Turtles, like most reptiles, adore water. They like to swim, play and hide, but they also enjoy their time on dry surfaces, when the sun pampers their shell. When they are being held captive, it is extremely important for them to be given the option that makes them feel comfortable.
A turtle tank heater is the first element that you have to check from your shopping list when setting up the aquarium. Maintaining the right temperature in the tank is essential if you want your turtle pet to lead a healthy, long life. Depending on the species, various turtles might need different water temperature, so it is important to do a little research before setting a turtle tank thermometer up.
Choosing the best turtle tank heater
Submersible aquarium heater
This type of heater is one of the most popular products on the market, although it comes with pros and cons. You will recognize it by its rod shape and you can place it inside the tank either vertically or horizontally. It is an inexpensive alternative to more advanced heaters, yet it does its job if used properly.
The submersible aquarium heater is a good choice if you are looking for turtle tank supplies, as it heats the water quickly and efficiently. Also, it includes a turtle tank thermometer and produces accurate readings. However, you must be careful about placing it near the substrate, as it can burn it. Also, make sure that it isn’t placed in an area where turtles can touch it, as they can get burnt.
Substrate heater
Another alternative to classic tank heaters is the substrate heater, which is practically placed underneath the gravel or other substrates that you choose to use. The heating system uses coils, but due to the fact that they are placed underneath the gravel, they do not represent any danger for your turtle. This is a great option, as it maximizes the space in the aquarium. However, some types of substrate can absorb the heat and make it difficult for the water to reach the desired temperature. Also, it is quite an expensive heater. Even so, if you have a turtle that does not need its water temperature to be raised too much, this could be a good option.
In-filter water heater
If you wish to buy turtle tank accessories that are safe for your pets, then this is a great choice. with this product, you save space and you make sure that your turtle doesn’t get any burns by touching the heater. The product is practically placed inside a water filter and has a simple system of heating up the filtered water that is being poured back into the tank. If you wish to go for this type of heater, you must pay attention to the quality of the materials that it is made of. You can orientate by looking at the price, as cheaper models are always low quality. Practically, when setting up such a heater, you get two products in one, which is awesome.
What’s the best option for your turtle tank?
If you are willing to invest a bit more, yet to have the certainty that your turtle will enjoy the right water temperature, you will surely choose the submersible water heater. It is extremely popular and highly appreciated by turtle owners, as it heats the water up fast and efficiently, it is easy to set up, clean or remove and it comes with a thermometer that gives you accurate info about the water temperature at all times.
There are plenty of submersible turtle tank heaters on the market that you might like. Regardless of your budget, you can definitely find a product that suits your needs and that will help you take care of your turtle pet the right way.
You are looking to buy the best turtle tank heater but you are not sure about the pros and cons of the most popular products? You have come to the right place.
We have reviewed 5 of the best-selling tank water heaters on the market in order to help you make a decision faster. While analyzing the 5 products below, we looked at their specifications and characteristics, at their safety features, their thermometers, and the accuracy of their measurements, their price, warranty and practicality. Also, we looked at the design, size and space that they might occupy in a tank.
Check out the 5 products below and see which one suits your needs best.
- Tetra 26445 Aquatic Reptile Heater, 100 Watt
This is a turtle tank heater that can be used for any other reptile that lives in a water tank. It is reasonably priced, it is designed to fit any aquarium size and it comes with a protective cage that prevents breakage. This product includes a thermostat that helps owners maintain the right water temperature inside the tank. An 8-foot cord can be adapted to any direction, which gives you flexibility and makes setting it up much easier.
This aquatic water heater comes in green, contributing to a tank’s natural design. It is equipped with two suction cups that are meant to hold even when the turtles climb on it. The heater measures 3.5 x 2.2 x 9.3 inches, so it does not occupy a lot of space.
