Last Updated on August 9, 2022
Choosing the best heater for a 5-gallon betta tank can be a daunting task. Your aquarium can be kept in a variety of water temperatures, but for optimal betta fish health, it is important to use a heater.
There are a number of different types of heaters available, but the best one for a 5-gallon tank depends on the kind of fish you have and your climate. A standard household heating pad can be used to heat a 5-gallon aquarium, but if you have a lot of fish or if your climate is cold, an electric heater may be better.
Betta fish are tropical fish that are often kept in warm water environments. Many betta fish enthusiasts believe that the temperature of the water is more important than the specific temperature at which the fish is kept.
Some people maintain that the ideal temperature range for bettas is around 76 degrees Fahrenheit (24 degrees Celsius). With the help of aquarium heaters, achieving the desired temperature for your tank will be a lot easier.
Are you having a hard time choosing the right heater? Here are seven of the best betta tank heater to get you started!
| Image | Title | Price | Prime | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 Top | FREESEA 50W Mini Aquarium Heater Fish Tank Submersible Heater with LED Temperature Display | PrimeEligible | Buy Now | |
 Top | FREESEA 25 Watt Aquarium Betta Fish Tank Heater with Aquarium Submersible Thermometer | PrimeEligible | Buy Now | |
 Top | Tetra HT Submersible Aquarium Heater With Electronic Thermostat, 50-Watt | PrimeEligible | Buy Now | |
 Top | Aqueon Small Aquarium Fish Tank Submersible Mini Flat Heater Up to 5 Gallon Aquariums, 10 Watts | PrimeEligible | Buy Now | |
 Top | BOEESPAT Small Aquarium Heater 50W Fish Tank Heater for 5/10 Gallon Betta Fish with LED Temperature Controller and Smart Thermostat | PrimeEligible | Buy Now | |
 Top | hygger 50W Mini Submersible Digital Display Aquarium Heater for Small Fish Tank, Compact and Fast Heating Thermostat, with External Controller and Built-in Thermometer, for Betta, Turtle | PrimeEligible | Buy Now | |
 Top | HITOP 25W 50W Adjustable Aquarium Heater, Submersible Fish Tank Heater Thermostat with Suction Cup (50W) | PrimeEligible | Buy Now |
Table of Contents
1. FREESEA Mini Aquarium Heater with LED Display
Freesea Mini Aquarium Heater is a fully submersible heater with an LED temperature display feature that will help you reach the optimal temperature for your 5-gallon tank.
This mini heater automatically shuts off when out of the water, which will surely keep your small betta tank warm with a temperature of about 59°F-94°F.
Moreover, this basic heater will also automatically stop heating the aquarium water when the set temperature is reached and will start heating when the temperature drops more than the preset temperature!
Pros
- Automatic shut off feature
- Has a multi-function LED display
- Comes with suction cups
- No need to buy a separate thermometer
Cons
- Cannot be repaired or modified on your own
- Display cannot be changed to Celcius
2. FREESEA Aquarium Heater with Thermometer
Another heating element for your betta tank is the Freesea Aquarium Heater. This is cheaper than the previous Freesea heater and comes with a thermometer to observe the water temperature in your betta fish tank.
The water temperature from this fully submersible betta heater ranges from 63°F-95°F so make sure to adjust your water tank’s heat to the recommended betta temperature.
Pros
- Turns off automatically when the set temperature is reached
- Has an available temperature dial
Cons
- Not digital
3. Tetra HT Submersible Aquarium Heater
The Tetra HT Submersible Aquarium Heater has a built-in thermostat that maintains a constant temperature of 78° F, which is recommended for most tropical fish. No additional adjustments are needed.
Fully submersible and suitable for aquariums between 2 and 10 gallons, the HT heater can be installed vertically or horizontally. This tiny aquarium heater makes it easy to conceal behind plants or other tank decorations.
Moreover, the HT heater also comes with an indicator light to let you know if the product is on or not.
Pros
- Has an indicator light
- Consumes little space
Cons
- Not an adjustable heater
- Not too durable
4. Aqueon Mini Flat Heater
Aqueon’s Mini Heater offers warmth to tropical fish enclosed in a shatterproof heater housing. Designed with a thermal safety shutoff and submersible design, this compact heater is perfect for use with a minimal 2.5-gallon size tank and up to 5 gallons.
