By and large, fish tank heaters are completely safe. However, how safe they are depends on numerous factors. As a fish tank heater is an electrical appliance that is designed to produce constant heat output, you need to take special steps when installing and maintaining them to ensure they perform efficiently and safely at all times.
Choosing a Safe Fish Tank Heater
To ensure your fish are kept happy and healthy, you need to make sure you are buying a heater that is easy to maintain and will provide you with reliable heat output levels. Avoid the lure of a low-cost heater just because of the price tag. Although many budget-friendly heaters are entirely safe, a premium price tag will almost always provide you with better design and stable performance.
When selecting a safe choice of fish tank heater, you should first think about the size of the aquarium you are looking to heat. A larger tank will require a more powerful heater to ensure water temperature is properly maintained. A more powerful appliance naturally brings with it more safety concerns.
You have two main options to consider when choosing a fish tank heater: submersible heaters and in-line heater units. If you only have a small fish tank, in-line heaters are probably your best bet. However, if you have a larger tank that needs heating, you should look into purchasing a submersible heater.
Essential Safety Features
When choosing a heater for your fish tank, make sure the appliance includes an automatic switch. This will ensure the heater is turned off once a desired water temperature has been reached. This means your fish and aquarium plants will not suffer from excessive temperatures.
The material your heater is made of will also determine how safe it is. Tank heaters are usually made from aluminium or titanium. While aluminium fish tanker heaters are more affordable, those made from titanium are more efficient and generally the safer option.
Fire Risk
As with any electrical appliance that produces heat, an aquarium heater carries a fire risk. To minimise the chance of a fire, ensure you are installing and using your aquarium correctly. The overall quality of the heater unit, including the internal circuitry and its outer casing, will give you a clear idea of how safe it is to use.
Proper maintenance is also essential if you want to ensure your fish tank heater remains safe to use for as long as possible. Undertaking a regular inspection and carrying out required maintenance will not only ensure your fish tank heater is operating efficiently, it will also prevent the chance of it catching fire or overheating aquarium water.
