Fluval M Series Heater
The Fluval M Series is positioned as the premium, digitally controlled heater in this group — it offers precise temperature control, a slim profile, and rapid recovery that make it well suited to sustained elevated-temperature Ich treatment protocols where tight setpoint stability matters. Compared with the more mechanical Eheim or budget Aqueon, the M Series trades a higher purchase price for a clearer display, programmable features and faster response; when paired with an external controller like the Inkbird it delivers industry-leading accuracy and safety for critical heat cycles.
Quick warm-up
Slim LED flair
Quick warm-up
Slim LED flair
Review Summary
"Users praise the Fluval M Series for its sleek metal housing, low profile, and generally reliable temperature hold; a minority report occasional calibration drift over very long-term use."
Micro-precise control
Slim submersible design fits behind decor for quarantine tanks and raises temperature steadily for short-term Ich treatments.
Micro-precise control
Slim submersible design fits behind decor for quarantine tanks and raises temperature steadily for short-term Ich treatments.
Increased Safety & Security
Time-Saving Convenience
The Fluval M Series is positioned as the premium, digitally controlled heater in this group — it offers precise temperature control, a slim profile, and rapid recovery that make it well suited to sustained elevated-temperature Ich treatment protocols where tight setpoint stability matters. Compared with the more mechanical Eheim or budget Aqueon, the M Series trades a higher purchase price for a clearer display, programmable features and faster response; when paired with an external controller like the Inkbird it delivers industry-leading accuracy and safety for critical heat cycles.
Quick warm-up
Slim LED flair
Micro-precise control
Slim submersible design fits behind decor for quarantine tanks and raises temperature steadily for short-term Ich treatments.
Integrated adjustable thermostat with clear markings gives repeatable setpoints useful when holding higher treatment temps.
Quick warm-up
Slim LED flair
Micro-precise control
Slim submersible design fits behind decor for quarantine tanks and raises temperature steadily for short-term Ich treatments.
Integrated adjustable thermostat with clear markings gives repeatable setpoints useful when holding higher treatment temps.
Eheim Jager TruTemp Heater
The Eheim Jager TruTemp is a long-standing, reliable submerged glass heater known for robust thermostatic control and steady performance during extended heat-treatment runs for Ich. It is technically simpler and often less expensive than premium digital units like the Fluval M, offering proven durability and ease-of-use for hobbyists who prefer a set-and-forget solution or who want a dependable heater when used alongside an external controller such as the Inkbird.
Trusted accuracy
Rugged German grin
Trusted accuracy
Rugged German grin
Review Summary
"Owners consistently praise the Eheim Jager TruTemp for rock-solid reliability, precise temperature control, and long lifespan, with very few failures reported even after years of use."
Easy TruTemp dial
Trusted glass heater with a reliable built-in thermostat for steady maintenance of target temperatures during Ich heat treatments.
Easy TruTemp dial
Trusted glass heater with a reliable built-in thermostat for steady maintenance of target temperatures during Ich heat treatments.
Skill Development & Mastery
Increased Safety & Security
The Eheim Jager TruTemp is a long-standing, reliable submerged glass heater known for robust thermostatic control and steady performance during extended heat-treatment runs for Ich. It is technically simpler and often less expensive than premium digital units like the Fluval M, offering proven durability and ease-of-use for hobbyists who prefer a set-and-forget solution or who want a dependable heater when used alongside an external controller such as the Inkbird.
Trusted accuracy
Rugged German grin
Easy TruTemp dial
Trusted glass heater with a reliable built-in thermostat for steady maintenance of target temperatures during Ich heat treatments.
Wide wattage range options allow appropriate heater sizing for small to medium quarantine tanks to reach treatment temps quickly.
Trusted accuracy
Rugged German grin
Easy TruTemp dial
Trusted glass heater with a reliable built-in thermostat for steady maintenance of target temperatures during Ich heat treatments.
Wide wattage range options allow appropriate heater sizing for small to medium quarantine tanks to reach treatment temps quickly.
$45-85 CAD
Aqueon Pro Adjustable Heater
The Aqueon Pro Adjustable Heater is the budget-friendly choice for Ich heat-treatment protocols, delivering acceptable temperature control and an affordable entry price for single-tank treatments or temporary use. While it lacks the finer digital accuracy of Cobalt or Fluval units, its low cost and straightforward adjustable thermostat make it an economical option for short-term heat cycles or as a spare in multi-tank setups.
Guarded casing
Tool-free adjust
Guarded casing
Tool-free adjust
Review Summary
"Buyers appreciate the Aqueon Pro Adjustable for its affordability and basic functionality, but many note less precise control and a higher incidence of failures compared with premium heaters."
Indicator lamp wink
Affordable adjustable heater with protective guard, suitable for short-term heat treatments where budget is a concern.
Indicator lamp wink
Affordable adjustable heater with protective guard, suitable for short-term heat treatments where budget is a concern.
