How important is a heater?

[turboGarrett]

Within the last few months my cheapo 300 watt heater quit working in my 300 gallon tank and I did not notice. I used to keep the temp ~80, it has been at 72-73 for at least a month or two. Room temperature is around 70, probably picks up a couple * from the pump motor. I have noticed zero problems with the fish since.

Will this low of a temperature cause any long term health problems for my fish? Stock list is in my sig. Not interested in breeding anything.

It would be nice to keep going without a heater and save myself some $$ in energy costs.

 

[red devil123]

my heater died 2 weeks before I noticed it in my oscar tank and I did not see any change in behavior and the temp in the tank dropped almost 10 degrees so I would think it depends on the type of fish your keeping

 

[Chicklette]

You need it to stay stable so a heater is necessary. A heater keeps the water at a stable level.

 

[phillydog1958]

In the summer, you can often get by without a heater. You live in cold Wisconsin, so you will need to have one by fall.

 

[Ray'Oconner]

Just A Tip For Everyone.. Most fishes can tk a heighten change in temps.. Ranging frm 4-10 degrees celcius.. but a dip in the temps will be devastating for ur fishes.. So i would keep a heater in no matter the situation..

 

[turboGarrett]

It stays between 72-73*, the temp is very stable, just lower than "recommended" for my fish.

Not having to power a 300w heater on could save a couple hundred dollars a year in energy use.

 

[leather]

Your aro will do much better with higher temp. You are also asking for a ick epidemic. Buy a heater, it costs less than a fish, and set it at least 75. If your heat goes off in the winter for any length of time you'll be glad you had a buffer.

 

[scalesandfins]

i noticed the same thing with my 100 gallon. but my apartment stays about 78-80 due to all the snakes. well i keep it there bc they are there more than me so i figured they should be more comfy

 

[Ray'Oconner]

It stays between 72-73*, the temp is very stable, just lower than "recommended" for my fish.

Not having to power a 300w heater on could save a couple hundred dollars a year in energy use.

Saving a few hundred.. When winter hits u.. u will need to spend thousands to replenish wat u might possibly lose.. i would nvr risk that.. IMO.. a heater den spend the money buying ur priceless babies all over again..

 

[TheCanuck]

It stays between 72-73*, the temp is very stable, just lower than "recommended" for my fish.

Not having to power a 300w heater on could save a couple hundred dollars a year in energy use.

maybe you should have tested the water temp in your place without a heater. Then bought fish that where recommended for that temperature.