Keeping turtles as a pet has been becoming more and more popular with aquarists who are looking for new challenges. But you should know a turtle tank needs to be always filtered and heated. They are cold-blooded reptiles and their body temperature is almost the same as that of the surrounding water and air. Therefore it is important to maintain the right temperature of the tank if you are keeping an aquatic turtle. Right means, the water is neither too cold that your turtle becomes sluggish or even fall sick nor too hot that the turtle may not come out of the water to bask. Both conditions can be dangerous for his health. By controlling the temperature of his water, you are regulating the body temperature of the turtle. Fortunately, controlling the temperature of a turtle tank can be done with ease. A heater is required to keep the temperature in the acceptable range and prevent any problems.
Choosing the Best Turtle Water Heaters
There are many turtle water heaters available in the market. Buyers should consider a few specifications for purchasing the one that will suit their aquarium.
Turtle Water Heaters Wattage
The primary specification to consider in a turtle water heater is its wattage. You must look for two factors to determine the right wattage for your aquarium. The first will be the tank’s capacity or, more precisely, the amount of water it holds in gallons. As the amount of water in an aquarium increases, a more powerful heater will be required to efficiently heat the water and maintain it at a steady temperature. A 50-watt turtle water heater may work fine in a 10 to 15-gallon aquarium but won’t be suitable for a 30-gallon aquarium. You will need a more powerful heater for larger tanks.
You will also have to pay attention to the difference between the room temperature and the aquarium’s target temperature. The variation in the two values will determine the ideal wattage for the tank. A 50-watt turtle water heater may be able to raise the temperature of a 10-gallon aquarium by 5°F but may struggle if the temperature variation is 15°F. You will have to consider a 100-watt model for a 10-gallon tank if the temperature variation is 15°F.
The following table provides a general idea for a turtle water heater’s ideal wattage depending on aquarium sizes. These values may differ from one manufacturer to another. Please consult the brand’s recommendation before committing to a purchase.
| Aquarium Size | 5°F Temp. Variation | 10°F Temp. Variation | 15°F Temp. Variation |
| 5 Gallons | 50 watts | 50 watts | 50 watts |
| 10 Gallons | 50 watts | 50 watts | 75 – 100 watts |
| 20 Gallons | 50 – 75 watts | 75 – 100 watts | 100 watts |
| 30 Gallons | 100 watts | 100 – 150 watts | 150 – 200 watts |
| 50 Gallons | 150 – 200 watts | 250 – 300 watts | 300 watts |
| 75 Gallons | 250 – 300 watts | 300 watts | 300 watts |
| 90 – 100 Gallons | 300 watts | 300 – 400 watts | 300 – 500 watts |
Turtle Water Heaters Safety Features
Buyers must examine the safety features of turtle water heaters before purchasing one. They should be safe for the aquatic life in the tank. It must have a physical barrier that prevents the organisms from coming in contact with the heating element. Poor-quality water heaters are often known to explode. It can be dangerous and even life-threatening for fishes and turtles. Therefore, choose turtle water heaters that are explosion-proof. If you are considering a turtle water heater made of glass, ensure that it has a shatterproof or at least shatter-resistant construction. It does not mean that they won’t break upon impact. However, the same ensures that the heater will not crack due to heat or a malfunction. The turtle water heat must also have an auto-shutoff mechanism to prevent overheating.
Buyers may also want to consider additional features like a temperature display and the ability to set the target temperature in a turtle water heater
What are the Best Turtle Water Heaters?
Here is a list of some of the best turtle water heaters that can heat the turtle water safely and provide a healthy habitat to him.
Lineba Submersible Aquarium Heater
Lineba Submersible Aquarium Heater features a quartz glass along with a protective plastic sheath. It is shatter-resistant and more long-lasting than conventional glass aquarium heaters. It comes with a perfectly adequate temperature range i.e. 68-94 Fahrenheit. This fully submersible turtle water heater has a higher wattage range with the most powerful option being is the 500-watt water heater. According to the manufacturer, this top-end heater will heat 53-93 gallons of water volume making it an absolute beast and ideal for those turtle hobbyists with a truly large turtle tank. It is easy to set and adjust the desired temperature on the heater by using the temperature controller on its top. Lineba aquarium heater will turn off automatically when the temperature rises above the pre-set temperature you have chosen and will turn back on once its temperature cools down sufficiently to ensure the right temperature for your aquatic pets.
Finnex Titanium Hang-On Electronic Controller Aquarium Heater
Finnex Titanium Hang-On Electronic Controller Aquarium Heater is ideal for controlling temperature and maintain a constant temperature in a turtle tank. It is constructed from corrosion-resistant titanium tubes. The durable body of this heater makes it difficult to break. It comes with efficient heating tubes that warm the water very quickly. Furthermore, it features a very compact size which enables you to easily hide it behind some decoration in a tank. Finnex Titanium Hang-On Heater also offers a precise control knob along with a hang on hook. It can be checked if the heater is functioning by the indicator LED light. This heater is suitable for a 100-120 gallon tank since it offers 100-150 watts power. Additionally, you don’t need to wet your hand for controlling the temperature as you can control it with a sleek analog controller that can be placed outside the tank. All in all, this heater works great and provides a healthy, safe and stable temperature for your tank.
Cobalt Aquatics Flat Neo-Therm Heater
Cobalt Aquatics Flat Neo-Therm Heater offers a modern design for energy-efficient aquarium heating. It comes with a compact and flat design that is fully-submersible in water. It has a one-touch system to regulate the thermostat. It can be set anywhere between the range of 66-96 Fahrenheit and it shuts off automatically when the desired temperature is attained. Its striking feature is unlike cheap glass heaters, this Neo-Therm Aquarium Heater is a resin/thermoplastic heater that is made from shatter-roof material which is one-third of an inch thick. Moreover, this highly reliable and durable heater comes with 2 LED lights, one of which blinks when the heater is working while other blinks when the heater has warmed up the tank up to the desired temperature. Additionally, it comes with a 3-year warranty.
