The Best Turtle Tank Heater – Reviews and Guide
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Turtles are cold-blooded animals and they cannot internally regulate their body temperature in response to temperature changes in the environment.
Are you looking for the best turtle tank heater? You’ve come to the right place. As a pet owner, it is your responsibility to make sure that your animals are living in an environment that is both safe and healthy.
This includes providing them with heaters when necessary. If they do not have enough heat, they risk developing serious health problems, such as respiratory infections and pneumonia.
That’s why it’s important to have a good turtle tank heater. Not all heaters are equal, however, so it’s important to do your research before purchasing one.
In this article, we will discuss the different types of turtle tank heaters and how to choose the right one for your needs.
RELATED READ: How to Care For a Red-Eared Slider Turtle
Top 10 Best Heaters For Turtle Tanks
A good turtle tank heater is one that is first of all safe, has an adjustable temperature, and is easy to use.
With that in mind, we’ve put together a list of the ten best turtle tank heaters on the market today.
1. Orlushy Submersible Aquarium Heater
Looking for a reliable and precise aquarium heater? Look no further than the Orlushy submersible aquarium heater.
This 200W heater is perfect for tanks up to 40 gallons and can be easily adjusted to maintain your desired temperature.
Made with 2mm thickened quartz glass, this heater is safe for both fresh water and saltwater aquariums.
Top Pick
Orlushy Submersible Aquarium Heater
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| Specifications 🏷️ | Features ✔️ |
| Dimensions: 12.3 x 3.8 x 2.2 inches Weight: 15.52 Ounces Watts: 200 Cord: 6 feet Suction Cups: 2 | Has different types of watts heaters. Comes with an extra thermometer. |
2. Tetra HT Submersible Aquarium Heater
This heater features an electronic thermostat that automatically maintains water temperature, preventing overheating and extending the life of your heater.
The indicator light tells you when the water is being heated or when it has reached the correct temperature, and silicon carbide crystals improve heat distribution and transfer.
The strong glass tube is heat and shock-resistant, making this heater a great choice for any aquarium.
Top Pick
Tetra HT Submersible Aquarium Heater
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| Specifications 🏷️ | Features ✔️ |
| Dimensions: 3.13 x 1.63 x 7.25 inches Weight: 8.8 Ounces Watts: 200 Cord: 6 feet Suction Cups: 1 | The cord is a decent length and super easy to install. Comes with electronic thermostat that automatically maintains water temperature. |
3. FREESIA Aquarium Heater
This FREESIA aquarium heater is perfect for keeping your turtle tank at a comfortable temperature!
It is suitable for aquariums between 40 and 60 gallons in size and features an easy-to-use adjustable thermostat so you can get the perfect temperature for your turtle.
The heater also has an automatic constant temperature function, meaning that it will keep the water at the desired temperature even if the power goes out.
Plus, each heater comes with a free diving thermometer to help you keep track of the water temperature!
Top Pick
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| Specifications 🏷️ | Features ✔️ |
| Dimensions: 17.4 x 1.96 x 2.95 inches Weight: 10.09 Ounces Watts: 300 Cord: 4 feet Suction Cups: 2 | Intelligent temperature control. Automatic constant temperature function. |
4. Marineland Precision Heater
This Marineland precision heater is for aquariums up to 40 gallons. The adjustable temperature dial allows you to set the temperature 1 degree with every click.
Thermal switch automatically turns off as temperature rises above an internal preset and turns back on once it cools down. The advanced heating element contains a mica core surrounded by a mesh heating element for superior heat transfer with enhanced durability.
Advanced mounting bracket securely attaches to glass and provides 3 window positions to view the temperature display. Easy to view sliding scale tells the exact temperature setting.
Top Pick
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| Specifications 🏷️ | Features ✔️ |
| Dimensions: 3.94 x 1.63 x 13.38 inches Weight: 9.6 Ounces Watts: 150 Cord: 6 feet Suction Cups: 2 | Adjustable temperature dial clicks through each degree for accuracy. Three window positions to view the temperature display. Advanced mica core heating element for efficient heat transfer and enhanced durability. |
RELATED READ: Do Red Eared Slider Turtles Hibernate?
5. VIVOSUN Aquarium Submersible Heater
The VIVOSUN heater is designed to control the temperature of your aquarium. With an intelligent IC chip, it can automatically adjust the temperature according to the water temperature.
The titanium tube material makes it more resistant to damage while heating better than traditional glass heaters. It also features explosion-proof and anti-corrosion engineering, which makes this submersible heater more resistant to damage while heating better than traditional glass heaters.
Built with overheat and water shortage protection. The touch-button controller adjusts the temperature without getting your hands wet.