Time-Saving Convenience
Increased Safety & Security
The Aqueon Pro Adjustable Heater is the budget-friendly choice for Ich heat-treatment protocols, delivering acceptable temperature control and an affordable entry price for single-tank treatments or temporary use. While it lacks the finer digital accuracy of Cobalt or Fluval units, its low cost and straightforward adjustable thermostat make it an economical option for short-term heat cycles or as a spare in multi-tank setups.
Guarded casing
Tool-free adjust
Indicator lamp wink
Affordable adjustable heater with protective guard, suitable for short-term heat treatments where budget is a concern.
Auto-thermostat maintains set temperature without external controls, making quick setup for Ich protocols simple.
Guarded casing
Tool-free adjust
Indicator lamp wink
Affordable adjustable heater with protective guard, suitable for short-term heat treatments where budget is a concern.
Auto-thermostat maintains set temperature without external controls, making quick setup for Ich protocols simple.
$25-55 CAD
Cobalt Aquatics Neo-Therm Heater
The Cobalt Neo-Therm balances precision and value with a fast-response digital thermostat and a compact, durable design that holds temperatures tightly during elevated-heat Ich treatments. Technically it sits between the premium Fluval and the basic Aqueon — offering finer control and faster recovery than budget heaters at a mid-range price, while still allowing hobbyists to pair it with an external controller like the Inkbird for redundancy and advanced scheduling.
Titanium build
External pro-tweak
Titanium build
External pro-tweak
Review Summary
"The Cobalt Aquatics Neo-Therm is highly regarded for accurate, stable temps and compact, durable construction; enthusiasts favor it for long-term stability despite a higher price."
Rapid response
Titanium element and external/inline design resist corrosion and are ideal for saltwater and freshwater heat treatments.
Rapid response
Titanium element and external/inline design resist corrosion and are ideal for saltwater and freshwater heat treatments.
Skill Development & Mastery
Increased Safety & Security
The Cobalt Neo-Therm balances precision and value with a fast-response digital thermostat and a compact, durable design that holds temperatures tightly during elevated-heat Ich treatments. Technically it sits between the premium Fluval and the basic Aqueon — offering finer control and faster recovery than budget heaters at a mid-range price, while still allowing hobbyists to pair it with an external controller like the Inkbird for redundancy and advanced scheduling.
Titanium build
External pro-tweak
Rapid response
Titanium element and external/inline design resist corrosion and are ideal for saltwater and freshwater heat treatments.
External placement and higher watt density enable faster water temperature recovery during intentional heat raises for Ich.
Titanium build
External pro-tweak
Rapid response
Titanium element and external/inline design resist corrosion and are ideal for saltwater and freshwater heat treatments.
External placement and higher watt density enable faster water temperature recovery during intentional heat raises for Ich.
$140-240 CAD
Inkbird ITC-308 Temperature Controller
The Inkbird ITC-308 is not a heater but an affordable, versatile temperature controller that transforms any standard heater into a precise, programmable device for Ich heat-treatment protocols, enabling accurate setpoints, hysteresis control and alarm functions at a fraction of the cost of fully integrated premium heaters. Compared to standalone thermostat heaters (Fluval, Eheim, Aqueon, Cobalt), the ITC-308’s technical advantage is its universal compatibility and reproducible control — the most cost-effective way to achieve laboratory-grade stability across multiple tanks.
Dual outlets
Set-and-forget cycles
Dual outlets
Set-and-forget cycles
Review Summary
"The Inkbird ITC-308 is widely viewed as an inexpensive, easy-to-configure temperature controller that reliably automates heater/ chiller switching; some users note limitations for complex setups and recommend careful wiring."
Audible alarm chirp
Plug-and-play temperature controller lets you set exact treatment setpoints and switch a heater on/off to hold elevated Ich protocol temps.
Audible alarm chirp
Plug-and-play temperature controller lets you set exact treatment setpoints and switch a heater on/off to hold elevated Ich protocol temps.
Time-Saving Convenience
Skill Development & Mastery
Increased Safety & Security
The Inkbird ITC-308 is not a heater but an affordable, versatile temperature controller that transforms any standard heater into a precise, programmable device for Ich heat-treatment protocols, enabling accurate setpoints, hysteresis control and alarm functions at a fraction of the cost of fully integrated premium heaters. Compared to standalone thermostat heaters (Fluval, Eheim, Aqueon, Cobalt), the ITC-308’s technical advantage is its universal compatibility and reproducible control — the most cost-effective way to achieve laboratory-grade stability across multiple tanks.
Dual outlets
Set-and-forget cycles
Audible alarm chirp
Plug-and-play temperature controller lets you set exact treatment setpoints and switch a heater on/off to hold elevated Ich protocol temps.
Dual-mode (heating/cooling) relay and included probe provide straightforward automation and safety for prolonged treatments.
Dual outlets
Set-and-forget cycles
Audible alarm chirp
Plug-and-play temperature controller lets you set exact treatment setpoints and switch a heater on/off to hold elevated Ich protocol temps.
Dual-mode (heating/cooling) relay and included probe provide straightforward automation and safety for prolonged treatments.
$40-80 CAD