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Unlike
warm-blooded humans, fish are ectothermic, meaning they take
on the temperature of the surrounding water. Since they can't
maintain the body temperature at a chosen fixed level, the
temperature must be maintained through a heater.
Heaters are only necessary if you keep tropical fish rather
than marine fish. Coldwater fish like goldfish or koi prefer
cooler temperatures (68º - 72º F) and don't need
a heater.
Tropical
fish are warm water fish, meaning they like to have their
water between 75º F and 79º F. Heaters can help
maintain this constant water temperature. Fluctuating water
temperatures will cause stress on the fish, which will lead
to a number of infections, and even death.
There
are two types of aquarium heaters: A "hang-on" style
heater and a submersible heater. A "hang-on" style
heater provides basic heating of the water. Because the heater
is not fully submersed in the water, it is less efficient
than a fully submersible heater. Also because "hang-on"
style heaters are generally less expensive, they have less
precise controls and have fewer operating features.
A
submersible heater actually attaches to the inside of the
aquarium (typically with suction cups) and the entire heater
is positioned under the water. Because the entire heating
tube is under the water a submersible heater is more efficient
and provides a more consistent temperature.
The
rule of thumb when buying a heater is 5 watts for each gallon
the aquarium holds. Typically, one heater is sufficient for
an aquarium. However, for better heat distribution in larger
aquariums, especially tanks more than 36 inches in length,
it's best to have two heaters.
The
heaters should be placed at opposite ends of the tank and
each should be about half the total required wattage. For
example, if you have a 55-gallon aquarium, you will have the
best heat distribution is you put a 150-watt heater at each
end of your aquarium. If you have a 10-gallon aquarium, one
50-watt heater placed in the center of the aquarium will be
enough.
If
you use a power filter or a canister filter with only one
heater, place the heater at the opposite end of the tank from
the filter. This will help ensure good distribution of the
heated water.
Aquarium
heaters come in different tube lengths to accommodate different
height tanks. Because heat rises it is important that you
pick the right length heater so that all the water is evenly
heated.
While
most aquarium heaters can be set to the desired temperature,
is always a good idea to buy an aquarium thermometer. The
thermometer will help you make sure your heater is functioning
properly and maintaining the temperature that is best for
your fish.
[Information compiled by PETsMART.com staff
and PETsMART Inc.]
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