This heater can be safely used in both glass and acrylic aquariums. In addition, this heater can be configured to span straight over a rock, protruding in front of the water, or mounted vertically or horizontally to accommodate any aquarium design.
Pros
- Added security because of the shatterproof feature
- Works better on bigger tanks
- Easy to install
Cons
- Not too durable
- Temperature cannot be adjusted
5. BOEESPAT Small Aquarium Heater
The BOEESPAT Aquarium Heater offers many features to keep your tank temperature steady to allow your betta fish to swim freely without any worries.
The temp range from 65℉ to 93℉, which you will see in the built-in thermometer. When the temp setting is done, the LED display will show the numbers in Fahrenheit, making it easier for you to track the water temperature.
Where you will place the heater depends on you. With two suction cups at the back of this heater, you can rest assured that it will stick to glass, acrylic, or plastic tanks.
Pros
- Has a LED temperature controller
- Has a smart thermostat feature
- Temperature can be manually adjusted
- Takes only a small space in the tank
Cons
- Coils are visible on the side of the heater
6. Hygger Mini Digital Aquarium Heater
This submersible heater comes with a quartz glass heater tube that is safe for freshwater and saltwater fish tanks.
The Hygger Mini Digital Aquarium Heater is compact and small in size that has an external temperature controller and a built-in thermometer to help maintain the best temperature for your pet.
When the water temperature reaches higher than 95℉, this digital heater will automatically stop heating and automatically shuts off when out of the water.
You also don’t have to worry about whether your fish would get stuck or burn since the heater has plastic guard protection on its sides.
Pros
- Has a digital temperature display
- Safe to use
- Small heater
- Easy to adjust the temperature
Cons
- Suction cup is not that strong
- Cannot click down the temperature from the controller
7. HITOP Adjustable Fish Tank Heater
The HITOP Adjustable Fish Tank Heater has a temperature control of 68°F-93 °F and will automatically turn itself off once the set temperature has been met, Likewise, it will automatically continue to heat once it is cooled down.
A knob is turned when adjusting the temperature, and you’ll know if it’s working when the indicator light is on.
Pros
- Protects your fish with a glass covering
- Comes with a sticker temperature gauge
- Easy to use
Cons
- No LED display
Verdict
For its price and performance, the best heater for a 5-gallon betta tank is:
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
There are a few different heaters that would work well in a 5-gallon betta tank. The best option for your tank will depend on your budget and the features you are looking for in a heater.
However, one of the most important factors is the heater’s wattage. When choosing a water heater, it is important to choose one with a wattage that is appropriate for a 5-gallon tank.
Knowing how to choose the right heater takes research first before purchasing one to ensure you are getting the best one for your needs!
Other betta tank heater questions
Why do you need a water fish tank heater?
A water tank heater is an essential piece of equipment for any fish keeper. Not only does a proper water tank heater keep your fish warm, but it also helps reduce the number of algae on the tank’s surface.
Algae can be a major nuisance for fishkeepers and ultimately lead to your fish’s death. Water fish tank heaters also help to keep the water temperature consistent, which is especially important for small fish who cannot regulate their body temperature efficiently.
How do you put a betta fish heater on their tanks?
There are many ways to install a water heater on your fish tank, depending on the product itself.
The most common way used is the suction cup. Make sure to fully submerge the heater in the water with good circulation to make it work.
Other than that, this task is fairly easy. Remember to read the product’s manual first to avoid unnecessary issues.
Are aquarium heaters safe?
There is some debate about whether or not aquarium heaters are safe. Some people believe they can cause fish to burn or suffocate, while others say that the heaters are not dangerous and are only used to warm up the tank.
There is no sure way to know for sure whether or not a heater is safe for your aquarium, so it is important to use caution when using one.
Do the water heater need maintenance?
Do you need to do any maintenance on your 5-gallon tank heater? A tank heater is a great way to keep your fish comfortable and healthy. However, like any piece of equipment, it will need maintenance from time to time.
Tanks and heaters can last many years with proper care, but there are a few things you can do to keep them in good condition:
- Check the temperature gauge regularly and adjust the heat as necessary
- Regular cleaning with a vinegar and water solution will remove the build-up of gunk and algae
- Replace the heating element when needed to ensure it works as it should
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