Pros
- It is cheap
- It is easy to set up and clean
- It is suitable for tanks with a capacity of up to 30 gallons
- It has a protective cover that prevents burns
- It has an 8-foot long cord
- It has openings for the cord
- It is safe and easy to use
Cons
- Its design is not visually pleasant, but at least its color fits in easily
- Marineland Precision Heater for Aquarium
This submersible tank heater is a bit more expensive than the previous product, but it is also twice as powerful. It is available in various power options, from 50 to 400 watts, yet the 200-watt one is the most popular among turtle owners. It is suitable for tanks with a capacity of up to 55 gallons. It is equipped with a temperature dial that allows users to adjust the heat that it releases, with 1-degree increments.
The great thing about this product is that it shuts off automatically once the temperature reaches a certain level. Thanks to the high quality materials that it is made of, this tank heater maintains the desired water temperature for a long time. Thanks to its 3 window positions, owners can easily see the temperature display.
Pros
- It is nicely designed
- It comes with advanced features
- It has a thermostat
- It displays the temperature accurately from 3 window positions
- It is powerful
- It maintains the water temperature efficiently
- It has a temperature dial
- It can be used in small and medium tanks
Cons
- It is a bit more expensive than other similar products
- It is not suitable for very large tanks
- Lineba Adjustable Quart Glass Heater Aquarium Fish Tank Heater with Auto Built-in Thermostat Protective Sleeve and Suction Cup
This 400-watt turtle tank heater can be used for tanks with a capacity between 40 and 70 gallons, which is great if you are planning to setup a large aquarium. It is fully submersible and it is made of strong quartz. It has a temperature scale that can be adjusted, which helps you maintain a temperature that is constant and stable. Thanks to the explosion proof design, you can rest assured that your pets are safe in their tank, even with a heating device in the water.
This heater comes at a relatively affordable price and although it might seem high for some buyers, it is totally worth the investment, as it comes with thermal control, adjustable features and a great design. Also, it can be used in terrariums and hydroponic systems.
Pros
- It is nicely designed
- It has safety features
- It is affordable
- It is compact
- It has adjustable settings
- It is made of strong materials
- It is explosion proof
Cons
- It is not suitable for very small tanks
- Tetra HT Submersible Aquarium Heater
This is one of the most affordable products on our list. It comes with a 100-watt power, it has a compact design and a shape that makes it easy to submerse it into the water and keep it there for as long as it is needed. It has a built-in electronic thermostat and automatically maintains the water temperature at 78 degrees Fahrenheit if not set otherwise. It is great for both turtles and tropical fish that enjoy warm water.
This water heater is excellent for small aquariums that have a capacity of up to 30 gallons. It can be installed horizontally or vertically, yet it must be placed behind protective accessories, such as plants or other supplies, in order to prevent turtles from burning their shells or skin. Also, you should be careful about plugging it in. Wait until it is placed in the aquarium to plug it in.
Pros
- It is cheap
- It has a nice design
- It can be placed vertically or horizontally
- It can be concealed by plants or other accessories
- It is fully submersible
- It is great for small tanks
Cons
- You must buy protective accessories to avoid burns
- it is not suitable for larger tanks
- Exo Terra Terrarium Submersible Turtle Heater
Yet another submersible turtle tank heater is brought to you by Exo Terra, a producer who promises that this product can heat up to 20 gallons of water. It comes with a 50-watt power; it has a rugged construction that is meant to keep the heater safe, explosion proof. Also, it comes with a cord protector that is made of stainless steel.
The compact design of this heater is quite attractive, as it does not take up a lot of space inside of the aquarium and can be easily concealed by plants of other turtle tank accessories and furniture. It comes with suction cups that allow you to attach it to the tank vertically or horizontally. The heater is able to maintain a 78-degree temperature and is covered by a 1-year warranty.
Pros
- It is a compact tank heater
- It has suction cups
- It has a simple design
- It is easy to install, attach, detach and clean
- It maintains a constant water temperature
- It can be easily concealed
- It is made of strong materials
- It is suitable for small and medium tanks
Cons
- It does not have any adjustable features
- It does not have a display where the temperature can be seen
- It is quite expensive by comparison with other similar products