Your fish are tropical species. They need the heater espicially in winter. I am in Michigan and would not do without a heater, I don't have a heater on my 39 hex but it has a giant black moor and a large comet but they can handle very cold water. The biggest peomblem like was said is an ick outbreak as is loves room temperature.
How important is a heater?
- Thread starter turboGarrett
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I am concerned about ick as my bass is still stuck on feeders. Think I will try a small submersible heater in my sump, maybe 100 watts and try to get it up at least a few degrees.
I will have a standby generator with auto transfer switch on order so power outages will not be a concern.
I will have a standby generator with auto transfer switch on order so power outages will not be a concern.
This time around do an actual investment and buy a quality 300 watt heater. This way, you won't have to replace them for a long time. Two of mine have been working for 8 years. Even if you only have to use it in the winter months, its still a good investment.
buy a heater right now!!!! get a 300watt. cutting corners is what hurts you in the long run. if the fish in the tank die or get ill, then you just lost more money than you would to buy a small heater. i got a 300watt for my 120gallon for $28
http://michaelbluejay.com/electricity/howmuch.html
Just so you can see "hundreds" is a little exagerated for a heater.
My tank stays 6 degrees warmer in the summer, no direct sunlight.
A heater is needed for long term health for tropical fish.
Just so you can see "hundreds" is a little exagerated for a heater.
My tank stays 6 degrees warmer in the summer, no direct sunlight.
A heater is needed for long term health for tropical fish.
i think it depends on what you are using the heater FOR. like what kind of fish or other aquatic animal (frog, turtle, eel, crab, etc)
The heater I had was a cheap odyessea (sp?) I will look into a better model for the next one. Any recommendations?
I originally had a floating thermometer, took it out fearing the aro which has quickly grown to ~12" might try to eat it. Went without for awhile and picked up a digital one with a small probe in my overflow, that's when I noticed the heater was not working.
I do not believe my fish are in immediate grave danger as all are active, feeding, growing like crazy and showing great color. Just thinking maybe these fish can thrive in wider temperature ranges than most people think.
As far as the cost to run a 300w heater, at 15cents/ kwh it could cost hundreds a year if that element is energized for more than half the day. Nothing wrong with trying to save money imo IF it won't harm the fish.
I originally had a floating thermometer, took it out fearing the aro which has quickly grown to ~12" might try to eat it. Went without for awhile and picked up a digital one with a small probe in my overflow, that's when I noticed the heater was not working.
I do not believe my fish are in immediate grave danger as all are active, feeding, growing like crazy and showing great color. Just thinking maybe these fish can thrive in wider temperature ranges than most people think.
As far as the cost to run a 300w heater, at 15cents/ kwh it could cost hundreds a year if that element is energized for more than half the day. Nothing wrong with trying to save money imo IF it won't harm the fish.
