I have seen thousands of different aquariums in my 30+ years of fishkeeping. But I can count on one hand the number I have seen with heater guards.
While heater guards might not be common, there is no denying that they are a very useful piece of aquarium equipment – in certain circumstances, at least.
Today, I am going to teach you everything you need to know about heater guards and even show you one that fits most heaters on the market.
Contents
What is a heater guard?
Typically made of plastic, a heater guard is a plastic cover that slides over your aquarium heater.
The holes in the cover aren’t just for looks. They allow the heater to warm the water as usual. Without these holes, your heater wouldn’t be as effective.
Think of a heater guard as a shield for your aquarium. It adds an extra layer of protection for you and your fish.
Do you need an aquarium heater guard?
Heater guards are perhaps one of the most situationally useful aquarium products around.
Does everyone need one? Definitely not.
But there are a few circumstances where adding some protection to your aquarium heater could be useful…
1. To protect your heater
Glass. It’s fragile. Unfortunately, it’s the material of choice for many aquarium heaters. I don’t have to tell you that it’s no match for heavy aquarium decorations, such as rocks.
Let’s say you bump a rock while cleaning your tank, if it falls against your heater, there is good chance it will shatter. And, you don’t want to spend your afternoon picking shards of glass out of your aquarium, right?
If you are clumsy, or have your heater against decorations that could fall, a heater guard could be a handy piece of equipment.
But if it was up to me, I’d recommend that you buy a shatter-proof heater instead, such as the Cobalt Neo-Therm.
2. To protect dumb fish
Most fish won’t even go near your heater. They know better. But some are not so bright…
Years ago, I had a pleco. His name was Potato… This is what happens when your three-year-old daughter names your fish! Anyway, it turned out that he was as bright as his name.
You see, even with all the different hiding spots I had in my tank, he loved nothing more than hiding behind the aquarium heater. And yeah, he got burned. Badly.
Ouch!
After a few weeks in a hospital tank, I returned him to his home. An hour later, he was back behind the heater.
Anyway, long story short… To save this dumb pleco from himself, I had to buy a heater guard so that he wasn’t pressed up against the hot outer glass of the heater.
Other fish, like oscars, have even been known to attack aquarium heaters.
This is pretty much the only scenario where I recommend buying a heater guard. Alternatively, you could always try an inline heater, which is a heater that sits on the outside of your tank. Your fish won’t be able to get to that!
3. To protect you
How much do you like your hands? Lots? I thought so!
Brushing against your heater by accident can be painful.
If you are clumsy, a heater guard could save you from a nasty burn. However, I would suggest using a good pair of gloves instead.
Aquarium heater guard review
I’ll be straight up. When it comes to heater guards, there are not a lot of choices. In fact, when writing this guide, there was only one design on the market.
Seeing nothing to lose, I decided to try my luck with a generic heater guard by Uxcell.
This one, to be precise…
Straight up, I was put off by how long this thing is. At 16.5 inches long, it was waaaaaaaay longer than my aquarium heater.
Fortunately, this heater guard is adjustable. You see, it is made up of multiple pieces, allowing you to adjust the length to that of your heater.
At first, it didn’t feel like the pieces were going to come apart without breaking. But a quick tug was all it took to separate each section of the guard.
Here is what it looks like when all the pieces are separated…
First, you have the top piece…
The top piece is the largest, measuring 3.64 inches. It also has a cut out, allowing you to view the temperature settings on certain aquarium heaters.
Next up are the middle pieces…
All told, there are four of these in the box. Each piece measures 2.4 inches.
Finally, you have the bottom piece…
Measuring 3.54 inches, this piece caps off the heater guard.
I was impressed by the modular design. It allows you to mix and match the pieces in any order you choose to fit your specific aquarium heater.
Check it out…
So, I grabbed the nearest aquarium heater to me, a 150W Hydor Theo, and set about creating a heater guard to fit it.
