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Do I need a heater for my fish2007-11-24 23:11:16

I am getting a 10-gallon tank with 3 male mollies, and about 4-5 male guppies. My room right now is 84 degrees farenheit. Won't a heater over-heat my tank? Also, does it turn off when my tank is a certain degree, turn on when it lowers, etc? I have never really owned a large aquarium before. Any help would be appreciated!

Answers:

Mollies and guppies can survive without a heater. (I've done it many times, they are hardy fish). They'll be fine without one. Just make sure you fill up the tank and have the filter running for 24 hours before you add them. This will give the water time to cycle it's bacteria (good bacteria that the fish need) and become room temperature. Also buy some water conditioner. This is a chemical that removes the chlorine from tap water. It needs to be used when you start a tank and every time you clean the tank.

When you clean the tank only take 25% of the water out a time with a siphon. Most new fish owners make the mistake of changing all the water at one time and killing all their fish or some because of it. The water has good bacteria in it that the fish need, so never change all the water at one time.

Good luck.

Kudos on getting all males. We won't see you in a month posting the question "My mollies and guppies had so many babies! What do I do?"

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most heaters will sense and react accordingly to the temp of the water, however your room is warm enough that you shouldn't need one. As long as the temperature in your room stays above 75 degrees, your fish will be fine.

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There are heaters that have thermostats, however they are not foolproof. I've heard stories of people's fish getting overheated and dieing. Right now it is summer so your tank is probably fine. In the winter you may need it though. It all depends. My apartment is always hot all year so I don't need one in my tanks.

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u dont "need a heater" but it is suggested.