Aquarium heaters are a necessary and often overlooked part of keeping aquatic life. They provide the required warmth to your tank, ensuring that the fish stay healthy and happy.
In this blog post, I will particularly talk about Best Aquarium Heater For 55 Gallon Tank.
The 55-gallon tank is one of the most popular sizes for fish tanks as it’s suited to intermediate and advanced levels. And it looks beautiful with a broader view of underwater creatures.
Picking the right heater is crucial for successful aquarium keeping.
However, knowing which one is best for you can be challenging with so many different aquarium heaters available. So, I am here to help!
What Should Be The Heater Size For 55-Gallon Tanks?
A rule of thumb, in general, is that one would need 2.5 to 5 watts to heat 1 gallon of water. So, when it comes to heating a 55-gallon tank, you need roughly 140 – 275 watts.
But you should aim for 200 – 300 watts when buying your heater because the environment temperature is also a factor in getting efficient heating.
If the outside temperature is colder than usual, it’s vital to ensure that you have a heater capable of heating up water at your desired level. The recommended wattage for this would be higher.
Best Aquarium Heater For 55 Gallon Tank: Review
Eheim Jager Aquarium Thermostat Heater (Best Overall)
This EHEIM Jager aquarium heater is my top choice.
It is fully submersible and has a correction ring that allows you to precisely modify your fish’s temperature.
The glass of this model can withstand shock better than other glass models.
With its mounting bracket that has suction cups, you can install this in your aquarium easily.
The Eheim Jager Aquarium Thermostat Heater has a thermo-safety control feature that protects if the heater runs dry. This means that once it runs out of water, it will shut off immediately and turn back on when fully submerged again.
This aquarium heater is a great option for those looking to heat their fish tank fast and evenly. It comes with an additional glass jacket that enlarges the heating surface, making it capable of heating water more quickly than usual without any problem.
Pros
- Impressive heat output.
- Shock-resistant and shatterproof glass.
- Perfect for fresh or marine water.
- Thermo-Safety Control feature.
- Outstanding temperature regulation and recalibration control..
Cons
- Tends to overheat sometimes.
Hydor In-Line External Heater (Most Reliable)
The sleek design of the Hydor In-Line External Heater is perfect for users who want an eye-catching heating device.
Not only does this heater boast a high precision electronic temperature control, but it also won’t be an eyesore in your aquarium because of its impressive aesthetics.
I also love that the Hydor In-Line External Heater is very easy to use because of its inline external design. Installation and temperature adjustments will be a breeze!
This aquarium heater is perfect for use with canister filters and sump pumps in aquariums.
It also has a self-limiting Positive Thermal Coefficient, which makes it the most reliable choice for me. Because this exclusive technology from Hydor prevents the device from overheating.
Pros
- Made of premium and durable materials.
- Easy to use and operate.
- Self-limiting Positive Thermal Coefficient.
- Comes with a sleek design that’s visually pleasing.
Cons
- Quite pricey.
Fluval Submersible Heater (Best Budget)
I highly recommend the Fluval M Submersible Heater for those looking to keep their aquatic pets warm with an affordable option.
My favorite feature is that it comes with a built-in reflective mirror, which allows it to blend into your aquarium’s environment, so you don’t have an eyesore heater hanging out in there.
The slim Fluval M Submersible Heater makes it easy to install, and its suction cups allow you to latch onto your aquarium securely.
It is simple enough even for beginners, so they can set up the heater without any problem too.
The Fluval M Submersible Heater is a good investment for your aquarium. With its superior components and construction, you know it will last through the years with minimal maintenance or care required on your part.
Pros
- Very affordable.
- Effortless to install and operate.
- Suitable on a variety of tank sizes.
- Mirror technology allows it to blend in.
Cons
- Not shatterproof.
- The heating range is limited.
Orlushy Submersible Aquarium Heater
The Orlushy Submersible Aquarium Heater is made to be durable and explosion-proof with the quartz glass 2mm thickened design.
It is seamless and blends in the aquarium nicely, while strong suction cups keep it securely attached inside.
The Orlushy Submersible Aquarium Heater is easy to adjust in small increments, and its external digital thermometer displays the temperature either in Fahrenheit or Celsius.
The Orlushy Submersible Aquarium Heater also has an automatic shut-off feature that turns the heater off once it reaches your desired aquarium temperature. This ensures overheating won’t happen and any hazards to fish or home are prevented, too.
