Do I need a heater for my fish?

Question

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!

Answer 1

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?"

Answer 2

Consider much larger tank. You don't want to get a 10 gallon and the next day you will know that is too small.

I started with 10, then 20, then 29 but now I have a 55g. Those people when you ask them because they want to sell you things will never tell you that this is too small. They want you to figure by yourself and go and get another tank.

It is better to save your money and go with at least 20 g if you have a room to put that.

And get a heater in case of anything I learned it in a hard way. Don't depend on your room temp. The water temp is difference unless you keep the temp that high all the time but if it is just because of the summer time ...just get the heater with the thermostat.

Answer 3

If anyone has gone swimming in a cold mountain lake on a hot summer's day, or conversely, a hot tub in winter, you know that the temperature of the air is not necesarily the temperature of the water. Now, while those two examples are extremes, you can't judge your water temp by the air temp. To accurately judge the water temp, you need a water thermometer. Also, mollies can live in a fairly wide range; 68-82 degrees F, however, whatever temp you choose, it needs to stay constant. Fluctuations are what are the most dangerous. If your water temp stays within the prescribed range and stays constant without a heater, you don't need one. In the winter when you will, definitely choose one with a thermostat, so that you don't have to worry about turning it off ocassionally so you don't cook your fish.

Answer 4

You will need an aquarium heater if you live in a place where it gets cold and water temp goes down to the low 70's (farenheit). Hewater nowadays area equipt with a thermostat, which allows it to monitor the temp and shuts down when the water reaches a centain temp and turn ons when the temp lowers. Hope this helps.

Answer 5

Betta's do properly in something over 2 gallons so the three gallons is impressive, despite if I positioned my one betta in a 10 gallon tank. of direction any fish would be happier with greater area to swim around with. keep in mind in case you have a male betta purely one male is nice and no women folk. in case you have women folk you've gotten greater then one for the reason that they don't seem to be aggressive with one yet another. rasboras, neon's, cory cats and cardinal tetras, i do no longer understand if white clouds are a good selection. i chanced on a heater at Wal-mart for $15.00. it rather works impressive, purely gets the tank to approximately seventy six or seventy 8 tiers. the terrific filter out i chanced on became a whisper inner filter out, it rather is quiet and does an impressive interest. once you upload the flora you may verify they are going to be ok for the betta. Run a pair of panty hose over the plant and if it snags or rips it rather is a undesirable theory.

Answer 6

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.

Answer 7

Depends on the room temperature. In the winter I do not use a heater for my mollies and guppies. The light on the tank provides enough heat.

Answer 8

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.

Answer 9

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

You dont have to worry about overheating usually.

As heaters usually have a control which allows you to set the temp of the tank. If your water is above the temp set, then the heater will not be on. If your water is cooler, the heater will only be on until that temp is achieved.

NOW that is GENERAL, depending on the make of the heater, but most are like it.

Answer 10

your room is warm enough and u dont have 2 own a heater..
but if u want to breed guppies and be sure that they will not got sick u have to buy a heater to be sure that the water will stay in the same temperature,,
there r automatic heaters, that turns off automatically.