10 Best Heaters For 5 Gallon Fish Tanks [2025]
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Finding the best heaters for 5 gallon fish tanks can be a challenging task, especially with the multitude of options available on the market. Sorting through countless products to identify the right fit for your aquatic environment can be time-consuming and overwhelming. To make this process easier, we meticulously shortlisted the top 10 heaters based on performance, reliability, and user feedback, ensuring that our recommendations cater to your specific needs. Our curated list not only saves you valuable time but also alleviates the hassle of searching for the perfect heating solution for your fish tank.
Top 10 Heaters For 5 Gallon Fish Tanks In The Market
Heaters For 5 Gallon Fish Tanks Review
- 【25W Aquarium Heater】Orlushy 25w fish tank heater can be applicable to 1-6 gallons tank. It is 4.7 inches in length, ideal for use in low water level and won’t take up mech place, easy to hide in small tank. Please fully submerged the heater vertically into water in fish tank, and horizontally into water in turtle tanks.
- 【Easy to Operate 】This aquarium heater is automatic constant temperature heating when the power is switched on. The preset temperature is 78℉. Accuracy is ±3℉. Stair shape heating that red light is on and heater starts to intermittently heat the water to the preset temp, saving energy and electricity. When green light is on, heater stops working and maintains constantly 78℉.
- 【Durable & Material】 The durable material of the heater ensures safe operation. The outer shell covering the whole body of the heater is made of heat-resistant ABS material that it won’t deform and melt under high temperature. The heating rod is made of nickel-chromium heating wire to faster heating rate, and non-corrosive quartz glass.
- 【Cautions】 1.Please ensure the heater is 100% submerged into the water before plug in the power. 2. Please unplug the power and cool down the heater for 10-20 minutes before taking it out to clean the fish tanks or change the water.
- 【Guaranteed Customer Service】 Orlushy fish tank heater is made with great safety and durability for use. We guarantee 1 -Year warranty. If there is any issue with our product, please contact us, and we would gladly offer you after-sales service.
- 25W Betta Aquarium Heater: Creating and maintaining a perfect and comfortable water temperature for our cute fish is not easy, which requires a lot of effort. Now DaToo MINI 25W Aquarium Heater can help you make this easier. Precise and constant temperature, no need to set, keep the temperature of fish habitat in the best state at all times. You will find it very easy and happy to take care of pet fish！
- Precise And Constant Temperature: No need to set, DaToo Fish Tank Heater will automatically keep the water temperature of the fish habitat at 78℉. This temperature is very suitable for betta and most tropical fish. When the water temperature is lower than 78℉, the heater starts to heat and the red light is on. When the temperature reaches 78℉, the heater stops heating and the green light is on. DaToo will always maintain this comfortable temperature for your beloved fish!
- The Smallest 25W Betta Heater: For most fish lovers who have small fish tanks of 1 to 5 gallons, a small heater means more space for fish. This is the smallest 25W aquarium heater on the market, only 0.2 inches. No matter how small your fish tank is, it can be used perfectly in it, and you can't even find it. Very MINI!!
- Safe And Durable: Unlike traditional plastic seals, DaToo uses a rubber sealing layer, which ensures that DaToo has better sealing and safety performance, and will never leak electricity or water. Quartz glass material, explosion-proof and crack-proof, more sturdy and durable, without worrying about damage.
- One Year Warranty & Satisfaction Guarantee: This heater is ideal for 1 to 6 gallon small glass or acrylic desktop aquariums. When in use, it needs to be submerged 100% in water. We provide one year warranty and 24 hours professional customer service. Buy With Confidence!
- 【Betta Heater】: This Fish Tank Heater should be 100% submerged into water, Ideal for small glass or acrylic desktop aquariums up 1 to 6 Gallons, not suitable for less than 1 gallon tank.
- 【Quick and Easy Installation】: Vertical or horizontal placement using, Aquarium heater automatic temperature control 78℉, no need to adjust temperature, easy to operate, fishes happy.
- 【How it Works】: Plug in, red light turns on, the heater will start working until water temperature up to 78°F, and red light off, then the green light will turn on, heater stop working and keeping constant temperature 78°F. Accuracy：±3°F
- 【Note】: Do not operate or leave product plugged in when your water tank is out of water, heater should be fully submerged into water. Please install a water pump or filter to help water circulating while heating.
- 【SATISFACTION GUARANTEED】: Our Aquarium Heater is built with durability in mind and safety for every design. In the remote possibility that you’re not satisfied with our product, just contact us, and we will gladly give you a new Aquarium Heater replacement. 12 Month Warranty and 24 Hour Professional After-sales Service.