Top Pick
VIVOSUN Aquarium Submersible Heater
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| Specifications 🏷️ | Features ✔️ |
| Dimensions: 13.58 x 3.11 x 1.81 inches Weight: 7.6 Ounces Watts: 200 Cord: 6 feet Suction Cups: 2 | Adjustable temperature dial clicks through each degree for accuracy. Three window positions to view the temperature display. Advanced mica core heating element for efficient heat transfer and enhanced durability. |
6. KASANMU Aquarium Heater
This aquarium heater is perfect for keeping your turtle tank at a comfortable temperature. The heater is adjustable to a range of temperatures, and the explosion-proof tube ensures that your turtles are safe.
The rapid heat accumulation means that the heater can quickly bring the tank to the desired temperature, and the temperature scale display makes it easy to monitor the temperature.
Top Pick
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| Specifications 🏷️ | Features ✔️ |
| Dimensions: 13.58 x 3.11 x 1.81 inches Weight: 13.44 Ounces Watts: 400 Cord: 5 feet Suction Cups: 2 | Explosion-proof tube. Rapid heat accumulation. Temperature scale display. |
7. Fluval M50 Submersible Heater
The Fluval M50 submersible aquarium heater is designed to be almost invisible in your tank with its reflective technology that mirrors the surrounding colors.
It has a computer-calibrated thermostat and easy-to-adjust temperature control dial, making it easy to get the perfect temperature for your turtle.
The shock resistant Borosilicate glass and high density ceramic heating element make this heater durable and long lasting.
Top Pick
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| Specifications 🏷️ | Features ✔️ |
| Dimensions: 1.7 x 4.8 x 16.5 inches Weight: 10.58 Ounces Watts: 200 Cord: 6 feet Suction Cups: 2 | Easy-to-adjust temperature control dial. For use in freshwater and saltwater aquariums. Durable, mirrored finish seamlessly blends heater into surroundings by reflecting colors of the aquarium. |
8. Fluval E300 Advanced Electronic Heater
The Fluval E300 advanced electronic heater is a heater that provides accurate and real-time water temperatures. It has dual temperature sensors to monitor the water temperature in your aquarium, so you can be sure it is at the right level for turtles.
The Fluval E300 advanced electronic heater also comes with an LCD display of both Fahrenheit and Celsius readings, with a range of 68 to 93 degrees Fahrenheit.
This electronic aquarium heater has fast heat technology built in, which allows the unit to heat up quickly. It also features a safety shut off.
Top Pick
Fluval E300 Advanced Electronic Heater
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| Specifications 🏷️ | Features ✔️ |
| Dimensions: 1.8 x 3.3 x 18.2 inches Weight: 13.1 Ounces Watts: 300 Cord: 6 feet Suction Cups: 2 | Designed for aquariums up to 100 gallons. Displays water temperature digitally in Celsius or Fahrenheit. Precision temperature control allows for increments. |
9. Uniclife Aquarium Heater
The Uniclife aquarium heater is perfect for 10-25 gallon turtle tanks and can be installed in both fresh and saltwater. With a red rotatable knob, it’s easy to adjust the temperatures between ranges of 68°F-93°F. The visible temperature display also allows for accurate temperature maintenance.
The heater will automatically turn off when the temperature is reached and features IP68 sealing workmanship for water tightness. It’s fixed tightly to the tank with 3 strong suction cups.
Top Pick
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| Specifications 🏷️ | Features ✔️ |
| Dimensions: 11.7 x 3.2 x 1.8 inches Weight: 9.59 Ounces Watts: 100 Cord: 3.5 feet Suction Cups: 3 | Easy Adjustment. Submersible. Stick-on Thermometer. |
10. hygger Aquarium Heater
The hygger aquarium heater is the most advanced aquarium heater on the market. With a LED digital display controller, rapid heating, and an intelligent thermostat, it’s easy to use and maintain.
The hygger aquarium heater also has anti-dry protection which automatically shuts off your heater if water levels get too low.
Top Pick
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| Specifications 🏷️ | Features ✔️ |
| Dimensions: 11.81 x 7.76 x 3.43 inches Weight: 2.47 Pounds Watts: 500 Cord: 5 feet + 5 feet Suction Cups: 2 | Automatically remember the temperature, when used after a power failure. The outer casing is made of ABS material, which and can withstand certain gravity. Three-pin plug, prevent electric leakage and electric shock. |
RELATED READ: Can You Have Turtles And Fish In The Same Tank?
