So Why Do You Need A Water Heater In Aquaponics?
You may need to get a water heater for you aquaponics fish tank if you live in a cold climate and you plan to set up your aquaponics system outdoors: When you are living in a colder climate the value of “room temperature” is lower than the expected range and when the temperature falls below 60°F level, will cause long-term harm to your fish. (2)
So if you live in a lower temperature all year round it is important to have a good water heater for your aquaponics fish tank as your entire system ultimately depends on your fish!
How Water Temperature Affects Your Fish
Fish are ectothermic creatures, which means that their body temperature is regulated by the temperature of the surrounding water. It is important to regulate the temperature of the water closely since the water temperature directly affects the health of your fish.
Stable temperatures within the right tolerance range can:
- Keep fish in their optimal conditions
- Aid faster growth
- Minimize the risk of diseases
- Facilitate efficient feed conversion
Fish can be categorized as cold water, cool water, and warm water fish. Tropical fish like catfish, carp, and tilapia thrive in water temperatures of 71- 89°F. Cold-water fish like trout prefers 50-64°F while cool-water fish like largemouth bass and carp can tolerate in a wider range of temperature from 41-86°F. (1)
For fish to thrive in an aquaponics system your fish tank water must maintain the water temperature in the desired temperature level of the fish species you are growing. You can use a fish tank or aquarium water heater to maintain the water temperature in your fish tank. Choosing a reliable water heater is very important as the water temperature within the fish tank should not fluctuate over 2 degrees for 24 hours.
Top 5 Aquaponics Fish Tank Water Heaters
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Temperature Scale | Fahrenheit & Celsius | Fahrenheit & Celsius | Fahrenheit & Celsius | Fahrenheit & Celsius | Fahrenheit & Celsius |
Suitable For | Freshwater and Saltwate | Freshwater and Saltwate | Freshwater and Saltwate | Freshwater and Saltwate | Freshwater and Saltwate |
Available Watts | 50W/ 100W/ 200W/ 500W | 50W/ 100W/ 200W/ 300W | 50W/ 100W/ 200W/ 300W | 25W/ 50W | 25W/ 50W/ 300W |
Price |
This Hygger Titanium Aquarium Heater is made of titanium, which is lightweight, durable, and corrosion resistance. Specially designed for saltwater tank use but can also be used in freshwater tank. This heater has a light indicator on the controller that turns red when the heater is working and turns off when the heating stops. The heater stops automatically when the water temperature reaches the set temperature and restart heating again when the temperature is 1°F less than the set temperature.
The Mylivell Aquarium Heater Submersible Fish Tank Water Heater Thermostat is made of a high-quality quartz glass, double seal material and advanced design that ensures safe operation. This aquarium heater thermostat has two suction cups for attachment to the fish tank. The polarized plug prevents electrical shock. This water heater has an adjustable temperature that can be adjusted automatically.
The GMsound Aquarium Heater Submersible Fish Tank Water Heater is a high-quality aquarium heater made of high-quality quartz glass, double seal material, advanced design, ensures safe operation. Fully suited for fresh or saltwater aquariums and provide a constant warm environment for your tropical fish to stay healthy. The GMsound Aquarium Heater Submersible Fish Tank Water heater thermostat has two suction cups for attachment to the fish tank. The polarized plug prevents electrical shock.
The Vivosun Submersible Aquarium Heaters are more efficient, and the heating unit is completely submerged in the water, providing more consistent heating to the aquarium. With this heater, you can control water temperature up to your desired temp value and automatically controls the water temperature as needed. This product is 1.2” thick, which means it can operate in water levels of the same height; It’s perfect for 3 to 5-gallon tanks, but also works with much bigger aquariums; Be sure to match the power to the aquarium dimensions.
The MinDak Submersible Aquarium Heater has an automatic thermostat function which when the water temperature reaches the specified temperature value. This submersible aquarium heater will automatically stop heating when the water temperature is lower than the set temperature and the fish tank heater will automatically start heating. The fish tank aquarium heating would automatically shut off the power to avoid overheating and damaging to keep your pet fish stay in a healthy and safe environment.
Tips on Buying Fish Tank Water Heater for Your Aquaponics System
1. Aquarium Heater Wattage Per Gallon
The wattage of the water heater is its capacity to heat and maintain the desired range of temperature in your fish tank. As a general rule, one gallon of water needs 2.5- 4 watts of a water heater. Larger fish tank requires a larger heater or you can use multiple heaters instead of a single one. (3)
2.Temperature Control/ Thermostat
It is important to be able to adjust the temperature settings of your heater. Choose a heater that has an adjustable temperature where you can easily adjust the temperature to your desired range. (3)
3. Temperature Readability
Choose a heater that is already set to your preferred scale, some heaters use Fahrenheit or Celsius or use both scales. Select a heater that is already set to the scale you prefer for easy reading and back it up with a thermometer for a more accurate temperature reading. (3)
4. Safety Features
Select a heater that has an automatic shutoff feature that turns off when the water level in your fish tank get too low and has a light indicator that tells when the heater is turned on and heating the tank. Choose a heater that has a large control knob that is easy to handle when submerged. (3)
5. Fish Tank Types
You may also need to consider the fish tank or aquarium you are using before choosing your heater. There are several types of heaters like saltwater, freshwater, or betta tank heaters. (3)
6. Energy Efficient Heater
Using a heater to your fish tank or aquarium will add cost to your electricity bill. Try using a low output heater or solar-powered heater to minimize the maintenance cost of your aquaponics system.
One of the most important things to do is, depending on your location, it is best to insulate your fish tank or grow fish species that are suitable for your climate to minimize heating costs.
One of the main benefits of aquaponics is that it allows you to grow food all year round. Aquaponics enables you to make the most of the time and resources and produce crops yield even in a colder location or colder climate.
The key to the success of aquaponics in colder climates is in the careful planning and extra attention to details including heating your fish tank during winter, insulation and backup or adding alternative electrical power.
Although there are some challenges that you will have to overcome to create a sustainable aquaponics system if you live in a colder region. However, with patience and by doing the right set-up, your system will be as good as anyone who lives in a warmer climate.