The 9 Best Turtle Tank Heaters

Reviews

Aqueon Adjustable Pro Aquarium Heater

The Aqueon Pro is an excellent heater to keep in mind; it is a tiny, high-quality turtle tank warmer that can also be used for fish tanks.

The Aqueon Pro enables for easy temperature adjustments between 68 and 88 degrees, a range that should be sufficient for the majority of applications. It has an accuracy of +/- 1 degree, which is not terrible.

In addition, as it is available in a range of power levels, including 50, 150, 200, and 300 watts, this is a great alternative for turtle tanks of practically any size.

It is also constructed with almost shatterproof and durable glass, and if something does go wrong, a guarantee is included.

Pros

• Small and condensed.
• Quite durable.
• Various levels of power.
• Very precise.
• Simple to use.
• Wide temperature range.

Cons

• Low heating rate

 

The Cobalt Aquatics Neo-Therm Flat Heater

This is another excellent warmer for turtles in water tanks. This is one of the most flexible heaters on the market, since its temperature range is rather extensive.

It can be adjusted between 66 and 96 degrees, which is quite remarkable. In addition, this item is accurate to within 0.5 degrees, plus or minus.

This is one of the most durable heaters on the market, since it is constructed from neo-therm, a particular form of plastic that can withstand tremendous heat, and yes, it is far more robust than your standard quartz glass heaters. It also includes a safety function to prevent it from overheating or shattering within the tank.

This model is available in wattages of 25, 50, 75, 100, 150, 200, and 300, so regardless of the size of your turtle tank, you should be able to locate the right one.

We like how tiny and space-saving this item is, not to mention that it comes with handy suction cups.

Pros

• Extremely durable.
• Safe.
• Simple to set up.
• Wide range.
• Accurate.
• Many sizes available.

Cons

• It may not persist for more than a few years.

 

Aquarium Eheim Jager Thermostat Heater

This is regarded as one of the most high-quality and long-lasting aquarium heaters available; it is made of shatterproof glass, so it should remain intact for a considerable amount of time and be safe for your fish.

For enhanced safety, it also features an automatic shutoff that keeps it from drying out. Ensure that this heater is constantly completely immersed, as it must be to operate safely and effectively. Just make sure it does not exceed the water level.

The dial on this turtle heater allows for temperature settings between 65 and 93 degrees Fahrenheit, and it should be accurate to within a fraction of a degree of the selected temperature.

Not only is the dial simple to operate, but it can also be adjusted to your precise specifications, a feature that all turtle owners should appreciate.

The Eheim heater includes installation-friendly mounting brackets and suction cups, as well as a lengthy power wire. Remember that this model is suitable for both freshwater and saltwater aquariums.

Pros

• Superior quality glass.
• Easy to install.
• Wide temperature range.
• Adjustable; capable of being calibrated.
• Exists in several power levels.
• Includes automatic shutoff.

Cons

• The wiring is not particularly dependable.

 

Fluval E Electronic Heater

This heater is one of our favorites when it comes to partially submersible aquarium heaters that can keep a stable temperature. This type is not appropriate for the tiniest turtle tanks, but it is suitable for bigger tanks as it is available in 100, 200, and 300 watts.

This turtle tank warmer comes with a fish guard for the protection of all aquatic life, which is a great feature. It also includes an automatic shut-off to prevent the tank from overheating.

This aquarium heater has a small design and comes with a mounting bracket, making it easy to install in any position and taking up little space.

Moreover, this heater is equipped with a user-friendly LCD display. Using the provided controls, you can regulate the turtle tank’s temperature between 68 and 93 degrees, a very respectable range.

Pros

• Multiple sizes.
• Easy to manage.
• Very secure.
• Wide range of temperatures
• Mostly correct
• Space-compatible.

Cons

• Should not be placed in a high-traffic zone.

 

Hydor External In-Line Heater

Notably, this specific turtle tank heater is intended to be installed on the outflow tube of a canister filter. Unlike other aquarium heaters, it is not intended to be mounted on the aquarium’s wall.

Now, what’s interesting about this type is that it has a simple dial for setting the temperature. It has a very broad spectrum, making it suitable for any turtle tank.

