Best 20 Gallon Tank Aquarium Heaters of 2025

Janie Foster Avatar
Janie Foster
Last Updated: Jan 7, 2025

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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

HiTauing Aquarium Heater with LED Display & 5 Safety Protection Cover #TOP 1
HiTauing Aquarium Heater with LED Display & 5 Safety Protection
ftb score rating icon 9.9
NICREW 100W Adjustable Aquarium Heater Cover #TOP 2
NICREW 100W Adjustable Aquarium Heater
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Orlushy 150W Submersible Aquarium Heater Cover #TOP 3
Orlushy 150W Submersible Aquarium Heater
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 20 Gallon Tank Aquarium Heaters

#TOP 1

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 2

NICREW 100W Adjustable Aquarium Heater

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

The NICREW 100W Heater offers adjustable temperature settings, allowing you to easily control and monitor the water temperature for your fish tank. This feature is essential for maintaining a stable environment for your aquatic pets. Its durable quartz glass construction ensures safety and reliability, meaning you can trust it to heat your aquarium effectively. Installation is a breeze, as it can be set up either vertically or horizontally with the included suction cups. Plus, with built-in overheat protection, it automatically shuts off if the water temperature exceeds 98℉, keeping your fish safe from extreme heat.

What We Like
Adjustable temperature control
Durable quartz glass
Easy installation
Overheat protection
#TOP 3

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

FREESEA 200W Aquarium Heater

FS-200E
Black
200W(20-40gallon)
FREESEA 200W Aquarium Heater Cover
FREESEA Aquarium Heater for Fish Tank: 100W/200W/300W/500W Submersible Fish Tank Heater with Over-Temperature and Off-Water Protection for 20-40 Gallon Saltwater and Freshwater

The FREESEA Aquarium Heater is designed for 20 to 40-gallon freshwater or saltwater tanks, ensuring your aquatic environment stays comfortable. With its overheating and off-water protection feature, you can rest easy knowing that it automatically shuts off if the temperature exceeds safe levels or if it’s exposed to air. The user-friendly digital LED controller allows you to easily set and monitor the temperature without getting your hands wet. Made from explosion-proof quartz glass, this heater not only heats water quickly but also provides durability and safety for your fish and aquatic life.

What We Like
Overheating protection
Easy temperature control
Durable quartz glass
Suitable for multiple tank sizes
#TOP 5

Aquatic Eden 100W Submersible Heater

Aquatic Eden
heater-01
Black
Aquatic Eden 100W Submersible Heater Cover
100W Submersible Aquarium Heater with Digital LED Display and Remote - Fish Tank Heater for 10 Gallon, 20 Gallon, 30 Gallon Tanks - Aquarium Heater 100 Watt for Freshwater and Saltwater Aquariums

The Aquatic Eden Heater is designed to maintain the perfect temperature for your aquarium, whether it's a 10-gallon, 20-gallon, or 30-gallon tank. You can easily adjust the water temperature using the included remote control, allowing you to create an ideal environment for your fish. Its fully submersible design ensures even heat distribution, making installation a breeze. Built with durable materials, this heater is made to last, providing consistent performance to keep your aquatic pets comfortable and healthy for years to come.

What We Like
Easy temperature adjustment
Submersible for even heating
Durable construction
Compatible with various tank sizes
#TOP 6

FREESEA 100W Aquarium Heater

Aquarium Heater
Black
100W(10-30gallon)
FREESEA 100W Aquarium Heater Cover
FREESEA Aquarium Fish Tank Heater: 100W Submersible Aquarium Heaters with Adjustable Digital LED Controller Leaving Water Automatic Stop Heating for 10-20 Gallon Turtle Freshwater Saltwater

The FREESEA Aquarium Heater is designed to efficiently maintain water temperatures in 10 to 20-gallon aquariums, whether freshwater or saltwater. With a precise digital LED controller, you can easily adjust the temperature from 64℉ to 95℉, allowing you to create the perfect environment for your aquatic life. The heater features advanced overheating and off-water protection, automatically shutting off if the water gets too hot or if it’s removed from the water, ensuring the safety of your fish. Its durable construction also provides excellent heat resistance, promoting safe and effective heating for your aquarium.

What We Like
Efficient temperature control
Safety mechanisms included
Durable construction
User-friendly operation
#TOP 7

hygger Small Submersible Aquarium Heater

100W for 10-20 Gal
hygger Small Submersible Aquarium Heater Cover
hygger Small Submersible Aquarium Heater 100 Watt Mini Betta Fish Tank Heater with Thermostat for 10-20 Gallon Saltwater Freshwater

hygger Small Submersible Aquarium Heater is a 100-watt mini betta fish tank heater with a thermostat for 10-20 gallon saltwater freshwater. Its safe rugged construction ensures the safety of your pets while maintaining proper temperature. The heater rod shows real-time water temperature and indicator light, with an external knob controller memory function for quick temperature set. The out of water shut-off feature ensures it doesn't overheat and cause harm to your livestock. The slim flat profile mini tank heater is ideal for small, shallow tanks, measuring 4.3''x 1.8''x 0.9'', and easy to hide behind filter/wood/rock with two strong suction cups mount.

What We Like
Safe rugged construction
At-a-glance temperature display
External knob controller memory function
Out of water shut off protection
Slim flat profile for small, shallow tanks
#TOP 8

KINGYEENUO 50W Submersible Aquarium Heater

KINGYEENUO
KINGYEENUO 50W Submersible Aquarium Heater Cover
KINGYEENUO 50W Aquarium Heater, Submersible Temperature Adjustable Aquarium Heater, for 10-20 Gallons Tank, Betta Turtle/Fish Tank Heater, Built-in Thermostat Control, with Extra Sucker Cup

The KINGYEENUO Aquarium Heater offers precise temperature control, allowing you to adjust the water temperature between 20℃ to 34℃ (68℉ to 93℉). This feature is ideal for maintaining the perfect environment for your bettas and other small fish. It is designed for tanks that hold 10-20 gallons, making it suitable for both freshwater and marine setups. With its durable construction, featuring 2mm thick quartz glass, this heater is safe and resistant to cracking. Additionally, its rapid heating capability ensures that your tank maintains a stable temperature, providing a comfortable habitat for your aquatic pets.

What We Like
Accurate temperature control
Durable quartz glass construction
Rapid heating capability
Safe for fish and plants
#TOP 9

hygger 200W Aquarium Heater

HG145
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
Durable construction
Multiple safety features
Energy-efficient operation
Easy temperature control
#TOP 10

KINGYEENUO 50W Aquarium Heater

KINGYEENUO
KINGYEENUO 50W Aquarium Heater Cover
KINGYEENUO Aquarium Heater 50W, 20 Gallons Tank Submersible Aquarium Heater, Temperature Adjustable, Betta Turtle/Fish Tank Heater, Built-in Thermostat Control, with Extra Sucker Cup

The KINGYEENUO Aquarium Heater delivers reliable temperature control for your aquatic environment. With its adjustable temperature range of 68°F to 93°F, you can easily set the ideal warmth for your fish or plants. Its durable design, featuring 2mm thick quartz glass, ensures safety and longevity, reducing the risk of breakage. Enjoy steady heating with its efficient circuit, which automatically maintains your desired temperature, keeping your tank comfortable. This heater is perfect for both fresh and saltwater tanks, making it a versatile choice for any aquarium enthusiast.

What We Like
Adjustable temperature settings
Durable quartz glass construction
Automatic temperature maintenance
Suitable for various tank types
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 10,505 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 $20.59.

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 HiTauing, NICREW, Orlushy, FREESEA, Aquatic Eden. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 512 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.