Best 20 Gallon Tank Aquarium Heaters of 2026

Janie Foster Avatar
Janie Foster
Last Updated: Jan 31, 2026

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A 20 gallon tank aquarium heater is an essential piece of equipment for any aquarium owner. These heaters are designed to keep the water temperature stable and comfortable for your fish and other aquatic creatures. They come in a variety of styles and sizes to fit your specific tank needs. Some models are submersible, while others are external and can be mounted outside of the tank. Many also come with adjustable temperature settings and safety features to ensure the well-being of your aquatic pets. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced aquarium enthusiast, a reliable 20 gallon tank aquarium heater is a must-have for a healthy and thriving aquatic environment.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

hygger Nano Aquarium Submersible Heater 100W Cover #TOP 1
hygger Nano Aquarium Submersible Heater 100W
ftb score rating icon 9.9
HiTauing 200W Digital Aquarium Heater Cover #TOP 2
HiTauing 200W Digital Aquarium Heater
ftb score rating icon 9.8
HiTauing Aquarium Heater with LED Display & 5 Safety Protection Cover #TOP 3
HiTauing Aquarium Heater with LED Display & 5 Safety Protection
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 20 Gallon Tank Aquarium Heaters

#TOP 1

hygger Nano Aquarium Submersible Heater 100W

hg206
black
100W
hygger Nano Aquarium Submersible Heater 100W Cover
hygger Nano Aquarium Submersible Heater for 15-20 Gallon Fish Tank Betta Heater with Digital Display, Adjustable Temperature Controller 100Watt

The hygger Nano Heater is designed for small aquariums between 15 to 20 gallons, making it ideal for bettas, shrimp, snails, and turtles. Its compact size and low-profile design allow you to place it discreetly in your tank without disturbing the look of your aquascape. The heater comes with an alarm system that alerts you if the water overheats or the water level is too low, helping you avoid potential dangers for your aquatic pets. You can easily adjust the temperature between 59°F and 93°F using the external controller, which also remembers your settings after a power outage. This ensures your tank maintains a stable and comfortable environment for your fish.

What We Like
Compact and hidden design
Overheat and low water alarms
Accurate temperature control
Easy external temperature adjustment
Power outage memory function
#TOP 2

HiTauing 200W Digital Aquarium Heater

HZ-803-200W
BLACK
HiTauing 200W Digital Aquarium Heater Cover
HiTauing Aquarium Heater, 200W Fish Tank Heater with LED Digital Display & 5 Safety Protection, Submersible Aquarium Heater with 2 Suction Cup and 5.9Ft Cord for 20-40 Gallon Fish Tank.

The HiTauing Digital Heater is designed to quickly and steadily heat your aquarium, making it perfect for tanks between 20 and 40 gallons. It works well with both freshwater and saltwater environments, including fish tanks, turtle tanks, and small ponds. Its durable ABS shell and high-quality materials ensure safety and long-lasting use. You’ll appreciate the smart protection features that automatically stop heating if the water gets too hot or if the heater is out of water. Plus, the clear digital display lets you easily monitor and adjust the temperature to keep your aquatic pets comfortable and healthy.

What We Like
Fast, stable heating
Durable, safety-focused design
Automatic overheat protection
Clear digital temperature display
Adjustable temperature settings
#TOP 3

HiTauing Aquarium Heater with LED Display & 5 Safety Protection

HZ-803-100W
black
HiTauing Aquarium Heater with LED Display & 5 Safety Protection Cover
HiTauing Aquarium Heater, 100W Fish Tank Heater with LED Digital Display & 5 Safety Protection, Submersible Aquarium Heater with 2 Suction Cup and 5.9Ft Cord for 10-20 Gallon Fish Tank.

The HiTauing Aquarium Heater is a 100W submersible water heater designed for 10-20 gallon fish tanks. It features a digital LED display and two suction cups for easy installation. The heater has five safety protections including over max temp warning and off-water warning. The components are encased in a high-durability ABS shell, and the heating wire and quartz glass are made of high-temperature resistant materials. This aquarium heater is suitable for both marine saltwater and freshwater tanks, betta tanks, turtle tanks, small ponds, and more.