In addition, this heater has a thin profile, so it will not take up much room. It is one of the safest heaters available, since it is built with specialized technology that prevents it from ever overheating and causing problems.

This heater is also considered as a very sturdy and long-lasting heater. It should be able to maintain a constant temperature in your turtle’s tank for decades.

Pros

• Super durable.
• Extremely safe.
• Simple temperature dial.
• Available in numerous sizes.

Cons

• Exclusively for exterior canister filters and sump systems.

 

Fluval Submersible Glass Aquarium Heater

This is a wonderful alternative if you are looking for a tiny, compact, and totally submersible heater for your turtle tank, especially considering it comes in a variety of sizes. There are 50, 100, 150, and 200-watt models available.

This heater is constructed with unique shock-resistant glass to ensure that it will not harm your pets, and the high-density ceramic heat stick is also fairly sturdy.

The fact that this item is so tiny is a major advantage. This machine does include a temperature control dial, but its accuracy is somewhat doubtful.

Pros

• Very durable.
• Easy to install.
• Very thin design.
• Looks good.
• Simple to modify.

Cons

• Not 100% correct.

 

ViaAqua Quartz Glass Submersible Heater

This is an excellent heater to consider if you want to keep your pet turtle warm. This style is relatively straightforward and includes an integrated electronic thermostat.

Simply set the desired temperature with the dial provided, and the heater will take care of the rest. This is a rather high-quality alternative that should be precise enough to keep a constant temperature in your turtle’s tank.

This heating unit is completely submersible, and mounting hardware is provided. It is simple to install; however, it must constantly be completely immersed to prevent overheating.

The grade quartz glass used here should survive for many years, and it can also withstand impacts. Remember that this device is available at 50, 100, and 300-watt power levels.

Pros

• Super simple to use.
• Very simple to install.
• Quite accurate.
• Quick heating.
• Very resilient.

Cons

• Over time, heating capacity declines.

 

Tetra Fauna Aquatic Reptile Heater

 

 

This heater is ideal for your turtle tank because it is developed exclusively for reptile tanks and terrariums. It comes with easy suction cups for mounting in any desired location. Heavy-duty suction cups prevent your turtles from knocking over the heater.

This 100-watt turtle tank warmer maintains a constant temperature of 78 degrees. This may or may not meet your requirements. The huge plastic cage protects your dogs and allows the 8-foot power line to be routed in either direction.

Pros

• Durable.
• No modifications are necessary.
• Heavy-duty vacuum cups

Cons

• Just one power level.
• Temperature is not adjustable.

 

Hygger Submersible Aquarium Heater

This is a totally submersible turtle tank heater, a model that must be submerged at all times for safety. The 100-watt model is excellent for tanks up to 30 gallons, while the 300-watt model is suited for larger tanks.

This heater is equipped with an automatic shutoff function for optimal safety. It has big suction cups for safe and straightforward installation.

This device is completely adjustable and may be adjusted between 75 and 90 degrees, a respectable range. It is constructed from extremely durable and explosion-proof milky quartz glass, making it one of the safest turtle tank warmers available.

Pros

• Durable.
• Simple.
• Space efficient.
• Adjustable.

Cons

• May crack if not completely immersed.

Conclusion

As you can see, there are several different types of turtle tank warmers available. Nevertheless, the submersible kind is the best option in our opinion.

They also tend to be the most trustworthy and accurate. These best turtle tank heaters solutions are, in our opinion, some of the best available for turtles. The most crucial consideration, though, is choosing the correct one for the size of your tank.

If you need assistance picking the best Filter for your turtle tank, BestForPets (bestforpets.org) has compiled a separate review post with our top recommendations.

FAQs

What temperature are turtles required to hibernate?

If temperatures dip below 50°F, turtles will begin to brumate. If you have an outside turtle when the temperature drops below 50 degrees Fahrenheit, they will respond to environmental cues and begin to hibernate.

As pets, indoor turtles should not brumate. To safeguard the health of captive turtles, it’s preferable to maintain their habitats at ambient temperatures.

Does the red-eared slider require a water heater?

Yes, especially if the indoor temperature drops below 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Also, hatchlings and juveniles require a water temperature between 78 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit.

