How to heat a micro aquarium

[jason the filter freak]

I'm wondering how anyone heats a micro aquarium? 0.5-1.0 gallon I think even 5 watts may be too much at a 74-76 ambient temp.

[tpallas]

I wonder if a heating pad would work?

[DaJMasta]

I've got a 5W always on heater in a 3.7G tank and it's about right to raise things from room to tropical level with the low power circulation pump.  It would actually be worth setting it up without anything and seeing - especially if you're getting decent flow for the size, a few watts of dissipation from the pump would probably be enough.  Of course that only works with a relatively stable room temperature, otherwise a heater controller and a 5W always on would probably do well (only one layer of safety, though).

 

While it's a more extreme example, I know the maxijet I use in my 5G bucket for fresh saltwater are enough, on their own, to raise the water temperature above 80F with the lid on, so maybe 50-100gph worth of pump in that tank would actually heat it plenty.

Edited August 16, 2021 by DaJMasta