And in less than a minute, I was done. Now all that was left was to slide the heater inside…
It effortlessly slid inside.
However, it didn’t quite reach the end of the guard…
Not that this was an issue. With the heater held firmly in place inside the guard, I simply needed to set up my protected heater in my aquarium.
And I was happy with the results. The suction cups held strong, the guard didn’t melt and the heater was now shielded. Everything I could ask for in a heater guard!
There is no denying that it’s easy to be the best heater guard when there is no competition. But even so, I was satisfied with how well it worked.
Want this heater guard for your heater? Grab it here.
Diving into the World of Aquarium Heater Guards: My Experience and FAQs
As we wrap up our discussion on aquarium care, it’s time to address some common queries about a crucial aspect many overlook – aquarium heater guards. Based on my own tank adventures and a few mishaps, I’ve compiled these FAQs to help you navigate this topic with ease. Let’s dive in and clear up some common questions about these nifty tank protectors.
What’s an Aquarium Heater Guard Anyway?
Think of it as a cozy, protective jacket for your fish tank heater. Made of plastic, these guards slip over the heater with holes for heat to escape. It’s like a shield for both your heater and the finned friends swimming around.
Is an Aquarium Heater Cover a Must-Have?
Well, it depends on your setup. If you’ve got curious fish that like to play bumper cars or decorations that might clash with a glass heater, then yes, a heater guard is a smart move. Plus, if you’re as clumsy as I am around the tank, it’s a real lifesaver!
Can It Prevent Heater Burn on Fish?
Absolutely! Ever had a fish like my dear ‘Potato’ who just doesn’t understand personal space? A heater guard keeps these not-so-bright swimmers from getting too cozy and burning themselves on the heater. It’s like a buffer zone for peace of mind.
Got Any Specific Heater Guard Recommendations?
Options are a bit limited, but I’ve had good luck with the Uxcell generic heater guard. It’s adjustable and fits snugly on most heaters. Plus, it’s pretty easy to put together, so no headaches there.
What About DIY Heater Guard Options?
Oh yes, for the DIY enthusiasts out there, making your own heater guard is totally doable. Just ensure your materials are aquarium-safe and won’t leach anything funky into the water. The key is balancing heat distribution and safety.
Best Aquarium Vacuum to Use With a Heater Guard?
Choosing a vacuum isn’t really impacted by the heater guard. Pick one that matches your tank size and substrate type. The best aquarium vacuums clean effectively without turning your tank (and heater guard) into a whirlpool.
Installing an Aquarium Heater Guard: How-To?
It’s pretty straightforward. Slide your heater into the guard and adjust the length as necessary. Just make sure the whole heater is covered for maximum protection. It’s like putting on a sleeve.
Do Heater Guards Fit All Heater Types?
Mostly, yes. They’re designed to be one-size-fits-all. But I’d advise checking the dimensions against your heater just to be sure. Some, like the Uxcell, have a modular design that’s pretty adaptable.
So there you have it – a quick rundown on aquarium heater guards from my own experience. They might not be the most glamorous accessory in your aquarium, but they’re definitely among the best investments for your aquatic pals’ safety.
Conclusion
Again, a heater guard definitely isn’t for everyone.
More often than not, the very job of the heater guard can be replaced with more functional equipment, such as gloves or a shatter-proof heater.
But if you have a fish that is in love with your heater, then it may be your only choice.
Do you use a heater guard in your aquarium? Let me know in the comments below!
Ian Sterling, founder of Fishlab.com, began his aquarium journey over 30 years ago, driven by a deep fascination for fish and their diverse personalities. His website, Fishlab.com, is dedicated to making fishkeeping accessible and enjoyable, offering beginner-friendly guidance, expert insights, and a community for aquarists to connect and share experiences.
Comments (2)
Hi Ian,
Do you think this guard would fit a Eheim 100W Thermocontrol?
HI Gayle,
Unfortunately, I think the Eheim at 100W is just that bit too big for it.