RES are known to be resilient and tolerant of a broad variety of temperatures. However, it is best to maintain the appropriate water temperature for turtles.

Can I place a heating pad beneath my turtle’s aquarium?

Typically, under-tank heating pads are designed for arid reptile habitats. Submersible or external heating is often the finest and safest option for a turtle terrarium.

These heating pads may not be able to efficiently heat the volume of water in your tank (water has a higher heat capacity than most reptile substrates so it will take more power to heat it up).

Especially if you intend to position it outside the glass and beneath the tank. Even more energy is required to pierce the glass and heat the water. Moreover, these may not be classified as waterproof.

Does boiling water harm turtles?

Yes, hot water may kill turtles, particularly if the temperature is between 95 and 105 degrees Fahrenheit and the turtle is submerged for an extended period of time (5 minutes or more).

Rapid fluctuations in temperature are also harmful for ectotherms (cold-blooded) animals, as it shocks their system.

Can turtles perish in frigid water?

Since turtles have the inherent capacity to hibernate, they can live in cold water as long as it is not freezing. In chilly water, they will cease feeding and start hibernation. They can also grow sluggish and lethargic in waters maintained between 40 and 50 degrees Fahrenheit.

Buyers Guide

Do I require a heater for my turtle’s aquarium?

Okay, so turtles must have a heater. There is absolutely no doubt. Turtles are cold-blooded reptiles, thus they require heat lamps and warm water to maintain body temperature.

Their blood is chilly, therefore they are unable to create their own heat. In addition to avoiding freezing to death, turtles require warmth for a number of additional reasons.

Turtles require a warm environment for their organs to operate correctly. It is that straightforward. Heart, lungs, liver, and kidneys are all dependent on external heat sources in order to operate.

In addition, a turtle’s metabolism is determined by its body temperature. For the digestive system of a turtle to work effectively, it must be rather warm.

What temperature should I maintain my turtle’s aquarium?

The recommended water temperature for aquatic turtles is between 78 and 82 degrees Fahrenheit.

Some turtle tank warmers are designed to maintain a constant temperature of 78 degrees, which is excellent for the majority of aquatic turtle species that may be housed in home aquariums.

How Many Watts Will My Tank Require?

The answer to this question is contingent upon the size of the turtle tank in issue, or more precisely, the volume of water contained within the tank.

On a side point, bear in mind that hoods and canopies will retain heat, so if your tank has a nice hood, the heater you purchase will not need to be as powerful.

In general, a 50-watt heater is sufficient for 10- and 15-gallon tanks. A 100-watt heater should be plenty for 30-gallon and even 35-gallon aquariums. 150 Watts is optimal for 40 or 45 gallon tanks, etc.

However, as you surpass 200 watts, the situation changes slightly. For instance, a 300-watt heater may effectively heat water tanks containing up to 100 gallons.

Keep in mind, folks, that it is also dependent on the temperature in your home, or the ambient room temperature.

Various Types Of Heaters

Immersion Heater

The submersible filter is the most frequent type of heating for turtle tanks. In general, this is the finest option available. Now, they do use tank space, but this is typically their sole disadvantage.

They are often simple to install, efficient, precise, frequently adjustable, and typically extremely resilient as well.

Your turtles are exposed to submersible heaters, which is the only other disadvantage. In other words, rambunctious turtles might damage the heater.

In-Filter Heater

The in-filter heater is an additional option, however it is not particularly popular. Sure, they get the job done, but they may be quite annoying to operate.

Generally speaking, you will not locate a heater that you must place into your filter. Typically, they only available as combination filters and heaters, which can significantly raise the price. These heaters may be temperamental, difficult to control, and their longevity is doubtful.

However, because they are out of the way, they do not take up any room in the tank and are not vulnerable to injury from the turtles.

Substrate Heating System

Substrate heaters are an alternative solution. These are placed beneath the substrate. The first and foremost issue with them is that they must be placed in the aquarium before the substrate.

However, if something goes wrong with it, it must be removed from under the substrate in order to be repaired or replaced, which can be a hassle.

However, because they are out of the way, they tend to live quite a while, save room, and are safe from your turtles.

They are highly efficient, uniformly heat the water, and help oxygenate the water as well.