Best Under Tank Heater

Best Under Tank Heater Reviews

If you own an aquarium then it is very important to use an under tank water heater. This is because there are many types of reptiles and marine animals that cannot survive in the cold water.

However, in summers the things can work well but if you live in an extremely cold area then the heater is a must for your aquarium. 

Very low temperature is not good for the health of your fish and plants. They feel a high-level of stress at low temperature and can also die quickly.

So it’s best to do have something to handle that kind of climate.

One of the best and most effective methods of warming up the water tank is to under the tank heater. In this informative guide, we are giving you the information about the top 5 best under tank heaters available in the market.

Want To know How To Get the Best Aquarium Heaters? & The Best Automatic Fish Feeders?

Do you really need a heater for your aquarium?

The need for heater really depends on the types of fish you have in your aquarium. There are some tropical fish that can easily adapt to the temperature change. But some reptiles such as snakes are not capable of adapting to this change.

When do you need an under tank heater?

  • Cold Climate
  • Temperature Control and Stability
  • Fish Spawn

If you live in an extremely cold environment then you have to use a heater for maintaining the health of your fish.

Abrupt temperature change is really very bad for the health of your aquarium fish and plants. The main usage of an aquarium heater is to control the temperature of the tank in a proper manner.

A good heater will turn on only when the temperature is low and maintains the optimal level of temperature control and stability in the aquarium all the time.

Some species need a warm temperature to get a split of gender ratio from their offspring. Thus, the use of heater becomes necessary for boosting their breeding period.

Below are the top 5 Under Tank Heaters Reviewed

1. Zoo Med Medium Repti-Therm UTH Under Tank Heater

Zoo Med ReptiTherm Under Tank Heater Medium 16 Watts White
  • Inexpensive
  • low wattage heaters
  • Excellent secondary heat source
  • Ideal for tropical or temperate reptiles

Last update on 2024-04-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Pros

  • This is the perfect under tank heater for providing the optimal level of heat to reptiles, amphibians, plant terrariums, and small animals.
  • It comes with the safest and most accurate nichrome heating element.
  • This under tank heater gives a 1-year warranty.
  • It is highly durable and sturdy as it is properly laboratory tested and approved product.
  • For making use and installation easy for users, it also comes with a detailed 8-page instruction book.

Cons

  • Users have complained that heating mats get hot very quickly that makes it a very risk heater.
  • It usually drops off after the use of 4 to 6 months.

This under tank heater is the best one for your terrarium. It gives your reptiles the most appropriate temperature to be used as primary heat source as well as secondary heat source.

They work well on consistently 24×7. It is UL/UCL approved and contains a solid nichrome element for perfect heating.

Surely, this one is the best seller on Amazon.com because of its features in such cheap cost. This heater is compatible with all tropical and temperate reptile species.

2. Zilla Reptile Terrarium Heat Mats

Sale
Zilla Terrarium Heat Mats Black Large, 50-60 Gallon, 24 Watt
  • Ideal heat source for desert and tropical reptiles
  • Carbon fiber radiates uniform heating without hot spots and is energy-efficient without wires that can pinch or break
  • Easy-to-use adhesive mounting either underneath or on the side of the terrarium
  • Helps reptiles regulate body temperature needed for overall health
  • Always provide temperature gradients for reptiles where they can warm up and cool down

Last update on 2024-04-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Pros

  • It helps reptiles’ thromo-regulate for daily activity, appetite and metabolism.
  • It comes with very easy to use mounting for providing accurate heat transfer. 
  • It is a very energy-efficient external heater for tank.
  • This is the perfect under tank heater for desert and tropical species of reptiles, arachnids, and amphibians.
  • Well-insulated heater and provides an optimal level of heat.
  • It is perfect for maintaining the rooting temperature in a tray and dome.
  • Homebrewing for maintaining fermentation temperature, and perfect for controlling the temperature in reptile terrariums and small pet enclosures.
  • It comes with an easy plug-in system and LED indicator lights & three-prong ground plug.

Cons

  • Some customers complained that heating pads do not give much heat.
  • They also do not stick to the bottom of the glass.
  • It is a very expensive underwater heater.

This one comes with a carbon fibre mat which helps radiate heat throughout evenly. There are no hot spots anywhere in the heating pad because of this.

The body is made pinch proof and scratch resistant too to let the mats put directly underneath the reptiles too. These heaters are ideal for terrarium as well as desert reptile species.

There are no wires in the pad area at all to allow more leak proof heating in terrariums. Helps reptiles regulate body temperature and immune overall health.

3. iPower 10″ x 20.5″ Warm Hydroponic Seedling Heat Mat and Digital Thermostat

Sale
iPower 10" x 20" Warm Hydroponic Seedling Heat Mat and Digital Thermostat Combo Set for Seed Germination, 10" x 20.5" & Control, Black
  • Variety of Uses: Perfect for indoor gardening, for better plant growth and flower seed germination, spring seedling starts and cutting propagation.
  • Uniform and Stable Temperature: Seedling heat mat is the new stronger heating wire and thicker multi-layer construction, can warm root area 10-20°F over ambient temperature. Thermostat provides constant temperature control for your various environments
  • Temperature Control: Digital thermostat provides temperature control between 40°F - 108°F (5-42°C), Choice of Celsius or Fahrenheit readout. The sensor probe delivers accurate readings in both cool and warm environments.
  • Package Include: 1 pack 10" x 20" heat mat, 1 pack digital thermostat (plug-in operation with LED illuminated indicator lights & three-prong grounded plug).
  • Good Service: If you are not completely satisfied with our product or receive a defective product we are happy to find an acceptable solution. Please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions or concerns.

