temp is over 97℉.
Mini Aquarium Heater
Mini Aquarium Heater is ideal for 1-13 gallons tanks. The heater needs to be fully submerged in the water when it is working. The mini heater is made of high-quality quartz glass and waterproof double-seal material. On the other hand, the heater is covered with a protective case, which is to avoid scalding and punching your fish. In addition to this, the temperature controller is external, avoiding wetting your hands. The LED display shows the real-time water temperature. The range of heating temp is 63-94℉, with a control accuracy of ±1℉. Aside from that, the heater will shut off automatically once it is removed from the water as well as the water temp reaches the set number.
Is it okay to use a heater on a 1-gallon betta tank?
To keep betta healthy, energetic, and long-living, it is okay to apply a heater on a 1 gallon betta tank exactly. Betta fish are tropical fish and prefer warm temperatures – 78-80℉. Without an aquarium heater, the water temperature would fluctuate easily.
For long and tube-shaped aquarium heaters, it is better to place them at a 45-degree angle. Hence, the heat will distribute greatly. For submersible heaters, it is recommended to place them immersed in the water, especially in areas with plenty of water. Because the flowing water can promote the spread of warmth so that the water temp in your tank is consistent.
And if you plan to apply two aquarium heaters for a large fish tank, it is feasible to place them on the sidewalls or corners. Nonetheless, the difference in heat conductivity between water and substrate may lead to the cracking of the heater’s glass, thus, you should keep your aquarium heater away from gravel. Moreover, you can apply a thermometer in your tank provided that your aquarium heater does not have a built-in thermometer. Furthermore, you should leave enough space between the heater and the aquarium glass. Consequently, the betta fish would not get stuck in the heater and then get burned.
How long to keep the mini heater on in the fish tank?
If your fish tank needs a heater, it is advisable to keep the mini heater on for 24 hours, which means plugging it in for 24 hours. As most aquarium heaters at present can shut off if the water temp reaches the setting number. Leaving the heater on for 24 hours avoids the sudden improvement of water temperature, while it also decreases the risk of sudden cooling. Meanwhile, provided that the aquarium heater possesses a built-in thermometer, you can check the current water temp in time, and prevent your fish from unnecessary stress or shock.
How do extend the life of small heaters?
With proper maintenance, the lifespan of a small heater is about 2 years. In this segment, we will discuss the ways to extend the life of small heaters. To begin with, you should buy a small heater of high quality and place it in your aquarium properly. Then, you should ensure good water flow around the heater. It is great to put the aquarium heater in the outflow of a filter. On the other hand, it is recommended to place two or three small heaters in an aquarium, but not a big heater. In such cases, there is only one heater works in the aquarium, and the other one usually makes sense only when the water temperature drops extremely low.
When you change the water, you should make sure the heater is submerged in the water rather than exposed to the air. In addition to this, you should not shut off your heater in the air. Seeing that it will burn out the heater or shatter the glass. Finally, you should check your heater regularly to make sure it is still running.
Conclusion
After reading, you should have gained more knowledge about small aquarium heaters. However, how can we choose the ideal size for the aquarium heater? The rule of thumb is 2.5-5 watts per gallon of water in tanks. Meanwhile, if you are eager to learn more about the suitable watts of heaters for your aquariums, you can read What Size Heater for a 20 Gallon Aquarium. By the way, when you choose an aquarium heater, you should consider the type and the size of your tank, the fish and creatures in your tank, and test the room temperature in advance.
That is all for today! Hope you have enjoyed reading. Thanks for your reading!
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