The Best Aquarium Thermometer – 2020 Reviews

If you own fish, then you probably know how important it is for the water of the tank to be a certain temperature in order for the fish to remain comfortable and healthy. Not only that, but you’re probably also aware that certain fish require certain temperatures as well. For instance, tropical fish require warmer water than other types of fish.

But it can be difficult to maintain the proper temperature for the fish in your tank, especially if you don’t have a thermometer. Because of that, you should consider purchasing an aquarium thermometer for your fish tank. They’re able to help you check the temperature of the water for both your convenience as well as your fish’s convenience. Here is some helpful information about aquarium thermometers as well as five of the best ones on the market.

Types of Aquarium Thermometers

Digital thermometers

Digital thermometers are typically the most expensive types, and they have a setup that involves a probe that’s paired with a digital display. In addition to that, the probe and digital display are connected by wires, and some may even be wireless. The display on digital thermometers is typically easier to read than it is on other types, and they’re usually either powered by an electrical outlet or batteries.

Floating or standing thermometers

There are less expensive thermometers available on the market that involve the device either standing up inside the tank, attached to the inside of the tank using suction cups, or they’re floating in the water for easier access. These thermometers tend to be more difficult to read and they’re not as accurate.

In addition to that, they are also more fragile than other types of thermometers, since they are produced with more fragile material, like glass. Comparatively, there are also some standing or floating thermometers available that are composed from either plastic or stainless steel material.

Stick-on thermometers

In addition to digital, standing, or floating thermometers, there are also ones capable of sticking on the outside of the aquarium. These devices are also classified as LCD thermometers because of the LCD display that they inhibit, and they’re typically located on the outside of the fish tank on the glass. The temperature reading is best read when it’s viewed straight-on, since the screen doesn’t light up.

Since these thermometers aren’t located inside the actual fish tank, their readings can be less reliable than other types, and they’re even more unreliable if your fish tank is located near a heater, cooler, or near a window. They’re also unreliable if they’re located under grade level.

Benefits of Aquarium Thermometers

Fish are more comfortable

When you have a thermometer for your fish tank, you can maintain a healthy temperature for the water more easily. From that, the fish in the tank will likely be more comfortable in their home.

Tracks the water temperature all the time

Aquarium thermometers don’t usually turn off, so they’re capable of presenting the water temperature 24/7. Because of that, you can conveniently check the water whenever you want without having to wait a few minutes after manually putting a different thermometer into the water.

Cleaner water

If the water in the aquarium is too hot or too cold, then the temperature can negatively affect the quality of the water. For instance, if the water is too hot, it creates a breeding ground for all types of bacteria. From that, your fish are more susceptible to developing certain diseases and infections.

Maintains fish’s health

Not only does keeping the water temperature assist in the cleanliness of the tank, but it also helps maintain your fish’s health, since it prevents disease and infections, and it keeps your fish happy. When your fish are swimming comfortably in their water, then they’re less likely to get sick.

Little maintenance

All aquarium thermometers require in order to operate properly is to be setup and checked every once in a while. Sometimes their batteries die and they require a new charge. But other than that, they require no maintenance at all for your convenience.

Factors to Consider Before Purchasing an Aquarium Thermometer

Size of the tank

It’s important for you to consider what size of a fish tank you have because the water temperature may differ according to the different locations of the tank. For instance, in larger tanks, water in one portion of the tank might represent a different temperature than other portions of the tank. Because of this, people with larger tanks are recommended to consider utilizing several different thermometers so that the water temperature throughout the whole tank can be measured.

On the other hand, other fish tanks of smaller sizes don’t seem to have these problems, since their water is contained in a smaller area.

Type of fish

As mentioned previously, it’s important to consider the different types of fish that you own. Different fish species require varying water environments. Because of that, making sure that you have the water set to a certain temperature for your fish can help them maintain their health.

Tank location

You’re recommended to also consider the location of your tank to find the best aquarium thermometer, since some thermometers are able to function better than others when they’re in different locations. More specifically, if your fish tank is located in the sun near a window, then the temperature of the water may be higher than other locations. Additionally, having your fish tank close to a cooler or a heater can drastically affect the temperature of the water.

It’s also helpful to consider the location of your tank because it maybe more difficult to read the thermometer in some locations. More specifically, some thermometers are extremely difficult to read in the dark or directly in the sunlight.

Location of the thermometer

You should consider where you plan on putting your thermometer, since some are able to offer better readings when they’re placed in specific locations. For instance, if you’re planning on placing your thermometer outside of the water and on the side of the tank, then you should consider purchasing one that’s able to do so while also offering accurate readings as well.

On the other hand, if you’re planning on placing your thermometer inside the water of the tank, then you’ll have to purchase one that’s able to do so while also being easy to read.

Type of fish tank

Lastly, you should also consider what type of fish tank you have, since some thermometers are able to work more effectively with other types of tanks. Most are glass fish tanks, so practically any type of thermometer will work well with a glass material. But some are also plastic, so you’d have to refrain from thermometers that have suction cups.