As we know turtles are cold-blooded. To maintain body temperature and heat, they need external heat from the surrounding. They also need sunlight for basking. However, the sunlight in the house is not sufficient for them. Thus, to substitute this sunlight one uses UV bulbs in the aquarium, and to provide heat in the water there are water heaters available for the aquarium. However, one needs to know what factors to consider to buy a water heater for turtles.
Discover the Best Water Heater for Turtle Tanks
The water heaters for the turtle tanks are essential for a safe and healthy life for your aquatic pet. However, we should know what material to consider when you buy the heater for turtle tanks. So, let us see a few factors for getting the best product for your home aquarium:
1. Material2. Power 3. Price4. External Environment 5. Size of Turtles 6. Additional Features
The material of the water heater shall be a very important concern as the turtles are generally big in size, unlike fishes. The best choice would be the material which is metallic or thermal resistant.
These sturdy materials of the heater shall help avoid breakage and long-life of the product.
The power of the water heater (in watts) depends on size of the turtle tank and environment of the surrounding. The ideal power of heater would be 2.5-5 watts for per gallon of water tank. Well, we can sum up the power of water heater required for turtle tank as below:
20 gallons tank – 75 Watts
40 gallons tank – 150 Watts
65 gallons tank – 250 Watts
75 gallons tank – 300 Watts
Price is indeed a very important consideration when you buy any product. You want the best features with the best price. Thus, we would say check out the features of the heater over the price. This would be a long-term investment for you.
The power of the heater you need also depends on the external climate. The temperature of the water shall be between 75-86 degrees F i.e. 23.8-30 degrees C. If your house or surrounding is on the colder side, you can opt for a heater with the higher power. For instance, you can go for 75 Watts heater than a 50 Watts heater.
The big turtles can manage with cold temperatures. However, the small-sized turtles cannot. The temperature needs to be maintained for their survival. If it is too cold, their metabolism gets impacted, they cannot eat well and go into hibernation. Thus, you need to select the heater depending upon the size of the turtle you choose.
There are many additional features that should be considered like the auto-shutoff feature or a LED display which shows the temperature of the water in the tank. A protective guard for scald-preventing and punching is another feature you should look for in the turtle tank water heater.
Well, these were a few factors we listed for you to select the best water heaters for turtle tanks and we are sure you would get the right one if the above factors are considered.
7 Best Water Heaters for Turtle Tanks on Budget
Well, after considering the factors still if you are confused as to which water heater is perfect for your turtle tank, we are here to help. We shall list the best 7 water heaters for turtle tanks of different sizes and also give you the details of each of the products. The following are the best water heaters:
PERSUPER Submersible Aquarium Heater
Features
- Suitable for square, cylindrical or bowl-shaped aquariums.
- Available in 100 Watts and 200 Watts power capacity
- Comes with anti-scald protective cover
- Temperature ranges between 68°F – 94°F
- Auto-shut off feature
The PERSUPER submersible aquarium heater is suitable for all shapes of aquarium be it square, cylindrical or bowl-shaped aquariums. Also, it goes well with plastic, acrylic, and glass aquariums. It is suitable for both freshwater and saltwater. It is available in two different power 100 Watts and 200 Watts. You need to consider the size of tank to select the appropriate one. It uses the quartz glass heating tube. The 100 Watts heater shall be suitable for 20 gallons of the tank and 200 Watts for 40 gallons tank.
This submersible water heater comes with an anti-scald protective cover with a gap width of 6-7mm. This prevents the turtle from coming in direct contact with the heated rod and getting burnt. It is very easy to operate. It comes with an external temperature controller, a built-in thermometer, and LED display which shows the temperature of the water.
The temperature can be adjusted between 68 degrees F – 94 degrees F (20 degrees C – 34 degrees C). The automatic constant temperature function starts the heater when the water is below the set temperature and stops once the water reaches the set temperature. Also, once the heater is out it will shut off. This is one of the best-featured water heaters for your turtle tank.