- Mini Size: The heater is only 4.5” in length making it a great choice for small sized tanks from 3 to 5.5 gallons without taking up much space and obscuring the viewing area.
- Easy to Use: The small 25W aquarium heater is preset to 78°F which is a perfect temp for Betta and most of other tropical fishes, and no extra setup needed just plug and play.
- Easy to Check: The indicator light turns red when it is heating and it turns green when it is resting so it is easier to do a quick check every day.
- Includes: 1x 25W Small Aquarium Heater, 1x Suction Cup, 1x Free Thermometer Strip
- Cautions: Always keep it fully submerged under water before plugged in, and unplug it and wait for at least 10 min before you do aquarium maintenance or take it out of water.
- Beep Alarm, Fault Prompt: Our nano aquarium heater has safety features such as low water level shutdown and overheat protection. When the temp control system detects a malfunction in the equipment, it will give an error code alarm and stop heating to prevent any potential damage or injury. Note: Although the system will automatically turn off the power when a malfunction occurs, residual heat in the heating rod may melt the shell. Please handle it as soon as possible
- Black Look & Mini Size to Hide Easily: The 20-watt Betta heater with a 4" long x 1" height heating element design takes up very little space, which could effortlessly fit into about 1-5 gallon small aquariums and is also suited for shallow water turtle tanks
- Adjustable Temperature Control: hygger mini submersible heater includes an external thermostatic temperature controller, you can easily set the temperature by cycling between 59 and 93 degrees, and the digital display makes for intuitive viewing of real-time water temperature. Once the heater is on, an indicator light will tell you whether it is in heating mode or on standby
- Intelligent Automated Heating: This small fish tank heater effectively maintains the water at a steady temperature, when it reaches below your set temp, it kicks on and then turns off when it reaches the desired temp. Also, with the memory function, you don't have to reset the temperature if you get power outages
- Safety Instruction: Please keep the heating rod fully submerged, and use the two suction cups to make it easier installed vertically or horizontally on the tank wall. Make sure to unplug before water change or cleaning cool down the fish heater for 15 minutes
- Orlushy 25W Aquarium Heater: Orlushy 25W heater can work perfectly in 1-5 gallons tank, suitable for aquariums, fish tanks, betta tanks and turtle tanks. The length of this heater is 5.2 inches and compact in size, which takes up less space and can be easily hidden in the aquarium, keeping your fish tank at most beauty.
- Safer and More Durable Quartz Glass: This aquarium heater is made of gray quartz glass, which has higher hardness than regular quartz glass, more high-temperature resistant and explosion-proof. This material makes the heater safer and more durable to be used in both freshwater and saltwater, longer service life is provided.
- Rapid Water Heating and Accurate Water Sensor: With uniformly wound premium nickel-chromium wire, heat can rapidly dissipate to a wider area in water, more efficient water heating. Unique water temp sensing system can accurately correct the water temperature in real time at set value, protecting your aquatic lives from fluctuating water temperature. Once the water temperature exceeds 95℉, heater will automatically cut off the power and error code “EE” will be shown, getting your fish rid of the risk of “boiling fish”.
- External Controller with LED Digital Display: External control reduces the risk that water gets in and burn out the heater, greatly improving the safety. Remote control allows you to adjust the heater without being done in water and getting hand wet. The temperature is adjustable ranging from 65℉ to 93℉, and the set value changes 1 ℉ per press. Besides, you can also observe the real-time water temperature from the digital display at any time.
- Free Thermometer and 180 Days Warranty: This fish tank heater comes with one free strip thermometer for better temperature calibrator as well as 180 days warranty that free replacement of heater are provided if any problem occurs to it. If you have any issue with the heater, please feel free to contact us. We would provide a timely after-sale service.
- ★10 Watt Aquarium Heater: Temperature range is 59-93°F, for small glass or acrylic aquariums up 1 to 5 gallons, can be used for both fresh and marine water, ideal for fish tanks and turtle tanks. Please choose the right wattage aquarium heater according to our size chart
- ★Made with Premium Quartz: The aquarium heater is made of 2mm thickened quartz glass. This fish tank heater is resistant to explosion and corrosion, and protect fish and other livestocks from punching and scalding
- ★Dry Run / Overheating Protection: When the water temperature exceeds 95°F or when the warer level is lower than the minimum water level, the heater will stop heating, and the conrtoller will display an error code. Error code: HH-high temp; E1-out off water. Multiple protection, you are free from “cooking fish”!
- ★Super Mini Size: This small aquarium heater is “thumb size” - only 4.1” (10.5cm) in length. Great for nano tanks / betta tanks. The innovative super mini size perfectly solves the headache of the fish keepers on the traditional heaters! Takes up less space, easy to hide, but in full power!