The Orlushy Submersible Aquarium Heater is an excellent option for people looking to keep their aquarium at the right temperature without having to break the bank.
Pros
- Very affordable.
- Easy to install and highly adjustable.
- Comes with an external thermometer.
- Strong suction cups.
- Automatic shut-off function..
Cons
- Temperature adjustments are not always accurate.
ViaAqua Quartz Glass Submersible Heater
The ViaAqua heater is strong, robust, and durable. You can use it to heat up your 55-gallon tank for both primary and backup heating purposes.
This product coming with a break-resistant quartz glass design will run for years to come!
The ViaAqua aquarium heater is a ceramic heating core that ensures the water inside your tank will be even and heated.
The indicator lights show when the device is running, making sure you’re aware of its status at all times.
In addition to all these features, it will ensure you never have any problems reading the temperature settings – the display won’t be obscured by fogging or misting like other models.
Pros
- Perfect for tropical fish.
- Made of high-quality quartz glass.
- Ceramic heating core.
- Suitable for both freshwater and saltwater.
- Easy to install and operate.
Cons
- Very short power cord.
Aqueon Adjustable Pro Aquarium Heater
One of my favorite fully submersible aquarium heaters is the Aqueon Adjustable Pro Heater.
It allows you to adjust between 68 and 88 degrees Fahrenheit, with an accuracy down to a degree or less. This makes it perfect for both freshwater and saltwater marine life habitats!
The Aqueon Pro Heater is fully submersible and can be installed either horizontally or vertically on your tank. Thanks to its strong suction cups, you don’t have to worry about the heater being all over your tank.
The LED display on the device is a convenient feature that instantly tells you when it’s working or not. For example, when it’s red, it then means heating, and green signifies no heat being produced.
This heater also has a protective feature when it overheats, thanks to the part automatically shutting off in case of overheating.
The heating element boasts being nearly indestructible and guarantees both durability and longevity; this gives you great value for your money!
Pros
- Very affordable.
- Horizontal and vertical installation.
- Indicator light.
- Strong and durable shell.
- Automatic shut-off and restart.
Cons
- Limited heating range.
Hygger Titanium Aquarium Heater
This Hygger Titanium Aquarium Heater’sHeater’s separate temperature controller allows for easy and accurate setpoint changes. This makes it a great choice if you want to provide your pet fish with the right water temperatures!
This heater can heat up the tank from 32-104°F, which is pretty broad considering that 0.5 degrees Celsius control accuracy ensures an optimal heating effect without harmful fluctuations in temperature for aquarium inhabitants.
The Hygger aquarium heater is a corrosion-proof and durable Titanium construction that makes it highly shatter-resistant. It’sIt’s suitable for saltwater, freshwater aquariums, as well as reef tanks.
When you look at the Hygger Aquarium Heater, an LCD monitor displays either Celsius or Fahrenheit temperature settings with a set and water temperature display.
This submersible heater is extremely versatile. You can place it anywhere at any height in your tank. To mount the heater, you can use two suction cups that provide easy placement at any level of water.
Pros
- Easy to install and use.
- Temperature adjustment is precise.
- Equally efficient for small and large tanks.
- The extended Power cable.
- More durable than glass.
- Useable in freshwater and saltwater.
Cons
- Not suitable for an acrylic tank.
- The thermostat is not waterproof.
DaToo Aquarium External Heater
The DaToo Aquarium External Heater makes it easy to maintain the right water temperature in your aquarium. Even better, this heater is equipped with an advanced STM8 chip that guarantees a precise and reliable heating system for your fish tank!
DaToo Aquarium External Heater has two sensors that allow it to accurately measure temperature for your aquarium, so what’s displayed on the screen is accurate!
This aquarium heater has an automatic shut-off feature that is convenient to make sure your fish are comfortable and safe. Once the temperature exceeds the set point by 0.2 degrees Fahrenheit, it will automatically turn off, so there’s no risk of heating up too much for them!
The DaToo Aquarium External Heater is a heater that has an imported glass-ceramic heating tube and a sturdy ABS plastic shell. This combination makes it indestructible, even if the aquarium gets bumped around or accidentally knocked down onto something hard.
Pros
- Impressive temperature range.