Orlushy Mini Aquarium Heater for Turtle Tanks
Features
- Available in 50 Watts, 100 Watts, 150 Watts power capacity
- Temperature ranges between 65°F – 93°F
- The power cord of 5 feet length
- Memory function to set preset temperature in case of a power cut
- Suitable for square and bowl-shaped aquariums.
This 50 Watts submersible water heater is suitable for 3-15 gallons of turtle tank. It is available in different power 50 Watts, 100 Watts, and 150 Watts. You have to choose the right power as per the size of the turtle tank. The temperature can be adjusted in between 65 Degrees F – 93 Degrees F (18 Degrees C – 34 Degrees C). It has an external temperature controller which makes it easy to operate. This heater is best for small turtle tanks with little turtles inside it.
The additional features of this heater include LED displays which displays the temperature of the water in the tank. It has a power cord with a length of 5 feet. If there is a power cut-off, the memory function enables to set the temperature automatically to the preset temperature. It also has auto-stop functionality.
You have to make sure before operating the heater, it is properly submerged in the water tank. If the water temperature is higher than the set temperature, the LED display will show the actual temperature with green light lit up. The heater is made of quartz glass and the cover is made of plastic. It is suitable for both freshwater and saltwater and is also apt for glass and plastic tanks in the bowl or square shape.
Zoo Med Turtletherm Aquatic Turtle Heater
Features
- Preset thermostat controlled heater
- The preset temperature of 78°F
- Comes in power capacity of 50 Watts and 100 Watts
- Suitable for small tanks
- LED display
This Zoo Med heater has a preset thermostat controlled heater. It has a preset temperature of 78 degrees F which is ideal in normal circumstances. It comes in two power capacity – 50 Watts and 100 Watts. The 50 Watts heater is suitable for up to 15 gallons of water and 100 Watts for up to 30 gallons of water.
The additional features of this heater include LED display which shows the temperature. It has a suction cup mounting with 3 cups which helps to hold the heater strongly with support of glass. It is perfect to prevent loss of appetite due to cold temperature in turtles.
Tetra HT Submersible Aquarium Heater with Electronic Thermostat
Features
- Automatic electronic thermostat
- Comes in 50 Watts and 100 Watts power capacity
- Helps to maintain the temperature at 78°F
- Strong glass tube which is heat and shock-resistant
- The shut-off feature of electrical short is detected
The Tetra HT water heater comes with an automatic electronic thermostat which helps to maintain the temperature to 78 Degrees F (25 Degrees C) which is an ideal temperature. There is no adjustment required to do manually. However, the tank shall have a hood or glass canopy due to which the heat shall remain in the water.
Also, it will have an indicator of red light when heating and a green light when the water has reached the proper temperature. The silicon carbide crystals help to distribute heat and transfer. Also, the strong glass tube is heat and shock resistant which does not harm the turtles in the tanks.
It can be easily installed vertically or horizontally behind the décor in the turtle tank. However, it shall not be suitable for a bowl-shaped turtle tank due to its shape. For a square turtle tank, it shall be a great option. As a safety feature, the heater shall shut off if an electrical short is detected.
hygger – Best 500-Watt Water Heater for Turtle Tank
Features
- It has an explosion-proof quartz tube
- It comes with 500 Watts power capacity
- Double sealed black protective guard
- External temperature controller and a temperature robe
- Temperature range 61°F – 90°F
- Power cord is 10.4 inches long
- Auto-shut off feature
The hygger brand is one of the well-known ones when it comes to buying a heater for your aquarium. This heater comes with an explosion-proof quartz tube protected with a double sealed black protective guard. It shall be suitable for freshwater as well as saltwater aquariums. It is corrosion-resistant and also sturdy enough to protect it from punching and scalding by the turtles in the tank. It is the best option if you are looking for a long-term investment in your aquarium.
It has an external temperature controller and also has a temperature robe which acts like a thermometer. One can easily set the temperature between 61 degrees F – 90 degrees F (16 Degrees C – 32 Degrees C). The blue LED digital number is easily readable. The heat indicator turns on red when the heater starts to heat and orange when it reaches the desired temperature.