- ★LED Digital Display & External Temperature Controller: LED digital display can observe the water temperature in real time; the temperature remote control allows you to avoid wet hands when adjusting the temperature. Note: Please unplug the power when cleaning the fish tank or changing the water in the aquarium.
- All Tetra HT heaters have indicator lights to let you know when the heater is on. It will be red when heating and green when the proper temperature has been reached..All Tetra HT Heaters will shut off if an electrical short is detected for your safety.
- The HT10 uses a built in electronic theromstat to automatically maintain water at 78° F which is ideal for most tropical fish. No adjustment is requried.
- Ideal for aquariums between 2 to 10 gallons with hoods or glass canopies
- The HT heater is fully submersbile and can be installed vertically or horizontally. It's small footprint makes it easy to conceal behind plants or other décor.
- Please read all label information upon delivery. DO NOT plug heater into an electrical outlet until it is placed inside the aquarium.
- ULTRA SMALL SIZE – This aquarium heater is incredibly compact, measuring just over half the length of traditional fish heaters! Its innovative design solves the problem of bulky aquarium heaters, taking up less space while still providing powerful heating capabilities.
- INVERTER TECHNOLOGY – This fish tank heater uses advanced inverter technology to heat water faster and more efficiently. It maintains a constant temperature and has a longer lifespan.
- ACCURATE EXTERNAL THERMOSTAT – The built-in chips ensure precise temperature control with an accuracy of 1F. This is far more precise than the traditional knob-controlled heaters. The digital display on the external thermostat provides 2 readings – the current temperature and the desired temperature – making it incredibly user-friendly.
- HIGH-QUALITY MATERIALS – This fish heater is constructed with durable nickel-chromium heating wire and highly heat-conductive sand. It is encased in a shatter-proof quartz glass tube, ensuring exceptional reliability and durability. Silicone protectors on both ends prevent any accidental damage to the fish tank glass.
- INTELLIGENT SENSORS FOR PROTECTION - The turtle heater will automatically shut off if the water level is too low (DRY-RUN) or if the water temperature exceeds 97F (OVERHEAT). Additionally, the heater features a MEMORY FUNCTION that retains the last setting in case of a power outage. Say goodbye to the risk of "cooking" your fish!
- 🐟HITOP Mini size aquarium heater 50W with controller, suitable for seawater and freshwater heating, betta fish and turtle tanks and other small fish tanks or fish bowl 5-15 gallon.
- 🐟Easy to operate: This fish tank heater is easy to use, 5.6Ft long cable wire and the external controller can easily set the temperature, and the temperature adjustment range is 68-93℉.
- 🐟Easy to read temperature: The controller of this heater has Digital LED temperature display, which can display the real-time water temp and set temp, so that you can know the temperature changes in the fish tank easily. There is also a clear heating indicator on it.
- 🐟Fish-friendly: This aquarium heater is made of thickened quartz glass, and has good sealing performance to prevent water from entering, making it a more fish-friendly heater.
- 🐟Package: Comes with two suction cups, a bottom cover, and a sticker-thermometer. Please check the product carefully before using it, we provide a 12-month after-sales service for this product.
Our Review Process
To ensure you get reliable product recommendations, we follow a detailed review methodology that includes:
- Market Research: Scanning best-selling and trending products in this category.
- User Feedback: Reviewing customer reviews, star ratings, and complaints.
- Hands-On Testing: Trying select products ourselves when feasible.
- Feature Comparison: Evaluating specs, durability, pricing, and safety.
- Expert Opinions: Consulting with niche experts or credible reviewers.
We independently select the top 10 options based on value, quality, and usability. To learn more, visit our detailed review process.
Key Considerations Before Buying Heaters for 5 Gallon Fish Tanks
When it comes to maintaining a healthy environment for your aquatic pets, choosing the right heater for your 5-gallon fish tank is essential. Here are some key considerations to keep in mind before making a purchase.
1. Type of Heater
There are several types of heaters available, including submersible, in-line, and substrate heaters. Submersible heaters are the most common and are designed to be fully submerged in water. In-line heaters connect to the tank’s filtration system, while substrate heaters are buried under the substrate. Each type has its advantages and disadvantages, so consider which one best fits your specific setup.
2. Heater Size and Wattage
For a 5-gallon fish tank, the general rule of thumb is to have a heater that provides 3-5 watts of power per gallon of water. Therefore, a heater with a wattage range of 15-25 watts is suitable for a 5-gallon tank. Choosing the appropriate size ensures efficient heating without overheating the water.
