Tank
Heater Size
What Size Heater Do I Need for My Fish Tank?
In order to select the right size heater for your fish tank, you need to know how many gallons of water your tank holds. Once you know how many gallons your aquarium holds, then a good rule of thumb to follow is that your aquarium heater will need to output at least 3 to 5 watts of power for every gallon of water. If you want a more precise answer you can use the aquarium heater size calculator located above.
The fish tank heater size calculator on this page takes into account the difference between the ambient room temperature and the fish tanks water temperature. During the winter months, there can be a considerable temperature difference between your fish tank and the room it is placed in. If you don’t size your heater appropriately it might not be able to keep the tank at the proper temperature throughout the year.
To be on the safe side enter the lowest temperature that the room your fish tank is located in will reach at its coldest into the aquarium heater size calculator. The calculator will recommend the optimal heater wattage based on your inputs, this will ensure that your fish tank stays at the right temperature over the winter.
What Temperature Should a Fish Tank Be?
There are a number of factors that go into deciding the temperature of a fish tank. First, is the type of fish you plan on keeping. If you plan on keeping tropical fish, then you will need to keep the temperature of the tank much warmer than you would if you only were to keep cold water species.
Also if you are running a saltwater tank you will need to consider the temperature requirements of not only the fish but the corals as well. If you do plan on keeping a reef tank the temperature tolerances of each species can be quite different. The following sections will go over each type of aquarium set up in more detail.
Freshwater Aquarium Temperature
The ideal temperature for tropical fish in a freshwater aquarium ranges from 72 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit. For the most part, keeping your fish tank at 78 degrees Fahrenheit will be sufficient for most tropical species. Some tropical fish might prefer warmer waters for breeding, so if you do plan on breeding your fish then you might want to increase your aquariums temperature to at least 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
Freshwater species like goldfish and guppies are more tolerant of cold water. These cool water fish can handle temperatures that range from 65 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. In most cases, cool water fish will not breed or eat much at cooler temperatures, but they will not die or suffer like tropical species. These types of fish are great if you want to save energy over the winter. You might even be able to keep them without running a heater, as long as the room the tank is in stays above 65 degrees Fahrenheit.
Planted Aquarium Temperature
A planted aquarium, for the most part, will need to be kept at 72 to 84 degrees Fahrenheit. This is mainly due to the fact that most of the popular aquatic plant species like Java Fern and Anubias are tropical in origin. Otherwise, if you want to keep a cool water aquarium, then you will need to keep plants like Hornwort that can tolerate cooler water conditions.
Saltwater Aquarium Temperature
The ideal temperature for tropical fish in a saltwater aquarium ranges from 72 to 78 degrees Fahrenheit. In most cases, a temperature of 75 degrees Fahrenheit will be optimal for most saltwater fish.
While there are some cool water species of saltwater fish they are not that popular in the fish keeping hobby. If you do plan on keeping fish that can tolerate cooler waters just keep in mind that the lower temperature will limit your ability to keep corals and other invertebrate species.
Reef Aquarium Temperature
Most species of coral need to be kept in water that ranges from 72 to 78 degrees Fahrenheit. The nice thing about this temperature range is that it is the optimal temperature for both tropical saltwater fish and coral. The only real thing to be aware of in a reef tank is that corals are much more sensitive to high temperatures.
If the temperature in your tank rises into the mid to high eighties then your coral will start to bleach and die back. Also if the temperature in your tank is unstable then the coral might become stressed, which can also lead to bleaching. Overall the temperature requirements of coral might be the same as most saltwater fish, but in order to keep them healthy, they need to be kept in a more stable environment.
Aquarium Heater Wattage Per Gallon
What Size Heater for 10 Gallon Tank
| Temperature Increase | ||
| 5 Degrees | 10 Degrees | 15 Degrees |
| 30 Watts | 50 Watts | 80 Watts |
A small 10 gallon fish tank will need a 30-watt heater if the temperature difference between the fish tank and the room is around 5 degrees Fahrenheit. If the temperature difference is about 10 degrees then a 50-watt heater is a better option. Otherwise, if your room is 15 degrees cooler than your tank, then you will need an 80-watt heater.
