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.
Reviews Of The Best Aquarium Thermometers
1. Zacro LCD Digital Aquarium Thermometer
The Zacro digital thermometer is classified as the best aquarium thermometer because it only requires that you submerge a probe into the water in order to measure the temperate of the water. Not only that, but you can conveniently apply the suction cup to the side of the tank in order to easily read the temperature readings of the thermometer.
In addition to that, this is the best aquarium thermometer because it has a large digital display screen that’s extremely easy to read. This thermometer is able to read water temperatures that range anywhere from -50 degrees Celsius to 70 degrees Celsius.
Pros
- Reads temperatures from -50 to 70 degrees Celsius
- Contains an easy-to-read digital display screen
- Comes with two thermometers for different sides of the tank
Cons
⊗Wire connecting device and probe isn’t very long
2. RISEPRO Aquarium Thermometer
The RISEPRO is labeled as the best thermometer because it’s extremely easy to setup, since it only requires that the display is mounted over the tank and the sensor probe into the water. Not only that, but this thermometer is the best thermometer because it’s able to accurately measure the temperature of water anywhere from -58 to 158 degrees Fahrenheit.
Furthermore, this is the best thermometer because it’s suitable to fit a wide range of fish tanks, including fresh water, tap water, salt water, and marine water tanks. It’s even great for people that have to measure water for reptile pets.
Pros
- Measures -58 to 158 degrees Fahrenheit
- Temperatures can easily be switched between Celsius and Fahrenheit
- Easy setup
Cons
⊗Loses its accuracy over time
3. American Thermal Horizontal Aquarium Thermometer
This product is defined as the best thermometer because it’s able to provide accurate readings of any fish tank. Not only that, but it presents an easy-to-read display screen that’s able to be read practically anywhere.
Moreover, this thermometer is mounted on the outside of your fish tank and can be moved to anywhere that you want for your convenience. Additionally, it also represents a horizontal reading for an even easier experience for you when you want to see the temperature of the water in your fish tank.
Pros
- Affordable
- Easy to read
- Can be moved to anywhere on the outside of the fish tank
Cons
⊗Doesn’t always provide the most accurate readings, depending on its location
4. JW Pet Company Smarttemp Thermometer Aquarium Accessory
This JW Pet Company device is labeled as the best thermometer because it’s able to be setup on the inside of the water in your fish tank, giving it the ability to provide the most accurate temperature readings possible. More specifically, this thermometer can be mounted on the inside of your fish tank by a magnet that’s located on the outside of the tank.
Furthermore, this is the best thermometer because it doesn’t require suction cups and it’s easy to read with large numbers. Not only that, but this device contains the ability to display green colors when the water temperature is within safe limits.
Pros
- Cheapest product on the list
- Provides the most accurate readings, since it’s located on the inside of the water
- Requires no suction cups
Cons
⊗More difficult to read, since the temperature has to be read from straight-on
5. General Tools In and Out Aquarium Thermometer
This General Tools device is classified as the best thermometer because it’s able to measure the temperature of water ranging anywhere from -58 to 158 degrees Fahrenheit. Not only that, but this device has both minimum and maximum memory as well as a high and low temperature alarm.
Likewise, this aquarium thermometer involves a toggle that’s between the remote sensor as well as the thermometer. It also has a backlight display that provides for easy reading.
Pros
- Measures temperatures ranging from -58 to 158 degrees Fahrenheit
- Contains a backlight display for easy reading
- Includes a high and low temperature alarm
Cons
⊗More expensive than some of the other products on this list
Conclusion
Overall, every product reviewed in this list has the ability to offer you a variety of beneficial features, including the ability to check the temperature of any type of water tank at any time of the day. Since each of these products are able to simply display the temperature of water at any time, you should check out any of these products.
But it can be difficult to choose the best product for your specific needs. Given that you’re most recommended to purchase product #4: JW Pet Company Smarttemp Thermometer Aquarium Accessory because it’s able to offer you the best benefits while also being extremely affordable.
More specifically, this thermometer is able to provide the most accurate readings, since it’s mounted on the inside of your fish tank and lights up green when the temperature is within health limits. Given these benefits, you should check out this aquarium thermometer on the market.

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