3. Temperature Control
Look for heaters with adjustable temperature settings or built-in thermostats. Accurate temperature control is vital for maintaining a stable environment for your fish. Some models come with LED displays that indicate the current water temperature, making it easier to monitor and adjust as needed.
4. Safety Features
Safety features are crucial when selecting a heater. Look for models that have automatic shut-off capabilities to prevent overheating when the water level is low. Additionally, consider heaters with protective casing to prevent breakage and reduce the risk of electrical shock.
5. Durability and Material
The material used in the construction of the heater can affect its durability. Glass heaters are common but can break easily, while titanium models are more robust and resistant to corrosion. Choose a heater that suits your lifestyle and the needs of your tank.
6. Brand Reputation and Reviews
Research the brands and read customer reviews before making a purchase. Established brands with positive feedback typically offer more reliable products. Reviews can provide insights into the heater’s performance, reliability, and customer service experience.
7. Compatibility with Tank Setup
Consider the specific needs of your fish and plants in the tank. Some species thrive in specific temperature ranges, so ensure that the heater you choose can meet these requirements. Additionally, if you have live plants, confirm that the heater will not negatively impact their growth.
8. Price and Warranty
While it can be tempting to opt for a cheaper option, investing in a quality heater can save you money in the long run. Check for warranties that come with the heater, as this can provide peace of mind and protection against defects or malfunctions.
FAQs
What size heater do I need for a 5-gallon fish tank?
For a 5-gallon fish tank, a heater with a wattage between 25 to 50 watts is typically recommended. A 25-watt heater is usually sufficient, but if you have a lot of fish or live plants that require warmer temperatures, a 50-watt heater might be a better option.
How do I install a heater in my 5-gallon fish tank?
To install a heater, first, turn off any power to the tank. Submerge the heater in the tank up to the water line indicated on the heater. Secure it to the side of the tank using the provided suction cups. Plug it back in and set the desired temperature.
Can I use a submersible heater in a 5-gallon fish tank?
Yes, submersible heaters are ideal for small tanks like a 5-gallon fish tank. They can be fully submerged in water and provide consistent heating. Just make sure to choose a suitable wattage for your tank size.
How long does it take for a heater to warm up a 5-gallon fish tank?
It generally takes a few hours for a heater to raise the temperature of a 5-gallon tank by a few degrees. However, the exact time can vary depending on the initial water temperature, the heater’s wattage, and the ambient room temperature.
What temperature should I set my heater for a tropical fish tank?
For a tropical fish tank, the ideal temperature range is typically between 76°F and 82°F (24°C to 28°C). Always check the specific needs of your fish species, as some may require slightly different temperatures.
Is it safe to leave the heater on all the time?
Yes, it is generally safe to leave the heater on continuously as long as it has an automatic temperature control feature. This feature helps prevent overheating by turning off the heater once the set temperature is reached. Regularly check the heater and temperature to ensure everything is functioning properly.
How often should I check the heater’s temperature?
It’s a good practice to check the heater’s temperature daily, especially in the first week after installation or when introducing new fish. After that, checking it weekly should suffice. You can use an aquarium thermometer for accurate readings.
What should I do if my heater fails?
If you suspect your heater has failed, first unplug it and remove it from the tank to avoid any electrical hazards. Test the heater in a separate container or replace it with a new one. Always monitor the tank’s temperature closely until you have a functioning heater.
Can I use a heater designed for larger tanks in my 5-gallon tank?
While you can use a larger heater in a 5-gallon tank, it may cause rapid temperature fluctuations that can stress your fish. It’s generally best to use a heater that is appropriately sized for your tank to ensure stable heating.
Do I need a separate thermometer for my 5-gallon fish tank?
Yes, having a separate thermometer is recommended to monitor the water temperature accurately. It helps you ensure that the heater is functioning correctly and keeps your fish healthy.
The Bottom Line
In conclusion, selecting the right heater for your 5-gallon fish tank is crucial for maintaining a healthy and stable environment for your aquatic pets. With so many options available, our team thoroughly researched and evaluated various products based on their performance, reliability, ease of use, and customer feedback. The ten heaters featured in our list were chosen for their ability to provide consistent heating, their safety features, and their compatibility with smaller tanks. By focusing on these key factors, we aimed to present the best options available to ensure your fish thrive in a comfortable habitat.
By following our curated list, you can confidently choose a heater that meets your specific needs and preferences. Whether you’re a seasoned aquarist or a newcomer to the hobby, the right heater will help you maintain optimal water temperatures, reduce stress on your fish, and promote a balanced ecosystem within your tank. Investing in one of the recommended heaters can enhance your overall fishkeeping experience, ensuring that your aquatic companions live long and healthy lives.
