

AquaEl Flow Inline Aquarium Heater – 300W & 500W
- Ships via UPS.
- Calculated at checkout.
- Usually ships in 1 to 3 business days.
AquaEl Manufacturer Warranty
Aquarium, livestock, and canister filter sold separately. Photos show packaging artwork for size and feature reference.
The AquaEl Flow is an external inline aquarium heater that mounts on the return hose of a canister filter, so there is no heater inside the tank. Heated water is mixed in the hose and returned evenly through the aquarium. That keeps the display clear on a TRUVU acrylic tank and pairs naturally with an AquaEl UltraMax canister filter. Choose the 300W model for 26–160 gallon aquariums or the 500W model for 80–265 gallon aquariums. Both sizes are rated for freshwater and saltwater.
Features
- Heats outside the tank: the Flow mounts on the canister filter return hose, so nothing hangs in the aquarium. Your aquascape and viewing panel stay clear.
- Even temperature: because the heater sits on the outgoing hose, warmed water is mixed and distributed as it re-enters the tank.
- Smart Heating System (SHS): AquaEl's intelligent power control adjusts output to the aquarium and conditions, so temperature stays steady and the heater uses only the energy it needs.
- LED set and current temperature: the display shows the temperature you programmed and the current water temperature.
- One Touch control: change the set temperature with a single button.
- Precise range: holds temperature to ±0.9°F (±0.5°C) from 68 to 91°F (20 to 33°C).
- Safety shutoff: electronic temperature sensors help protect against overheating and automatically turn the heater off if water flow stops.
- Fits common canister hoses: works on 16/22 mm (5/8 in ID) or 19/25 mm (3/4 in ID) hoses, including both UltraMax sizes.
- Freshwater or saltwater: AquaEl rates the Flow for both freshwater and marine aquariums.
Sizes & Specs
| Spec | Flow 300W | Flow 500W |
|---|---|---|
| Fits aquariums | 26–160 gal (100–600 L) | 80–265 gal (300–1,000 L) |
| Power | 300 W | 500 W |
| Temperature range | 68–91°F (20–33°C) | 68–91°F (20–33°C) |
| Accuracy | ±0.9°F (±0.5°C) | ±0.9°F (±0.5°C) |
| Hose size (ID / OD) | 16/22 mm (5/8 in) or 19/25 mm (3/4 in) | 16/22 mm (5/8 in) or 19/25 mm (3/4 in) |
| Installation | External, on the canister filter return hose | External, on the canister filter return hose |
| Freshwater / saltwater | Yes | Yes |
| SKU | AE38146 | AE38147 |
Specs from AquaEl USA (Flow Heater 2.0). Gallon ranges are AquaEl's heater capacity ratings, not tank freight sizes. AquaEl may update parts and ratings between production runs.
What's in the Box
- AquaEl Flow inline aquarium heater (wattage you select)
- Two mounting brackets
- Hose clamping nuts, plus hose adapters and fittings as packed by AquaEl
- AquaEl instruction manual
Aquarium not included. Canister filter and hoses sold separately.
FAQ
Which Flow size do I need for my TRUVU tank?
Choose the 300W (26–160 gal) for most TRUVU aquariums from about 50 to 125 gallons. Choose the 500W (80–265 gal) for larger tanks, including our 125 and 125L and up, or when you want more heating capacity. In the overlap range (about 80–160 gallons), either size can work; the 500W has more headroom. Not sure which one fits your tank? Contact us before you order.
How is the Flow heater installed?
It installs outside the aquarium on the return (outlet) hose of an external canister filter. There is nothing to place in the tank, so a TRUVU closed top stays clear. See the AquaEl manual for the exact hose setup.
Will it work with an AquaEl UltraMax canister filter?
Yes. The Flow accepts both 16/22 mm (5/8 in) and 19/25 mm (3/4 in) hoses, which matches the UltraMax 1000 and UltraMax 2000. It can also be used with other canister filters that use those hose sizes. Browse our canister filters and aquarium heaters.
Can I use it on a saltwater tank?
Yes. AquaEl rates the Flow for both freshwater and marine aquariums. Shop our freshwater acrylic fish tanks and saltwater aquariums.
What warranty does it have?
The Flow heater is covered by AquaEl's manufacturer warranty. Please see the AquaEl packaging and manual for details. TRUVU does not provide a separate warranty on AquaEl products.
Pairs well with

AquaEl Flow Inline Aquarium Heater – 300W & 500W

