Most experienced saltwater aquarists know that using an inexpensive, poorly constructed tank heater can quickly lead to a disaster by either allowing the tank to chill or worse yet, over heat. Not only will a heater that fails to turn off "cook" your tank critters, it can also cause an electrical fire in your home. Poorly constructed heaters can also create a stray voltage leak in your tank.

Submersible Heaters
Most saltwater aquarists have found that the submersible types of heaters work best in their aquariums. These top picks are all of excellent quality and have been highly rated by users.

• Hagen Electronic Heater
• Rena Cal Excel Aquarium Heater
• Tetra Acura Heater
• Visi-Therm Heater

Hang On Tank Heaters
Some aquarists prefer the hang on tank heaters. Some of the models are complete with a built in hanger, some require a separate hangar. Hang on tank heaters require a constant water level. If the water level drops too much, the heaters can over heat and burn out.

• Watts Therma-Flow PC Plus Heater