The best aquarium controller will spare you the hassle of taking care of everything in your aquarium. It is designed with advanced technology that allows it to notify you when the water temperature is higher or lower than the desired temperature. It also alerts you when the water level drops, perhaps, through evaporation.
With that said, an aquarium controller is a must-have for anyone who intends or already has an aquarium. But we all know that getting a suitable model is not very straightforward. Well, it is for that reason we bring you the 10 best brands on the market.
Contents
- 1. Inkbird Digital Outlet Heat Temperature Controller
- 2. hygger Saltwater Tank Titanium Tube Aquarium Heater
- 3. hygger Fast Heating Titanium Aquarium Heater
- 4. hygger Titanium Aquarium Heater for Salt Water and Fresh Water
- 5. Inkbird Heating Thermostat Aquarium Digital Temperature Controller
- 6. JBJ Automatic Water Level Aquarium Controller
- 7. hygger 1600GPH Wave Maker with Digital Led Display Controller
- 8. hygger 500W 800W Titanium Steel Aquarium Heater
- 9. NICREW Heating and Cooling Temperature Controller
- 10. hygger 300W 500 Watt Aquarium Heater
- How to choose the Best Controller for Aquarium
1. Inkbird Digital Outlet Heat Temperature Controller
The convenient design of the Inkbird Temperature Controller is one of the reasons you should buy it. The design makes this device easy to use by ensuring that it is plug-and-play. The design also provides reading either in Fahrenheit or Centigrade. Another outstanding feature of the temperature controller is a dual display window.
Because of it, the controller can display both set temperature and measured temperature simultaneously. You should note that this controller has no cooling function. Away from that, the controller can be set at different temperatures day and night, depending on the physical needs of plants and animals during 24 hours. It controls the temperature incredibly accurately; thanks to such functions as temperature hysteresis and temperature calibration.
The controller can be used to provide over-heat protection, and it is suitable for seed germination, fungus fermenting, hatching, pet breeding, and aquarium. It has a decent power output of 1,200W, and this helps improve its versatility. The temperature control range is from 58 – 210 deg F (50 – 99 deg C).
2. hygger Saltwater Tank Titanium Tube Aquarium Heater
What makes the hygger Saltwater Tank Aquarium Heater one of the best in its class is the fact that it is fully submersible in water. This helps make it very convenient to use. What’s more, the hygger Aquarium Heater is very easy to set up. It has 2 suction cups that allow you to effortlessly mount it on your tank.
During installation, be sure to set the aquarium heater near a strong water flow so it can keep the entire aquarium at the same temperature. This unit comes with a separate controller that allows you to easily adjust it from low to high without having to take it out from the fish tank or aquarium.
Additionally, this aquarium heater with a digital thermostat is 100-percent shatterproof, given that it is not made of glass. Instead, it is made of durable and heavy-duty titanium. Titanium is also resistant to corrosion, and this makes the heater suitable for saltwater and freshwater aquariums and reef tanks.
3. hygger Fast Heating Titanium Aquarium Heater
hygger Aquarium Heater with LED Digital Temperature Controller has a memory function and an over-heat protection feature. These two features allow the aquarium heater to shut off when it overheats and reset in the event it cools down. The heater is constructed with high-quality titanium and then double-sealed with a black protective guard.
That being said, it is a long-lasting unit, which is resistant to corrosion and explosion. Moreover, this aquarium heater will not scald fish. It has a blue LED digital temperature controller that displays real-time water temp. The temperature accuracy of this unit is pretty impressive. It is +/-1 deg F. With this aquarium heater, you will have an easy time setting the temperature without getting your hands wet.
The heater features a built-in hand button that you should keep pushing so it can cycle through all the set temperatures. The temperature can be accurately adjusted from 70 degrees Fahrenheit to 94 degrees Fahrenheit. This heater is suitable for 120 – 180 gal aquariums.
4. hygger Titanium Aquarium Heater for Salt Water and Fresh Water
With a power output of 200W, the hygger Titanium Aquarium Heater is suitable for fish tanks with a capacity ranging from 20 – 45 gallons. It is compatible with 110 – 120V; hence, it can be used in every household without a problem. The heater rod length is 10.7 inches. And the power cord of the controller and heater are the same length, which is 5.5 feet.
The thermometer cord, on the other hand, is 4.4 feet. The back of the temperature controller features mounting holes to make hanging it on the wall a piece of cake. The entire unit is reliable and very easy to use. All you need to do is install the thermometer and aquarium heater.
After that, set the desired heating temperature. The unit will stop heating when the temperature of the water reaches the set temperature. And, in case the water temperature drops by 1 degree Fahrenheit below the set temperature, the unit will start heating the water again.
5. Inkbird Heating Thermostat Aquarium Digital Temperature Controller
Inkbird Heating Thermostat Aquarium Temperature Controller is suitable for someone with fish or reptile. It has a dual time cycle function that allows you to set it to 2 different temperatures. This means you can have a different temperature at night from that during the day. This is really handy, especially if you have a reptile.
This digital temperature controller is plug-and-play. Needless to say, you will be able to use it a few minutes after receiving it from the seller. It is engineered with a dual LCD display and reads temperature either in Centigrade or Fahrenheit. For this reason, it is safe to say that this unit is very convenient to use.
The temperature can accurately be controlled; thanks to the temperature hysteresis and temperature calibration. Furthermore, the Inkbird Digital Temperature Controller has a dual display window that displays both the set temperature and measured temperature at the same time. It also has over temperature and sensor fault alarm.
