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10 Best Aquarium Heater For 5 Gallon Tank 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Fluval E200 Advanced Electronic Heater, 100-Watt Heater for Aquariums up to 65 Gal., A773,Black

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,178
Wattage
Safety Features

Most important from
1420 reviews

Wattage
One user mentioned that the heater looks good in the tank, especially with the digital thermometer, although they initially felt it was underpowered for their 40-gallon tank.
Safety Features
The intelligent enclosure around the unit ensures that fish cannot scald themselves, adding an extra layer of safety.

The Fluval E200 Advanced Electronic Heater is a high-performance heater designed for aquariums up to 65 gallons, which is much larger than the 5-gallon tank you need. It has a 200-watt output, which is significantly more powerful than necessary for a small tank and could potentially cause overheating issues.

On the positive side, it features dual temperature sensors for accurate readings, and the LCD display allows easy monitoring with temperature ranges from 68 to 93 degrees Fahrenheit. This heater also includes fast heat technology, a safety shut-off, and an integrated fish guard, enhancing safety and preventing harm to your aquatic pets.

Its slim profile and mounting bracket ensure easy installation, though the size (2 inches in depth and 13.75 inches in height) may be cumbersome for smaller tanks. With a 5-year warranty, it's a durable choice, but for a 5-gallon aquarium, opting for a heater with lower wattage and smaller dimensions would be more appropriate. This heater is better suited for larger tanks where its features can be fully utilized.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,178
Wattage
Safety Features

Most important from
1420 reviews

Wattage
One user mentioned that the heater looks good in the tank, especially with the digital thermometer, although they initially felt it was underpowered for their 40-gallon tank.
Safety Features
The intelligent enclosure around the unit ensures that fish cannot scald themselves, adding an extra layer of safety.
#2

Orlushy 25W Small Submersible Aquarium Heater, Constant Temperature Betta Fish Tank Heater of 78℉for 1-6 Gallons Freshwater & Saltwater Tanks

Rating
10.0
Adjustability
Ease of Installation

Most important from
23246 reviews

Adjustability
The thermostat is very accurate, and the tank heats up steadily, creating a comfortable environment for the fish.
Ease of Installation
Setting up the heater is straightforward, and it stays securely in place with the included suction cups.

The Orlushy 25W Small Submersible Aquarium Heater is designed for small tanks, making it suitable for 5-gallon aquariums. With a compact size of 4.7 inches, it is ideal for low water levels and can be easily concealed within the tank. This heater operates with a preset temperature of 78℉ and maintains this temperature with an accuracy of ±3℉, ensuring a stable environment for your fish.

The automatic constant temperature feature saves energy by intermittently heating the water when needed and stopping once the desired temperature is reached. It is crucial to fully submerge the heater for it to function correctly. Safety is a strong point of this heater; it is made of heat-resistant ABS material and non-corrosive quartz glass, making it durable and safe to use. Users must ensure the heater is fully submerged before plugging it in and allow it to cool before handling.

Installation is straightforward, but the preset temperature may be a downside for those who need adjustable settings. The one-year warranty and customer service offer additional peace of mind for buyers. This product is well-suited for small freshwater and saltwater tanks but may not be ideal for those requiring adjustable temperature settings.

Rating
10.0
Adjustability
Ease of Installation

Most important from
23246 reviews

Adjustability
The thermostat is very accurate, and the tank heats up steadily, creating a comfortable environment for the fish.
Ease of Installation
Setting up the heater is straightforward, and it stays securely in place with the included suction cups.
#3

Orlushy 25W Submersible Mini Fish Tank Heater, Adjustable Aquarium Heater with Digital Display External Controller, Overheat Protection and Free Thermometer for 1-5 Gallon Freshwater & Saltwater Tank

Rating
9.8
Adjustability
Size and Shape
Safety Features

Most important from
277 reviews

Adjustability
The external controller is the easiest to use, making temperature adjustments simple and accurate.
Size and Shape
The design allows for flexible positioning with sturdy suction cups, ensuring it stays submerged and effective.
Safety Features
Keeps the temperature consistent and doesn't bother the fish, making it reliable.
Ease of Installation
Setup is a breeze with no assembly required, and the heater brings the water to the desired temperature quickly.