Things to Look out for When Buying A Heater
There are many different types of water heaters on the market, so it can be difficult to decide which one is right for you. Here are a few things to consider when choosing a water heater:
| Size: | Make sure to choose a water heater that is the right size for your tank. If the heater is too small, it will not be able to keep the water warm enough. If the heater is too big, it will not be efficient and may even overheat. |
| Type: | Immersible heaters, submersible heaters, substrate heaters, and filter heaters are the four types of water heaters. |
| Price: | Water heaters come in a variety of price ranges, so you should be able to find one that fits your budget. |
| Efficiency: | Some water heaters are more efficient than others. Choose a heater that is energy-saving so you can save money on your electric bill. |
| Safety Features: | Make sure to choose a water heater with safety features such as a thermal cutoff switch and an automatic shutoff. |
How to Choose The Right Heater
Based on the volume of water of the turtle tank: In general, 2 wattages is needed per liter (0.26 US liquid gallon) of water.
Step 1: Calculate the volume of water:
- Volume of water (L) = L * W * H (cm)/1000
Step 2: Calculate needed wattage:
- Needed wattage (W) = volume of water (L) * 2
- If the volume of water of your turtle tank is 240L (63.4 US liquid gallon), the needed wattage is 480W, and you are recommended to choose the 500W heater
Why Do You Need a Water Heater?
In order for a turtle to stay healthy, the water in its tank must be kept at a certain temperature. If the water is too cold, the turtle will become sluggish and may even die.
If the water is too hot, the turtle may experience health problems such as skin lesions and burns. In extreme cases, the turtle’s shell may even crack.
That’s why it’s important to have a good water heater in your turtle tank.
Watts recommendation for specific aquarium sizes:
| 15 gallons | 50 Watts |
| 20 gallons | 75 Watts |
| 30 gallons | 100 Watts |
| 45 gallons | 150 Watts |
| 65 gallons | 200 Watts |
| 75 gallons | 300 Watts |
RELATED READ: The Best Basking Lights for Turtles
How to Use a Water Heater
When using a water heater in your turtle tank, it’s important to keep the following things in mind:
- Read the instructions carefully before using the heater.
- Make sure the heater is properly submerged in the water.
- Do not place the heater near any combustible materials.
- Keep an eye on the temperature to make sure it stays within the safe range.
- If the heater is not working properly, unplug it and contact the manufacturer for assistance.
Don’t make the water too hot since turtles need cooler water to keep their body temperature cool while basking.
Water that is too hot will prevent the turtle from coming out to bask and, as a result, will cause more shedding.
When the turtles get hot enough from basking, they cool off by swimming in the water.
A suitable water temperature is between 72 and 80 degrees F, depending on the species of turtle you have.
It’s a good idea to verify your turtles’ habitats and try to mimic the temperatures as closely as possible.
A floating thermometer or one that you may attach to the glass are both welcome. This allows you to check the temperature at a glance.
Unplug the submersible heaters before removing any water from the tank. If you leave the heaters on and remove the water, the heaters will overheat quickly, causing them to fracture and produce shock!
RELATED READ: How to Set Up a Turtle Tank
Can a Water Heater Burn Your Turtle?
The answer, unfortunately, is yes. A water heater can definitely burn your turtle if it is not used or monitored properly.
There are a few things you can do to make sure your water heater does not burn your turtle. The most important thing is to make sure the water heater is set at a safe temperature.
Where to Place a Water Heater
When choosing a location for your water heater, keep the following things in mind:
- Make sure the heater is in a spot where it will be easy to reach.
- Make sure the heater is not in a place where it will be in direct sunlight.
- Make sure the heater is not in a place where it will be in contact with any combustible materials.
- Make sure the heater is not in a place where it will be knocked over or disturbed.
- Make sure the heater is not in a place where children or pets can reach it.
It’s a good idea to have any and all aquarium-related things connected to a ground fault interrupter outlet.
Top Pick
IRON FORGE CABLE 3 Foot Lighted Outdoor GFCI Extension Cord with 3 Electrical Power Outlets
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If something goes wrong inside the habitat, the power is grounded for a few seconds (just 2 – 3 seconds in reality) and then instantly cuts off to that outlet alone.
The two to three seconds protect your turtles by preventing a jarring shock, which might kill them!
Should I Put a Heater in My Turtle Tank?
That’s a question that a lot of turtle owners have, and the answer is it depends. If your tank is in a room that is already warm, you may not need a heater.
If your tank is in a room that is cool, you will need to use a heater to keep your turtle’s tank warm.
Consider Using Two Heaters
In a turtle tank, you may use two heaters. One can be used as a backup and to keep the temperature more constant; the second heater is for when one isn’t enough.
This also protects you from accidents since it allows you to utilize two smaller heaters in bigger tanks.
RELATED READ: How to Keep Turtle Tank Clean?
Product Table for Turtle Tank Heaters
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Conclusion
If you want your turtle to stay healthy, it’s important that the water in its tank is kept at a certain temperature.
To do this, you will need a good water heater. There are a variety of water heaters on the market, so it’s important to choose one that is right for your tank.
Make sure to read the instructions of the product carefully and keep the heater in a safe place.
Last updated on March 25th, 2022.