This 500 Watts heater is perfectly suitable for your huge 60-120 gallons of water. The power cord is 10.4 inches which is long enough to adjust the cord anywhere in the house. Also, the slim size of the heater is easily adjustable without occupying more room in the tank. The auto shut off feature helps the water to maintain the temperature and does not overheat or completely cool down the water. The long size of the heater may not make it suitable for a bowl-shaped tank.
Mylivell Submersible Auto Thermostat Aquarium Heater
Features
- Comes in 200 Watts and 300 Watts power capacity (with case)
- Can set the temperature between 65°F – 93°F
- The heater is made of quartz glass and double seal material
- The polarised plug which prevents electrical shocks
- The power cord is 95 cm long
The Mylivell aquarium heater is fully submersible in water. The one which is coated with a case is available in 2 power capacity – 200 Watts and 300 Watts. Also, one without a case is available for 100 Watts capacity. The 200 Watts heater is a great choice for 45-75 gallons. The tank has an adjustable temperature setting range of 65 Degrees F – 93 Degrees F (20 Degrees C – 34 Degrees C). The display is quite easy to read.
This heater is also made of quartz glass and has double seal material which makes it a sturdy choice and safe to operate. It is suitable for both freshwater and saltwater. It gives the turtles and other aquatic pets a warm and constant environment to live a healthy life.
The heater comes with suction cup mounting. The long design of the heater makes it a great choice for square tanks. Also, the heater comes with a polarised plug which prevents electrical shocks. You have to adjust the temperature before putting the heater in the water and submerge it in the water immediately. It has a red light indicator which is on when the heater is on and off when it is off. The power cord is 95 cm long.
Hitop Submersible Adjustable Aquarium Heater
Features
- Available in power capacity of 50 Watts and 100 Watts
- The heater comes with 2mm thickened explosion-proof glass
- Temperature can be adjusted between 68°F – 93°F
- Comes with a thermometer sticker
- Warranty of 12 months
The Hiptop submersible aquarium heater is available in 2 power capacities – 50 Watts and 100 Watts. The 50 Watts heater is suitable for 5-20 gallons of water. It is very much suitable for both freshwater and saltwater aquariums. The heater is explosion-proof since it comes with 2mm thickened explosion-proof glass which is 33% thicker than normal.
The temperature can be adjusted between 68 degrees F – 93 Degrees F (20 Degrees C – 34 Degrees C). Also, it comes with a thermometer sticker that can be stuck on the outer side of the tank and makes it convenient to detect the temperature of the water in the tank.
For a longer life, you can adopt an 8-slot multi-branched heating wire ceramic frame. Its small size gives more space to your pet in the tank. Also, the product has a warranty of 12 months (not on the thermometer sticker). It also has a suction cup mounting.
Well, these were the best heaters for the turtle tank in your home. Make sure you consider the size and surrounding temperature before buying the right heater for your aquarium.
Recommended Reading: How Do Turtles Breathe? #Through Their Butts #Underwater #In Winter
Note:
Make sure you unplug and let the heater rest for 10 mins before you remove it for cleaning the tank.
Also ensure, the wires attached are placed right to avoid any electric shocks.
How to Keep A Turtle Tank Warm Without A Heater?
No wonder, a heater is required in case of very young turtles. However, some turtles would do well in the normal external temperature. Still, if you see a loss of appetite and turtle going into hibernation, you may simply add warm water in the tank. As the season gets cold, you may need to add more hot water. This way you can care for your aquatic pets without a heater.
You may also place heating bulbs around the tank, so the water remains warm. Also, in summers during the day you can expose the tank to sunlight which in turn will keep the water heated. However, make sure the heating is not directly above the tank, since the pet may get overheat thus leading to other health problems.
However, if left unattended, your turtle might not get the desired heat and it may suffer from other diseases and it may also become fatal. It is not a good practice to not have a heater for your turtle tank.
Concluding Thoughts
By now, we are very much aware of which heater is perfect for your turtle tank. You need to select the right product considering the tank size and external temperature. The required amount of heat in water shall give your pet a healthy and safe life.
If you have any suggestions on the best water heaters for the turtle tank, please write to us in the comments section below.