What Size Heater for 20 Gallon Tank
| Temperature Increase | ||
| 5 Degrees | 10 Degrees | 15 Degrees |
| 60 Watts | 100 Watts | 160 Watts |
A standard 20 gallon fish tank will need a 60-watt heater at a minimum. A 60-watt heater will only be powerful enough if the fish tank needs to be heated 5 degrees above ambient room temperature. If you want to keep a 20 gallon tank 10 degrees warmer than room temperature, then you will need a 100-watt heater. If there is a large 15-degree difference between the tank and the room, then a 160-watt heater will be required.
What Size Heater for 40 Gallon Tank
| Temperature Increase | ||
| 5 Degrees | 10 Degrees | 15 Degrees |
| 120 Watts | 200 Watts | 320 Watts |
A 40 gallon fish tank will need at least a 120-watt heater if the room it is kept in is 5 degrees cooler than your aquarium. If the room is 10 degrees cooler then a 40 gallon tank will need a 200-watt heater. If the room is more than 15 degrees cooler than the temperature of your aquarium then a 320-watt heater will be in order.
What Size Heater for 55 Gallon Aquarium
| Temperature Increase | ||
| 5 Degrees | 10 Degrees | 15 Degrees |
| 165 Watts | 275 Watts | 440 Watts |
A standard 55 gallon aquarium will require a 165-watt heater at a minimum. A heater this size will be sufficient if the difference between the aquariums temperature and the ambient room temperature is around 5 degrees Fahrenheit. To be on the safe side a 275-watt heater would be a better option since it can handle up to a 10-degree temperature difference. Otherwise, if you live in a cold climate 440 watts of heating power will handle up to a 15-degree temperature difference.
What Size Heater for 60 Gallon Tank
| Temperature Increase | ||
| 5 Degrees | 10 Degrees | 15 Degrees |
| 180 Watts | 300 Watts | 480 Watts |
A 60 gallon fish tank will need a 180-watt heater if the room it is kept in is only 5 degrees cooler than the tanks water. If the room is 10 degrees cooler than the fish tank then a 300-watt heater will be required. If you plan on keeping a 60 gallon tank in a relatively cool room, then a 480-watt heater will be enough to handle a 15-degree temperature difference.
What Size Heater for 75 Gallon Aquarium
| Temperature Increase | ||
| 5 Degrees | 10 Degrees | 15 Degrees |
| 225 Watts | 375 Watts | 600 Watts |
A standard 75 gallon aquarium will need a 225-watt heater at a minimum. A 225-watt heater will be strong enough to keep a 75 gallon aquarium 5 degrees warmer than room temperature. Otherwise, if you need to keep a 75 gallon tank 10 degrees above room temperature you will need a 375-watt heater. If you need to keep a 75 gallon tank more than 15 degrees warmer than room temperature then you will need to use multiple heaters that add up to 600 watts of power.
What Size Heater for 90 Gallon Aquarium
| Temperature Increase | ||
| 5 Degrees | 10 Degrees | 15 Degrees |
| 270 Watts | 450 Watts | 720 Watts |
A 90 gallon aquarium will need a 275-watt heater in order to increase the temperature of the water to at least 5 degrees above room temperature. If you need to keep a 90 gallon aquarium 10 degrees above room temperature then you will need to use 450 watts of heating power. Moreover, if you need to increase a 90 gallon aquariums water temperature by more than 15 degrees you will need to use multiple heaters that add up to 720 watts of power.
What Size Heater for 125 Gallon Aquarium
| Temperature Increase | ||
| 5 Degrees | 10 Degrees | 15 Degrees |
| 375 Watts | 625 Watts | 1000 Watts |
A standard 125 gallon aquarium will need a 375-watt heater at a minimum. A 375-watt heater will be just enough to increase a 125 gallon aquariums temperature by 5 degrees Fahrenheit. If you need to increase a 125 gallon aquariums temperature by 10 degrees Fahrenheit you will need to add multiple heaters that add up to 625 watts of heating power. Otherwise, if you need to increase a 125 gallon aquariums temperature by 15 degrees a total of 1000 watts of power will be needed.
