The Best Aquarium Thermometers for Happy Fish

If you own an aquarium, it is always a good idea to keep tabs on your tank’s water temperature. This is because fish, amphibians, coral, and other aquarium life can thrive or perish depending on the temperature of your tank’s water. Thankfully, there are many great (and budget-friendly) aquarium thermometers on the market today. Here are some we recommend.

Shopping for an Aquarium Thermometer

When picking out your new aquarium thermometer, keep these key factors in mind:

• Tank Style: The style of your tank can be a very important consideration. This is because acrylic tanks can become damaged when using suction cups or adhesives. If you own an acrylic tank, consider a floating thermometer or one that can be easily affixed using another method. At the very least, make sure the thermometer you choose is safe to use with the type of tank that you own.
• Thermometer Style: Each thermometer style comes with its own set of advantages. Digital thermometers are easy to read and more accurate than temperature strips or non-digital options but will require you to replace their batteries in order for them to function over time. Non-digital thermometers are very convenient since they won’t require electricity but must be placed in the water and can be an eyesore. Temperature strips are easy to use and low-profile but will not give you the most accurate temperatures when compared to digital options.
• Features: If you decide to go with a modern digital aquarium thermometer, it may come with some features that can prove to be really helpful. Some can even alert you when the water is not in its ideal temperature range. If you use an aquarium heater or chiller to maintain your tank’s temperature, this can quickly alert you that something is not right with the unit so that you can take quick action.

Best Digital: Neptonion LCD Digital Aquarium Thermometer

If you’re in the market for an accurate, reliable digital aquarium thermometer at the lowest possible price, the Neptonion LCD Digital Aquarium Thermometer is for you. Featuring a large, easy-to-read LCD screen and extra-long probe cable, this thermometer is effortless to set up and mount on your tank. It is also incredibly precise and displays temperatures within 0.1 degrees. Battery life can often be a concern with digital aquarium thermometers, but this model gets the most out of its single LR44 battery, especially when compared to other budget-friendly models.

Best Bang for Your Buck: Marina Floating Thermometer with Suction Cup

For those seeking an inexpensive thermometer for their tropical fish tank, the Marina Floating Thermometer with Suction Cup is an excellent choice. At 4.25 inches tall, this thermometer is very compact while still being easy to read if standing directly in front of the thermometer. It also sports a nifty safety zone indicator that will tell you at a glance if your aquarium water is at a proper temperature for your tropical fish. Given this product’s accurate temperature readings and secure suction cup, this one of the better deals you will find for an aquarium thermometer.

Easy-to-Read Display: Capetsma Aquarium Thermometer

The Capetsma Aquarium Thermometer pairs a large, easy-to-read interface with a clean, minimalist design for one of the most intriguing aquarium thermometers you can find. While these are a step up in the price department compared to our other picks, it’s great for those who don’t want to mess with suction cups or cables and value temperature accuracy above all else. This aquarium thermometer sticks to the outside of your tank, below the waterline, thanks to the included double-sided tape, and even includes high and low-temperature warnings that you can set yourself. It also comes with an extra battery and makes it easy to quickly determine your water temperature.

Best Temperature Strips: Orangelight Traditional Stick-on Aquarium Thermometers (10 Pcs)

For those seeking high-quality temperature strips, we have you covered! These Orangelight Traditional Stick-on Aquarium Thermometers come in sets of ten and are much easier to read than other temperature strip options for an accurate water temperature. Featuring a temperature range of 64 to 93 degrees Fahrenheit, these strips are a great option for those with multiple tanks, as well as those who prefer a simple, less flashy means to determine their aquarium’s water temperature. These temperature strips also sport a super-strong adhesive, so you will have no problem getting one to stick to your tank for the long haul.

Best Multi-Pack: VIVOSUN 4-Pack LCD Digital Aquarium Thermometer

If you have multiple aquariums and want to ensure they are all kept at the perfect temperature, the VIVOSUN LCD Digital Aquarium Thermometers are an amazing choice. These thermometers are very accurate and feature large, easy-to-read LCD displays that allow you to easily switch between Fahrenheit and centigrade temperatures. Each thermometer comes with two suction cups (one for attaching the cable, the other for the thermometer itself), as well as a nearly 2-foot-long cable, so these are very easy to affix even to extra-large tanks.