What We Like
Quick heating with stable power
High level of safety and durability with five protections
Digital LED display and two suction cups for easy installation
Suitable for various tanks and ponds
2-year warranty services
#TOP 4

hygger 100W Small Submersible Aquarium Heater

100W
hygger 100W Small Submersible Aquarium Heater Cover
hygger Small Submersible Aquarium Heater 100W Mini Betta Fish Tank Heater with LED Display Adjustable Temperature for 10-20 Gallon Freshwater Saltwater Coral Reef Tanks

The hygger Mini Aquarium Heater is designed to fit neatly in your tank with its slim, compact shape, saving space and easily hiding behind decorations or filters. Its clear LED display lets you see the exact water temperature at a glance, with lights indicating when it's heating or when the desired temperature is reached, so you always know your tank's status. You can easily adjust the temperature from 59°F to 93°F without getting your hands wet, which is especially handy in colder months. Plus, it remembers your last settings after a power outage. The heater also has a safety feature that turns it off if it’s not fully underwater, protecting your fish or turtles from harm.

What We Like
Compact space-saving design
Clear LED temperature display
Easy external temperature adjustment
Memory function after power loss
Automatic safety shut-off
#TOP 5

NICREW 100W Aquarium Heater with Controller

100-watt
NICREW 100W Aquarium Heater with Controller Cover
NICREW 100W Aquarium Heater with Temperature Adjustable Controller & Dual Sensors, 10-20 Gallon Submersible Fish Tank Heater, Overheat Protection

The NICREW Aquarium Heater offers adjustable temperature control through an external controller, so you can easily set the perfect warmth without getting your hands wet. It uses dual sensors to provide precise and reliable temperature readings, helping you maintain a stable environment for your fish. The heater also has built-in overheat protection that automatically shuts off if the water gets too hot, keeping your aquarium safe. Thanks to its fast-heating nickel-chromium element and efficient magnesium oxide filling, you’ll enjoy quick and even heat distribution, ensuring your fish stay comfortable.

What We Like
Adjustable temperature control
Dual temperature sensors
Overheat safety shutoff
Fast and efficient heating
#TOP 6

Orlushy 150W Submersible Aquarium Heater

RH150
gray
150W
Orlushy 150W Submersible Aquarium Heater Cover
Orlushy 150W Submersible Aquarium Heater, Adjustable Fish Tank Heater with Digital Display External Controller, Overheat Protection and Free Thermometer for 20-30 Gallons Freshwater and Saltwater Tank

The Orlushy Aquarium Heater is designed for 20-30 gallon tanks, making it ideal for various aquatic setups. Its durable quartz glass construction ensures safety and longevity, while the efficient heating system quickly warms the water, protecting your fish from temperature fluctuations. With an external digital controller, you can easily adjust the temperature without getting wet, and the real-time display keeps you informed. This heater also features automatic shut-off if the water temperature exceeds 95℉, preventing overheating and ensuring a safe environment for your aquatic pets.

What We Like
Compact and space-saving design
Durable quartz glass material
Rapid and efficient heating
Easy temperature adjustment
Automatic shut-off for safety
#TOP 7

Orlushy 100W Submersible Aquarium Heater

RH100
gray
100W
Orlushy 100W Submersible Aquarium Heater Cover
Orlushy 100W Submersible Aquarium Heater, Adjustable Fish Tank Heater with Digital Display External Controller, Overheat Protection and Free Thermometer for 10-20 Gallon Freshwater and Saltwater Tank

The Orlushy 100W Heater is designed for 10-20 gallon aquariums, providing efficient heating for both freshwater and saltwater environments. Its durable quartz glass construction ensures safety and longevity, making it a reliable choice for your aquatic pets. You’ll appreciate the rapid heating capability and precise temperature control, which helps maintain a stable environment for your fish. With an external controller featuring a digital display, adjusting the temperature becomes hassle-free, allowing you to monitor conditions without getting wet. This heater also includes a free thermometer for easy temperature calibration.

What We Like
Compact and space-saving design
Durable and safe materials
Rapid and accurate heating
Easy temperature adjustments
#TOP 8

hygger 200W Aquarium Heater

black
hygger 200W Aquarium Heater Cover
hygger 200w Aquarium Heater, Submersible Fish Tank Heater with Intelligent Temperature Control and Leaving Water Automatically Stop Heating System, for 20-40 Gallon Tanks

The hygger Aquarium Heater is designed for 20 to 40-gallon fish tanks, ensuring your aquatic environment stays at the perfect temperature. With its durable construction, made from explosion-proof quartz glass and high-temperature resistant materials, you can feel safe knowing it protects both your fish and yourself. The heater features multiple safety measures, including automatic shut-off when the desired temperature is reached or if it overheats. Additionally, it operates efficiently, reducing power usage as it nears the set temperature, making it both effective and energy-saving.