The Orlushy 25W Submersible Mini Fish Tank Heater offers a compact and efficient heating solution for 1-5 gallon tanks, making it ideal for small aquariums, betta tanks, and turtle tanks. With a length of 5.2 inches, its small size allows it to be easily hidden, maintaining the aesthetics of the aquarium. The heater is constructed from durable gray quartz glass, providing higher hardness, heat resistance, and explosion-proof properties, ensuring longevity and safety in both freshwater and saltwater environments.

Its rapid heating capability and accurate water temperature sensor prevent harmful fluctuations and safeguard aquatic lives by cutting off power if the temperature exceeds 95℉, showing an error code 'EE'. The external controller with LED digital display enhances safety by minimizing water exposure and allows easy adjustments from 65℉ to 93℉, changing the set value by 1℉ per press.

Users can monitor real-time water temperature conveniently through the digital display. Additionally, the heater includes a free strip thermometer for better temperature calibration and offers a 180-day warranty with free replacement for any issues. Potential users should be aware of its limitations for larger tanks, as it's designed specifically for small tanks up to 5 gallons. Installation is straightforward, though ensuring proper placement and handling of the external controller is essential for optimal performance and safety.

Rating
9.8
Adjustability
Size and Shape
Safety Features

Most important from
277 reviews

Adjustability
The external controller is the easiest to use, making temperature adjustments simple and accurate.
Size and Shape
The design allows for flexible positioning with sturdy suction cups, ensuring it stays submerged and effective.
Safety Features
Keeps the temperature consistent and doesn't bother the fish, making it reliable.
Ease of Installation
Setup is a breeze with no assembly required, and the heater brings the water to the desired temperature quickly.

Buying Guide for the Best Aquarium Heater For 5 Gallon Tank

Choosing the right aquarium heater for your 5-gallon tank is crucial to maintaining a stable and healthy environment for your fish. The heater ensures that the water temperature remains consistent, which is vital for the well-being of your aquatic pets. When selecting a heater, you need to consider several key specifications to ensure it meets the needs of your tank and its inhabitants. Here’s a guide to help you understand what to look for and how to make the best choice.
WattageWattage refers to the power output of the heater and determines how effectively it can heat the water in your tank. For a 5-gallon tank, a heater with a wattage of 10-25 watts is typically sufficient. Lower wattage heaters (10-15 watts) are suitable for maintaining temperatures in warmer rooms, while higher wattage heaters (20-25 watts) are better for cooler environments or if you need to raise the temperature significantly. Choose a wattage based on the ambient room temperature and the specific needs of your fish.
AdjustabilityAdjustability refers to the ability to set and control the temperature of the heater. Adjustable heaters allow you to set a specific temperature, which is important if you have fish that require precise temperature ranges. Non-adjustable heaters are preset to a fixed temperature, usually around 78°F, which is suitable for most tropical fish. If you have species with specific temperature needs, an adjustable heater is the better choice. Otherwise, a non-adjustable heater can be a simpler and more cost-effective option.
Size and ShapeThe size and shape of the heater are important to ensure it fits comfortably in your 5-gallon tank without taking up too much space or obstructing other equipment. Compact and slim heaters are ideal for small tanks as they can be easily concealed and do not interfere with the tank’s aesthetics or the swimming space of your fish. Make sure to measure your tank and check the dimensions of the heater to ensure a good fit.
Safety FeaturesSafety features such as automatic shut-off, shatterproof construction, and overheating protection are important to prevent accidents and ensure the longevity of the heater. Automatic shut-off turns the heater off if it overheats or if the water level drops too low, preventing damage and potential hazards. Shatterproof construction ensures the heater can withstand accidental bumps or drops. Look for heaters with these safety features to provide a secure environment for your fish.
Ease of InstallationEase of installation refers to how simple it is to set up the heater in your tank. Heaters that come with clear instructions, suction cups, or mounting brackets are easier to install and position correctly. This is especially important in a small tank where space is limited. Choose a heater that you can easily install and adjust as needed to ensure it operates efficiently and maintains the desired temperature.

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