- Built with an automatic shut-off feature.
- Made of durable and shatterproof material.
- Comes with two temperature sensors.
- Temperature control system coupled with the LED screen.
Cons
- Some overheating issues were reported.
ISTA In-Line External Heater
ISTA’sISTA’s in-Line External Heater is made with thermally-sprayed glass that heats up faster than other heaters. This means it saves more energy while also heating the whole tank effectively.
The ISTA in-Line External Heater has two temperature sensors to make it more accurate. One is at the water entrance, and one is at its exit, so you can change settings to get precise temperature control.
This heater is designed to be externally installed to not take up space inside your tank, which leaves you with more room for aquatic friends!
The ISTA in-Line External Heater lets you save time and money. Moreover, it’s easy to install, so it doesn’t need professional help!
Pros
- Heats up faster than others.
- Comes with two temperature sensors.
- Easy to install and operate.
Cons
- The inside screen tends to clog.
Simple Deluxe Submersible Titanium Heater
The Simple Delux Submersible heater can provide aquatic creatures with their optimal living environment.
The heater has an intelligent IC chip that controls the tank’s temperature, creating a difference between its lowest and highest temperatures of no more than 1 degree Celsius or 2 degrees Fahrenheit.
This heater allows you to control the temperature without getting your hands wet and is easy for anyone to use.
You can choose between vertical or horizontal installation, which ensures it’s fully submerged underwater when being used.
This submersible aquarium heater is crafted with superior material to provide better heating capabilities.
The titanium tube and IPX8 waterproofing ensure the product will function in any environment while being resistant to corrosion caused by saltwater or water exposure over a long period.
Pros
- Smart indicator lights.
- Easy to adjust.
- Long power cord.
- Easy to install with suction cups.
- Suitable for freshwater and saltwater tanks.
Cons
- Not reputed as durable.
Features To Consider Before Buying Heaters For 55-Gallon Tanks
Before you go out and buy a heater, be sure to have your aquarium needs in mind. All heaters aren’t the same; some will work for your tank while others won’t. Also, you need to understand what temperature range is best suited for fish that live there.
Glass Vs. Titanium
When you look for an aquarium heater, glass is the most common material. However, if you want the best quality heater, consider titanium tubes because they’re more durable and reliable than other options like borosilicate or quartz.
Adjustable Vs. Fixed Temperature
An adjustable heater will allow you to set the temperature according to your needs. A 55-gallon tank is a large tank and usually houses different species. So it should have an adjustable maximum and minimum range that ensures all tanks occupants are comfortable.
A heater with a fixed setting may not give you enough flexibility and control over your tank’s environment, so it could be better to purchase one that has an adjustable temperature control instead.
Submersible Vs. External
For 55 gallon tanks, ideal heaters are submersible ones. These types of heaters usually come slim in design and take up minimal amounts of space, so you can house your fish and plants more efficiently.
The submersible can offer better temperature control in larger aquariums, so that’s what I recommend for those who want a smooth experience with their aquatic pets.
Still, external or hang-on options might be a good choice as well!
Safety Feature
When choosing a heater for your tank, there are several safety features you need to consider. One is an auto shut-off feature that turns the device off when it reaches its preset temperature.
Also, you should ensure that the heater you choose has a safety feature like it will turn off automatically when taken out of water.
Be on the lookout for heaters made out of shatterproof and shockproof materials because these are less likely to break if they fall off-balance.
Ease Of Maintenance
Many heaters are very hard to open and access the internal components for cleaning – avoid these complex models! Instead, choose simpler ones with easier-to-open designs and smooth reassembly inside the tank.
Digital Vs. Thermostat Control
An aquarium is a showpiece, and aesthetics are vital. A digital aquarium heater is more for visual appeal than convenience. The LED temperature control changes color whenever the desired range has been crossed, but that’s all there really is to it!
Display
It’s helpful to have an easy-to-use control panel if you buy an aquarium heater. Look for heaters that show the current temperature in big numbers and display your preset temp on the screen.
Just keep one thing in mind; these models are usually more expensive than others!
Warranty
To get a good deal, you should always watch out for warranties because they can be very helpful when things go wrong with your product.
Conclusion
I hope this article has helped you make the best decision when it comes to choosing a heater for your 55-gallon tank. If not, please leave a comment below and let me know what else I can do to help!
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