TetraFauna Aquatic Reptile Heater
TetraFauna Aquatic Reptile Heater is a tough and durable heater that is specifically designed for aquatic reptile tanks. It can withstand a good bit of wear and tear due to its sturdy plastic protective cover. Furthermore, it is a 100-watt heater that can easily accommodate tanks of up to 30 gallons in capacity. This heater is very easy to mount and comes with suction cups which allows you to place it either horizontally or vertically. These suction cups are oversized and strong which makes the heater great to deal with active reptiles that might bump on it. This aquarium heater also includes an extra-long 8-foot power cord. It is an accurate heater that cannot be adjusted so it simply maintains a consistent 78 degrees Fahrenheit water temperature in your tank.
Eheim Jager TruTemp Submersible Heater
Eheim Jager TruTemp Submersible Heater is another great option for heating turtle water. This heater is constructed from high-quality durable glass. Its temperature can be adjusted between the ranges of 65-93 degrees Fahrenheit. It features a thermo safety control feature that unlike other submersible heaters prevent it from getting burnt in a dry environment. There is an on/off indicator that indicates if the heater is working properly or not. Eheim Jagger Submersible heater offers easy recalibration and includes mounting bracket with suction cups that allows you to place this heater anywhere you desire. Moreover, it can automatically turn off if the water levels drop too low or the temperature gets too high. Lastly, this heater is fit for an aquarium of US 260 gallons.
Aqueon Pro Adjustable Heater
Aqueon Pro Adjustable Heater is another easy to use submersible heating choice for your tanks. This 250-watt heater is built with a durable, shatterproof and non-corrosive shell for strength and provides even heat distribution. You can adjust the temperature between 68-88 degrees Fahrenheit with a +/- 1-degree accuracy. Additionally, it has an auto turn-off feature that turns off the heater automatically when it gets too hot. The heater turns on automatically when the temperature of the water cools down. Its LED indicator is red when the heater is working green when it is not. Furthermore, it can be used for saltwater or freshwater fish tanks and can be positioned vertically or horizontally. Aqueon Pro Adjustable Heater comes with a limited lifetime guarantee as well.
Zoo Med Turtletherm Aquatic Turtle Heater 100W
Zoo Med’s Turtletherm Aquatic Turtle Heater range is known to be one of the best turtle water heaters. The 100-watt model is suitable for aquariums up to 30 gallons in size. Its integrated thermostat is preset to maintain water at a temperature of 78°F. It ensures a healthy and comfortable living environment for turtles and prevents loss of appetite associated with cold climates. A display on the turtle water heater shows the current water temperature. Zoo Med’s Turtletherm Aquatic Turtle Heaters are also available in 50W, 150W, and 300W variants for tanks with different capacities.
Orlushy Submersible Aquarium Heater 200W
Orlushy Submersible Aquarium Heater is a 200W option among the best turtle water heaters. It is suitable for 40 to 60-gallon aquariums as per its manufacturer. The device has an explosion-proof construction featuring 2mm thick quartz glass. You can use it for freshwater and saltwater turtle species. It is held in places by a pair of suction cups. A dial on the top of the heater enables you to choose a temperature between 68°F and 89°F. The turtle water heater lacks an integrated temperature display, but a separate digital thermometer is included in the package. Orlushy Submersible Aquarium Heaters are also manufactured in 100W, 150W, and 300W models.
Mylivell Aquarium Heater Submersible Auto Thermostat 100W
Mylivell Aquarium Heater Submersible Auto Thermostat is another excellent option among the best turtle water heaters. The manufacturer recommends the heater for 20 to 45-gallon tanks. It will keep the water at a steady temperature for ensuring a habitable environment for turtles. Its TruTemp dial allows you to adjust the temperature from 65°F to 93°F as required. The turtle water heater has shatterproof glass construction and is safe for the tank’s inhabitants. It can be used in freshwater and saltwater aquariums. Mylivell Aquarium Heater Submersible Auto Thermostat is also available in 50W, 200W, and 300W variants.
hygger 50W Submersible Digital Display Mini Aquarium Heater for Betta Turtle
Buyers who are searching for the best turtle water heaters for small aquariums can consider hygger’s 50W Submersible Mini Aquarium Heater. It is a 50-watt heater that is designed for 1 to 6.5-gallon tanks. The turtle water heater is accurate up to 1°F and enables you to set a temperature between 63°F and 94°F as required. It has an oval shape and features two suction cups on the rear and a 5-feet long power cord for easy installation. An LED screen on the turtle water heater notifies you of the water temperature. hygger’s 50W Submersible Mini Aquarium Heater shuts off automatically when you pull it out of the water. It is suitable for freshwater and saltwater applications. A 100W variant for 6.5 to 13-gallon tanks is also available.
Marina Submersible Aquarium Heater, 8.5-Inch, 100-watt
When it comes to the best turtle water heaters, Marina Submersible Aquarium Heater is an excellent option. The device has an impact-resistant glass construction along with waterproof sealing. It is suitable for up to 30-gallon aquariums as per the manufacturer’s guidelines. A dial allows you to adjust the temperature easily. There is an integrated and easy-to-read temperature gauge. Suction cups are provided in the package for installing the turtle water heater securely. In addition to the 100W model, Marina Submersible Aquarium turtle water heaters are available in 50W, 150W, 200W, and 300W variants.