What Size Heater for 150 Gallon Aquarium
| Temperature Increase | ||
| 5 Degrees | 10 Degrees | 15 Degrees |
| 450 Watts | 750 Watts | 1200 Watts |
A large 150 gallon aquarium will need to use multiple heaters in order to properly warm the water. If you only need to increase the temperature of your 150 gallon aquarium by 5 degrees then a total of 450 watts will be needed. If your 150 gallon fish tank is in a cooler room then 750 watts will be needed in order to raise the water temperature to 10 degrees above ambient room temperature. Otherwise, if you need to increase your 150 gallon aquariums temperature by 15 degrees or more you will need 1200 watts of total power.
Best Aquarium Heaters
Best Aquarium Heater for a 5 Gallon Tank
The Hydor THEO 25w (Buy Online) is the perfect heater for a small 5 gallon fish tank. This heater has an output of twenty-five watts, which means it is capable of heating a 5 gallon fish tank to 10 degrees above ambient room temperature. This heater is also fully adjustable, so you can keep both tropical and cool water species at a comfortable temperature.
Best Heater for a 10 Gallon Tank
The Aqueon Pro 50 Submersible Aquarium Heater (Buy Online) has more than enough power to heat a 10 gallon aquarium. This heater is rated at 50 watts, so it will easily be able to raise a 10 gallon fish tanks temperature by 10 degrees Fahrenheit. This heater is also fully adjustable, and it has an LED status light so you will always know if the heater is properly functioning.
Best Heater for a 55 Gallon Aquarium
The Hydor THEO 300W (Buy Online) is a powerful and reliable heater well suited for use in a 55 gallon aquarium. This heater is rated at 300 watts of power, which means if it is used in a 55 gallon aquarium it has a higher output than the recommended 5 watts of power per gallon. This extra margin means this heater will need to run for less time to reach the set temperature, and it will also help keep the tank warm throughout the winter.
Best Heater for a 125 Gallon Aquarium
The Hydor THEO 400W (Buy Online) is one of the highest power hobbyist grade aquarium heaters on the market. This heater has a rated output of 400 watts of power, which means if you place it in a 125 gallon tank it will output 3.2 watts for every gallon of water. If you only need to increase the temperature of your 125 gallon aquarium by 5 degrees then 3 watts per gallon will be sufficient. If you need to increase the temperature even further you might want to add another 200-watt heater to make up the difference.
![Best Filter for an Oscar Fish Tank Oscar fish are voracious eaters that can grow to be up to 14 inches long. They need a lot of space and a big tank, but they also need good filtration. This is because Oscars produce a large amount of waste for their size, which can quickly pollute the water if not managed properly. Read on to see the best filter for an Oscar fish tank. [toc] Best Filter for an Oscar Fish Tank ***TABLE**** Best Filter for an Oscar Fish Tank OASE Indoor Aquatics Biomaster Thermo 600 The Aquatics Biomaster Thermo 600 Filter (Buy Online) has everything you need to keep water clean and healthy for your fish, plus some cool extra features too. It comes with four different filtration stages that remove debris from the water so your tank stays clear and safe for your fish to live in. Plus, it has a built-in heater which keeps the temperature of your tank consistent so you don't have to worry about fluctuations or sudden changes affecting your fish. The OASE Indoor Aquatics Biomaster Thermo 600 is a reliable and high-quality filter that will keep your water crystal clear. It has four stages of filtration, including a pre-filter module for particle removal, two main filters to clean detritus from the water before it reaches the pump area, an activated carbon stage with 45 ppi pores to trap organic chemicals and reduce odors, and finally a polishing cartridge which traps any particles left after the other three stages have removed most of the large debris. Plus, it comes with Hel-X Biomedia that has an extremely large surface area for beneficial bacteria colonies that break down nitrogenous waste. Overall, this filter can be used on 70 to 160 gallon tanks, and if you want peace of mind about how well your tank is being filtered and heated – this canister filter is perfect for an Oscar tank. Eheim Pro 4+ 600 Filter The Eheim Pro 4+ 600 Filter (Buy Online) is the best filter for an oscar fish tank because it’s easy to use and maintain while providing a high level of filtration. It has a self-priming pump that makes starting up very simple, plus its safety hose adapter means you won’t have to worry about any accidents with this unit. We recommend going with their Pro 4+ model which has been designed