Noticed something at LFS!!!!!

[tonymofo]

Went to the LFS to get some feeders and I noticed something about 98% of their tanks. Besides the only filter in the tank being a sponge filter, the tanks didn't have any heaters. I was just wondering how is this possible?. Again the only filter in these tanks are the sponge filters.

 

[Gr8KarmaSF]

Noting wrong with having only sponge filters. They still take care of the water properly given ample water changes etc. Some of Japans greatest collectors only use them at times.

How warm was it inside the pet shop? Perhaps its warm enough given all the people and equipment that a tank heater is not required?

 

[NilePufferFanatic]

The Wet Spot in Portland Oregon is a store that has no heaters in their tanks. They keep the ambient air warm.

 

[tonymofo]

Seems cool, I might try one then!!!!

 

[RBE17]

Maybe the heaters were in the common sump, if they have one. One of the local chain LFS have no heaters. I've never checked the sumps, though. I do know they have some indoor ponds w/ Pacus and Oscars and they are way too cold for either fish.

 

[ziggy2]

It is in the sump.

 

[Danyal]

i'm going to say that they probably keep their room temp. warm enough for the fish. i know the LFS owner here keeps his shop at 80* year round because it's more economical than having an idividual heater in every tank.

 

[scubasteve06]

It is in the sump.

X2

Most fish stores run a row of tanks on one common sump, they had to have just put them in there.

 

[gomezladdams]

Most of my tanks only have sponge filters.Many of my tanks have no heaters.The temp of the fishroom is normally close to 80 so there is no need

 

[]v[onster Loaches]

I'd say they have a common heater like in a sump too, but the OP specified the only thing in the tanks was the sponge filter, unless he wasnt counting the drain and return lines... so assuming his earlier statement was correct, then either the room temps are warm enough (that should have been apparent though when he was in there though) or else they are probably running the tanks too cool for some species. A couple degrees under ideal probably wont kill of most tropicals quickly...