What We Like
Precise temperature control
External thermostat and programmer
Easy installation and use
Consistent performance in large tanks
Blends into aquarium background

HANLESHUKA Submersible Aquarium Heater

HANLESHUKA
HA-a1
Black
100W
HANLESHUKA Submersible Aquarium Heater Cover
Submersible Aquarium Heater 100W/200W/300W/500W, Fish Tank Heater with high-Temperature Protection and Turtle Tank Heater with Automatic Power-Off When Leaving seawater or Freshwater

The HANLESHUKA Aquarium Heater offers a safe and durable heating solution for your fish and turtles. Its explosion-proof quartz glass and sturdy ABS shell mean you can trust it to last and perform efficiently. Thanks to its versatile design and rapid heat conduction, it quickly warms your tank, providing a steady temperature for aquatic pets in tanks between 10 to 20 gallons. You’ll appreciate the convenience of switching between Fahrenheit and Celsius on the easy-to-use temperature controller. Plus, the heater has smart safety features that automatically shut it off if it gets too hot or if it’s out of the water, helping you keep your tank safe and worry-free.

What We Like
Explosion-proof quartz glass
Fast, even heating
Dual temperature display
Automatic safety shut-off
Waterless power-off feature
#TOP 10

AquaMiracle 100W Aquarium Heater with LED Thermostat

SC-13100
Black
AquaMiracle 100W Aquarium Heater with LED Thermostat Cover
AquaMiracle Aquarium Heater with LED Digital Display Thermostat, Adjustable Fish Tank Heater with Protective Housing, Fish Heaters Turtle Tank Heaters for 10-20 Gallon Tanks(100W)

The AquaMiracle LED Heater offers precise temperature control, thanks to its advanced inverter technology and built-in chips that keep your tank's temperature steady within one degree Fahrenheit. You can easily monitor and set the temperature using the clear LED display, making it simple to maintain the perfect environment for your aquatic pets. Safety is a top priority with automatic shut-off features that protect your fish by turning the heater off if water levels drop too low or if it gets too hot. Additionally, the heater remembers your last settings after a power outage, so you won’t have to reset it. Its protective casing also ensures your fish stay safe from burns and prevents damage to your tank glass, making maintenance easier and safer.

What We Like
Accurate temperature control
Clear LED temperature display
Overheat and dry run protection
Memory function after power loss
Protective heat-dispersing housing
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Do I need a heater for my 20 gallon fish tank?

A 20-gallon tank is still small enough that a single heater should be sufficient. A single heater of the proper wattage will efficiently maintain water temperatures evenly. Multiple heaters in a 20-gallon tank may also keep the temperature too high for the fish.

2. How many watts does a 20 gallon planted tank need?

How many watts does a 20 gallon planted tank need? Different types of tanks have different watt requirements. And thumb rule for planted tanks is 2 to 5 watts per gallon for freshwater planted aquariums.

3. Will a 50 watt heater work for a 20 gallon tank?

Still, some fish tanks are quite large and could require more than one heater. That said, a 50 watts heater is adequate for a 20 gallons aquarium in a warm room (78° F), but the efficiency goes down in a colder fish tanks to only being useable in a 15-gallon fish tank.

Editor's Notes

During our 20 gallon tank aquarium heater research, we found 24 20 gallon tank aquarium heater products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 30,248 customer reviews through our big data system to write the 20 gallon tank aquarium heaters list. We found that most customers choose 20 gallon tank aquarium heaters with an average price of $20.28.

The 20 gallon tank aquarium heaters are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of 20 gallon tank aquarium heaters, including hygger, HiTauing, NICREW, Orlushy, HANLESHUKA. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 302 consumers with an average rating of 4.9.

Written by
Janie Foster Avatar

Janie Foster is a writer & pet blogger from Los Angeles, she enjoys living with her two cats and three dogs. She owned her first dog 10 years ago and then started her personal blog to record her dog's daily life. Throughout her personal life, she has developed specialized knowledge in pet care, pet nutrition, feeding habits, and more.