Last update on 2024-04-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Pros

  • It is the most durable heat with stronger heating wire and thicker multi-layer construction. Thermostat provides constant temperature control for fermentation, homebrewing, and germination.
  • This is a very reliable heater that warms 10-20°F above ambient room temperature and helps a lot in improving the quality of vegetable, herb, and flower seed germination.
  • Its temperature range is between 40°F – 108°F (5-42°C), Celsius or Fahrenheit readout. This heater also comes with a highly effective and accurate sensor probe that delivers accurate readings in both cool and warm environments.

Cons

  • Some users complained that it does not create the accurate level of heat as mentioned in the instructions.

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This product is a bonus for anyone who wants more than one kind of reptile in their terrarium. The heat mats come along with heat controllers which allow all kinds of temperature gradients to get spread evenly.

The thermostat control combo is perfect for seed germination, reptile breeding and domestic brewing. It is made waterproof to be put both inside the terrarium as well as around the walls.

This product is the cheapest when it comes with a combo of both controller and heater mat.

4. Fluker’s Heat Mat for Reptiles and Small Animals

Sale
Fluker's Premium Heat Mat for All Reptiles and Amphibians, Large 17"x11", Black
  • Give your pet the extra heat it needs
  • Easy to use and safe for all reptiles and amphibians.
  • Can be mounted under or on side of your pet's enclosure
  • Durable construction provides uniform, evenly distributed heat
  • For use outside your pet's enclosure

Last update on 2024-04-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Pros

  • This is constructed from highly durable and provides consistent and evenly distributed heat.
  • It is very easy to use and perfectly safe for all reptiles and amphibians.
  • You can easily mount this under or on the side of your pet’s enclosure.
  • It also effectively monitors and controls the temperature.
  • It is flexible, fire-safe and waterproof

Cons

  • It is a very expensive heater.

This heater mat can be placed both under and on the sides of your pet’s enclosure. Let it be a reptile or an amphibian, this heater mat distributes heat evenly even throughout the water layers.

It is best to be used as a secondary heat source for your terrarium. The construction of this mat is durable enough to withstand scratches, punches and hard bites too.

It is provided with a proper ventilation to avoid any damage to the enclosure or create a fire hazard.

5. Blue Spotted Under Tank Heater, Terrarium Heat Pad

Blue Spotted Under Tank Heater, Terrarium Heat Pad, Size Medium 8 Inches x 12 Inches, for Reptiles, Amphibians and Small Animals and Use with Glass Terrariums
  • The Blue Spotted Under Tank Heater is an ideal primary or secondary heat source for tropical & temperate reptiles, amphibians & small animals. Use with Glass Terrariums - Size Medium - 8" x 12"
  • Focuses heat to desired location and is an energy efficient low wattage external heat source. Excellent secondary heat source
  • Easy to install, adhere directly to glass terrariums for maximum heat transfer
  • Size Medium - 8 Inches x 12 Inches, use rubber standoffs to avoid overheating for bottom mounting. 16 Watts, UL Approved
  • Other Blue Spotted Products to Consider: clamp lamps, wire cage lamps, heat emitters, UVB lamps, mercury vapor lamps, & betta plants & betta log. Also consider Aquarium Masters airline tubing, air stones, and power filters

Last update on 2024-04-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Pros

  • This is perfect under tank heater for tropical & temperate reptiles, amphibians and other small animals.
  • It put its heat to a specific desired location and works as an energy efficient low wattage external heat source. It is a great secondary heat source.
  • This heater is very easy to install and adhere directly to glass terrariums for the maximum transfer of heat.
  • Decent deal for the optimal price.

Cons

  • Some buyers complained that once attached to the end, the adhesive failed within hours and I started falling off again.

This one is ideal for both terrariums and small pet enclosures. The blue spot mat is well compatible with glass terrariums.

It has a specific feature of heating too which includes uniquely dividing the heat as well as focusing on a specific area too. The mat is UL approved and is highly safe.

The mat is easy to install and adheres to the glass for direct heat transfer. It is an excellent source of both primary and secondary heat for all reptile species, small pets and amphibians.

My Pick

Sale
Zilla Terrarium Heat Mats Black Large, 50-60 Gallon, 24 Watt
  • Ideal heat source for desert and tropical reptiles
  • Carbon fiber radiates uniform heating without hot spots and is energy-efficient without wires that can pinch or break
  • Easy-to-use adhesive mounting either underneath or on the side of the terrarium
  • Helps reptiles regulate body temperature needed for overall health
  • Always provide temperature gradients for reptiles where they can warm up and cool down

Last update on 2024-04-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

In my opinion, the Zilla Terrarium Heater Heat Mat offers all great features. Its body is pinch proof and scratch resistant.

This is the best heater for terrarium and desert reptiles. It is energy-efficient and well insulated.

Plus, it does not put any negative or toxic effect on the aquarium. However, it is a bit costlier under tank heater but it is definitely worth spending money.

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[Revised and Updated for July, 2019]
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Written by Debra Hutchinson, founder of FishXperts

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