6. JBJ Automatic Water Level Aquarium Controller
JBJ Water Level Controller features a couple of float sensors, which are activated when the water level in your aquarium drops. It is, therefore, a worthy investment for someone looking to have an easy time taking care of their fish. The automatic water level controller works on its own to spare you the hassle of having to manually monitor the level of water in your aquarium.
If the water level drops, the controller will refill your tank or sump until it reaches the set point. It allows 2 modes of operation with a total of 3 different setup scenarios. Another great thing about this water level controller is that it weighs just 1 pound.
This means you will not have a difficult time setting it up. It is a professional-grade device, which does an exceptional job of automatically refilling evaporated water. As such, it is safe to say that it is one of the most advanced water level controller systems in the market.
7. hygger 1600GPH Wave Maker with Digital Led Display Controller
You need the hygger 1600GPH Wave Maker to create a healthy environment for your fish and corals. It simulates the changeable current in the ocean and tidal variation by up to 99-percent. The maximum water flow it delivers is 1600GPH, and it is perfect for small fish tanks with a capacity ranging from 3 – 20 gallons.
Besides, the hygger Wave Maker is perfect for both saltwater and freshwater aquariums. Its specifications include Output – DC 12V; Input – 100 to 240V, and working watt – 3W. The wavemaker is compact sized plus it comes with a magnetic suction base. With that said, it is very easy to install and hide.
You can install it on a tank with a glass thickness of up to 4.7 inches. You should note that this unit must be fully submersible. The manufacturer suggests that you set it up at 5.9 inches – 7.9 inches underwater. The magnetic base is covered with a rubber sleeve to make sure it does not scrape the glass tank.
8. hygger 500W 800W Titanium Steel Aquarium Heater
If the capacity of your aquarium is larger than 60 gallons, the hygger 500W 800W Aquarium Heater is for you. Its specifications include Power (800W) and Voltage (110-120V/60Hz). Additionally, this aquarium heater comes with a US 3-pin plug, and its length is 9.6 inches. The controller cord and power cord are both 5 feet.
The aquarium heater takes just a couple of minutes to heat 3.5 gallons of water by 3 degrees Fahrenheit. The unit has 2 heating modes, which are ECO heating and MAX heating. These 2 heating modes help the heater save more energy than high-power heaters. The built-in thermometer and waterline detector are other features that make the hygger 800W Aquarium Heater a decent purchase.
They automatically shut off the heater when the water temperature is past 97 deg F to prevent overheating. They also shut off the unit automatically when the top part is 0.8” above water. But once you return the heater fully underwater, it will automatically restart heating.
9. NICREW Heating and Cooling Temperature Controller
NICREW Temperature Controller is plug-and-play, and, therefore, very easy to use. It is also versatile and works great both as an over-temperature protection unit and automatic temperature control system. It has a highly functional LCD display that further makes it very convenient to use.
The LCD display will provide you with corresponding lead language, numerical value, and icon while you operate the controller. The LCD display also allows you to easily change Celsius and Fahrenheit. When measuring the temperature, the manufacturer recommends that you place the probe completely in the appliance so you can get accurate results. With this unit, you can easily read the temperature without getting your hand wet.
What’s more, the temperature controller allows you to choose either cooling or heating mode. It is a versatile unit that you will find handy for several applications, such as incubation, brewing, greenhouse, reptile, and aquarium, among others. Despite being a reliable model, this controller is within an affordable range.
10. hygger 300W 500 Watt Aquarium Heater
hygger Aquarium Heater is available in 3 different sizes. These are 200W, 300W, and 500W. Each size is suitable for a particular tank capacity. For instance, a 200W aquarium heater works great with tank capacity ranging from 15 – 30 gallons. Additionally, the hygger Aquarium Heater is suitable for both saltwater and freshwater aquariums.
It comes with an LED digital temperature controller that shows real-time water temperature. As if that’s not enough, the aquarium heater has a heat indicator. The indicator lights red when the heater starts to heat and turns yellow when the set temperature is attained.
The temperature accuracy of this aquarium controller is +/-1 deg F. The temperature is very easy to set and you will not have to get your hands wet when doing that. The temperature can accurately be adjusted from 16 deg C – 32 deg C (61 – 90 deg F). To set the desired temperature, simply press the set button. Once you have done that, the unit will blink for 3 seconds and then start to work.
How to choose the Best Controller for Aquarium
Before we wrap it up, we would like to take you through the factors to consider before buying an aquarium controller.
Features
Different controllers are equipped with different kinds of features. With that being said, we advise that you go for a unit that is mostly designed to detect (and alert) you if the water temperature is beyond or below the set temperature. Your controller should also be able to notify you when the water level drops.
Tank Capacity
Bigger fish tanks are likely to use high-power aquarium controllers and vice versa. However, some units (especially the latest on the market) are designed in such a way that they put out impressive performance without consuming a lot of energy. If you can, these are the units to go for.
Construction
Whether you are spending more or less on an aquarium controller, make sure it is well made. By “well made”, we mean a unit that will not corrode as a result of being in contact with the water for a long period. Your controller should also be shatterproof plus it should not scald fish.
Conclusion
An aquarium controller is one of those devices you think are not necessary until you try one and quickly realize what you and your fish have been missing. In the above reviews, we have tried to make things easier for you by providing you with different models to choose from.
