Most all aquariums require temperature control. Fish, coral, and invertebrates have specific water temperatures requirements in order to live. IE: If a tropical water fish is kept in water that is too cold, they will get disease, have lowered metabolisms, and will die. If a coral is kept in water that is too warm, their flesh will decay and essentially appear to melt away. Goldfish, Koi, and Betta Fish are about the only common aquarium fish that can be kept without the aid of heating and cooling equipment.

HEATERS:

Aquarium Illusions carries a wide range of heaters from 25 watt up to 1000 watts. They carry glass and titanium models, as well as models with separate controllers. Aquarium Illusions is very selective in the models they carry and test them for accuracy and dependability,

Most freshwater Tropical freshwater fish do best at temperatures of 79 – 80 F
Most freshwater Cichlids or Discus do best at temperatures around 80 – 82 F
Saltwater fish (fish only tanks) do best at temperatures around 78 – 79 F
Saltwater reef tanks (fish, coral & invertebrates) do best at temperatures around 78-79 F
Lobster, Crab and Shellfish tanks do best at temperatures around 50 – 60 F

Even tanks with chillers, still require heaters for balancing the temperature control. The heater/chiller controller will ‘kick in’ the temperature control method needed to balance the temperature to the ‘set’ rate.

For larger systems or more delicate systems such as reef tanks or discus tanks, it is advisable to have more than one heater. It is better to have you heater slightly oversized than too small. Please read the manufacturers operating instructions for all heating devices.

Heater Brands we currently carry are:
Heaters: Hydor, Finnex, Blueline, plus Controllers

CHILLERS

Chillers are often needed for Saltwater Reef tanks or any aquarium where the ambient temperature, lighting, equipment, etc. causes the aquarium water to heat above levels conducive to livestock health. Ocean inhabitants are not used to temperature fluctuations, and do best when the water temperature is controlled and stable.

Shellfish such as lobsters and crabs, require cold water to live. The systems you see at your location grocery store are being cooled by chillers. Chillers are sized according to the volume of water, and the number of degrees the water
will be pulled down too (below room temperature). It is important to size the chiller appropriately so the chiller isn’t working too hard, or it is not kicking in often enough to keep a consistent flow of temperate consistent water.

Aquarium Illusions only carries Chillers we have experience with over many years and they have proven their reliability. We normally stock chillers of 1/4, 1/3, and ½ HP. If you require a chiller of ¾ HP or larger, we will order it in for you.

Our experienced Service Representatives can assist you with choosing the best heater or best chiller for your aquarium size and livestock temperature requirements.

Chiller Brands we currently carry are:
Chillers: Universal Marine Industries, AquaEuro USA, Current USA