specifically for tanks containing Oscars and other larger species of fish. This filter comes with everything you need including extra media baskets, spray bars, adjustable flow control valves, and more. Polar Aurora 4-Stage External Canister Filter 525GPH with 9-watt UV Light The Polar Aurora External Canister Filter (Buy Online) is an affordable yet high-quality canister filter and it has four stages of filtration (biological, mechanical, chemical and UV) that keep your fish tank crystal clear without taking up much space. If you have an Oscar Fish Tank, then you know that they are messy fish. They produce a lot of waste and your tank needs to be cleaned frequently. That's where this filter comes in handy. It can handle tanks up to 200 gallons and has a maximum flow rate of 525GPH from the built in pump. This is more than enough power for even the messiest Oscar Tanks. This unit also comes with three different media trays so you can use any type of filtration media you want - bio balls, sponges or ceramic rings. And not only does this filter provide excellent water filtration, it comes with a built in 9 Watt UV Light that allows it to easily control algae spores/bacteria and maintain clear water in your aquarium at all times. Fluval FX4 High Performance Canister Filter, External Aquarium Filter The Fluval FX4 (Buy Online) is an external filter designed specifically for aquariums housing oscars and other large tropical fish species like cichlids and catfish. There's also three different filtration stages included in this setup which will ensure that all the waste produced by your fish gets filtered out quickly leaving behind crystal clear water every time. The Fluval FX4 is the best aquarium filter on the market because it has a patented self-priming pump that moves 700 US Gal of water per hour. It also comes with all of the media you need to get started filtering your tank immediately after installation - no extra purchases necessary. This external aquarium filter is easy to install, maintain, and clean. With its multi-stage filtration process this canister filter removes harmful toxins from your water while providing superior mechanical filtration through three stages of bio-filtration using BioMax cartridges, activated carbon pads and biological ceramic rings . This powerful filter pumps out 700 US Gal (2650 L) of water per hour so it's perfect for even the largest freshwater or saltwater tanks up to 250 US Gal (900 L) Best Hang On Back Filter for an Oscar Fish Tank AquaClear Fish Tank Filter, Aquarium Filter for 60- to 110-Gallon Aquariums The AquaClear 110 (Buy Online) is a hang-on back filter that has an adjustable flow rate, and it'll last you for years. AquaClear filters make it easy, convenient, and affordable to keep your tank clean without all of the complexity and hassle of a canister filter. The AquaClear 110 filter has been designed with the hobbyist in mind; and it provides superior mechanical, chemical as well as biological filtration media at an unbeatable price point. It's ideal for aquariums up to 110 gallons (416 liters) in size and it has a flow rate of 500 U.S. gallons per hour (1,900 L/h). SeaChem – Large Aquarium Fish Tank Filter, Tidal 110 Gallon The SeaChem Tidal 110 Gallon Aquarium Filter (Buy Online) is one of the few hang on back filters specifically designed for Oscars and other larger tropical fish tanks (up to 110 gallons). This means that it has more than twice the capacity of other hang on back filters so there's no need to clean out debris as often. It also has an adjustable flow control valve - just set the dial where you want it and let the self-priming pump do its job. You can also use any kind of filtration media without worrying about clogging since the patented impeller design keeps everything running smoothly Best Sponge Filter for an Oscar Fish Tank Bacto-Surge Hikari Aquarium Solutions Foam Filter, 125 Gallons Bacto-Surge Foam Filters (Buy Online) are made from a durable foam material which allows them to last much longer than traditional sponge filters. They also don't require any electricity or have any moving parts, so you can use these as a cheap and reliable way to supplement the filtration in your Oscar tank. Best Under Gravel Filter for an Oscar Fish Tank Lee's 125/135 Premium Undergravel Filter, 18-Inch by 72-Inch Lee's 125/135 Premium Undergravel Filter (Buy Online) is the best you can get for an Oscar fish tank. It has a multi-level plate design made of high-quality plastic, so it lasts longer than standard models. And this under gravel filter can also be used to build an anoxic filter to lower nitrates, which improves overall water quality and it will also help keep your fish healthy and disease free. Best Filter Media for an Oscar Fish Tank Premium