do salt water aquariams need to be heated?

Question

i really have no clue!

Answer 1

Yes, they need to be kept at a constant temperature. Saltwater creatures can be very sensitive to small fluctuations in temperature. Some actually need a chiller if you live in a hot area. They require a ton of work to keep your fish/coral alive. I'd recommend freshwater if this would be your first tank.

Answer 2

Actually, it would depend on a few things, lights, depending on the kind you get and how far they are from the tank and if there is ventialtion can heat up the water so much that you may actually need a chilling unit. Fish species also determine whether or not you would need to heat your tank. Certain species of fish need colder water such as weedy or leafy sea dragons and these fish would defiantely need a chiller unit.
Most salt water fish species though come from tropical waters and so would need to be heated if your lights don't do it overly so. I have flourescent lights and I use a heater but I know that some metal halides really heat up but in general are much better lights so keep that in mind. I think most people with halides hang the lights over the tank at a distance where it doesn't cause a heating issue. I think there may be new ones out that don't heat up as much though so look into it. I would say just research your butt off before even starting since it could be a big investment and you wouldn't want to make any fatal mistakes. I added too many fish too quick when I first started and let me just say it is not a pretty site to see your $65 flame angel on top of the coffee grounds in the garbage. Good luck to you.

Answer 3

YES! unless you have artic fish.

Most fish sold in the stores today require temperatures around 78-82. However there are a lot of fish which can tolorate cooler temperatures. However without a heater, even maintaining 68 your home from heat and air conditioning will change the tank rapidly. Spend the $10 and get a cheap heater.

Answer 4

Yes they do.