How important is a heater?

[Brian_Indiana]

I wouldn't consider a 300 watt heater big enough for a 300 gallon. I have a 300 watt heater in each of my 90's and two in my 150.

 

[packer43064]

In the summer months I take my heater out. The fish have always been fine, never had a problem. In the winter though you will need one.

 

[maddisca]

lower than recommended temps will cause stress to the fish ,higher stress levels are an invitation for any disease

 

[lujor]

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

If house temp is stable tho, it doesnt really matter. I kept a large tropical fw community tank with no heater successfully for many years. Also, I read in TFH that with many fish lower temps can reduce aggression.

 

[yogurt_21]

In the summer months I take my heater out. The fish have always been fine, never had a problem. In the winter though you will need one.

saw this twice in the thread and umm this doens't compute.

in the summer the A/c is on making you house cooler (typically) than it is in the winter when the heater is on.

unless you're all using single room fireplaces or something.

 

[lujor]

If u keep your house temp at around 72 in the winter and there are no drafts, you don't have to have one- especially if it is getting a degree or two from your filter motor. The only way winter temp could hurt is if you keep your house pretty cold, tank is by a door, or power goes out (in which case your heater wont work). I am speakingfrom experience: had healthy growing fish in water that was often just under 70 for extended periods of time. Plus, colder water= more O2, less aggression, slower metabolism (less food & less poo)/slower growth (good or bad thing), less electricity, etc. I use heaters now, but not because I feel like I MUST. Just my opinion.

 

[lujor]

saw this twice in the thread and umm this doens't compute.

in the summer the A/c is on making you house cooler (typically) than it is in the winter when the heater is on.

unless you're all using single room fireplaces or something.

We will forgive u since u live in AZ, but in winter u spend money and run heater to keep from freezing. U pay for every degree above outside temp, so u leave house cooler and wear a sweater. In summer, just the opposite: u pay for every degree below outside temp, so u leave house a little warmer and wear shorts.

 

[packer43064]

saw this twice in the thread and umm this doens't compute.

in the summer the A/c is on making you house cooler (typically) than it is in the winter when the heater is on.

unless you're all using single room fireplaces or something.

We will forgive u since u live in AZ, but in winter u spend money and run heater to keep from freezing. U pay for every degree above outside temp, so u leave house cooler and wear a sweater. In summer, just the opposite: u pay for every degree below outside temp, so u leave house a little warmer and wear shorts.

Thank you Lujor. That's exactly it. It's all about the money. My tanks usually are around 80F during the summer. It might drop 2-3 degrees at night and gain that back during the day. If 2-3 degrees is going to stress them out that much then what the hell do they do in the wild? lol

 

[Egon]

Not important at all. I live in Phoenix

 

[packer43064]

If u keep your house temp at around 72 in the winter and there are no drafts, you don't have to have one- especially if it is getting a degree or two from your filter motor. The only way winter temp could hurt is if you keep your house pretty cold, tank is by a door, or power goes out (in which case your heater wont work). I am speakingfrom experience: had healthy growing fish in water that was often just under 70 for extended periods of time. Plus, colder water= more O2, less aggression, slower metabolism (less food & less poo)/slower growth (good or bad thing), less electricity, etc. I use heaters now, but not because I feel like I MUST. Just my opinion.

Also agree with this. Most tropical fish...MOST I did not say all can live 72F-82F. In the winter this can be fine if the house you live in is heated. obviously a heater would be much easier.