Authentic Pinky Filter Floss for Fish Tanks Premium Authentic Pinky Filter Floss for Fish Tanks (Buy Online) provides two layers of filtration to keep your tank cleaner & running more efficiently than ever before. It's made in the USA from high-quality materials that are safe for both fish and humans alike. It also reduces maintenance time because it lasts 2x as long as other brands on the market today. AQUANEAT Aquarium Filter Sponge Open Cell Foam Sheet Bio Sponge Filter Media Pad Aquaneat's Black Fine Filter Sponge (Buy Online) is made with natural materials that are non-toxic and safe for fish & plants. It provides mechanical filtration by trapping dirt particles in the pores of the sponge material so they do not get through into your aquarium water where they could cause harm to your aquatic pets. The open cell structure of the Aquaneat Sponge means you can simply rinse it under running water when needed instead of having to replace expensive filters every few weeks. And we've tested these pads with many different types of tanks and they are one of the most durable and economical ways to keep the water in a fish tank free of debris. Seachem Matrix, 4 L / 1 gal. Seachem Matrix (Buy Online) removes ammonia, nitrite and nitrate from the water column in freshwater tanks through a process called denitrification. It does this by providing an environment where beneficial bacteria thrive and convert harmful toxins into less harmful forms (even anoxic bacteria that break down nitrates). This process reduces stress on aquarium inhabitants by reducing their exposure to these toxins while also maintaining pristine water quality in your aquarium Eheim AEH2507051 Mech Filter Media for Aquarium, 1-Liter Eheim Ceramic Cylinders (Buy Online) are reusable so you don't have to waste money on disposable filter cartridges or sponges every time you clean your tank. Simply rinse them out in decholorinated water when they get clogged, and you can reuse them indefinitely. Oscar Fish Tank Size A 70 gallon tank will work for an Oscar, but it's better to keep them in a 100+ gallon tank. The bigger the better. More space promotes greater health while also keeping them happier which in turn reduces the risk of stress and disease. Oscar Fish Water Parameters Oscar Fish Water pH Level Oscars prefer water with a pH between 6 and 8, but they prefer slightly acidic water and they can live in water that has a pH as low as 5.5 quite comfortably. Oscar Fish Nitrite Level The nitrite level in your tank should be at 0 ppm once your tank has cycled. Nevertheless, a weekly 10% water change with fresh water from the tap is always good early on in the cycle to reduce nitrites. Oscar Fish Nitrate Level To keep your Oscar healthy you want to keep your nitrate levels between 10-40 ppm. It's important that you test the water with a Nitrate Test Kit (Buy Online) to ensure the nitrate levels in your tank aren't reaching dangerous levels. If the nitrates in your tank stay consistently over 40ppm, it’s time to clean or replace old filters, clean out uneaten food, vacuum the gravel, and do at least a 25% water change. Oscar Fish Water Temperature The ideal water temperature for Oscars is 75-80 degrees Fahrenheit (23 - 27 Celcius). It's important to remember that Oscar Fish are from the Amazon Rainforest and they need a heater in their tank especially during the winter time If you want to know what size heater you need for your tank you can use our Fish Tank Heater Calculator (Click Here) Oscar Fish Water Change Water changes are an essential part of fish keeping for any type of fish. This is especially true when you have larger fish like oscars that produce more waste. Water changes, or partial water changes, should be done every 1-2 weeks depending on how many fish you keep in your tank Why Is My Oscar Fish Tank Cloudy Fish tank water can become cloudy for a few reasons. The most usual is that the aquarium is either experiencing a bacteria bloom or there is algae in the water column. If this is the case, you’ll need to do a 50%-75% water change immediately. You can also use an inline UV filter if water changes and regular tank maintenance aren't getting control of your cloudy water problem. How To Keep an Oscar Fish Tank Clean Water Changes Vacuum the Gravel Bed Cleaning the Filter Removing uneaten food from tank Check for any algae growth on plants or glass walls of aquarium and clean as needed Test the water regularly Do Oscar Fish Need a Filter Yes, Oscar fish need a filter because they are messy eaters that produce a lot of waste. The filter helps with this issue and also improves the water quality by converting harmful ammonia into less toxic nitrates.](https://thepetsupplyguy.com/wp-content/uploads/Best-Filter-for-Oscar-Fish-Tank-464x290.jpg)
