New Tank. Cold Basement.

[ozgood]

New member here, first post.

I am setting up a new 75 gallon tank. It'll be in my basement. The basement during the summer is around 70 degrees. In the winter it's more like 62/63. I'm planning on a planted tropical freshwater. With the temperatures what they are, would you all suggest keeping a cooler tank (72 degrees) rather than something warmer like a 78 degree tank? If so, does anyone have any guidelines/thoughts on what type of fish thrive in a 72 degree tank? Like, should I be looking at different types of fish or just plan on getting enough heaters to keep the temperature a bit higher. If the latter, are there better ways to heat the tank other than the standard stick type heaters? Also, does a cooler tank affect what plants I should look at?

Thanks for listening.

[Weezer]

If you go tropical, 2 heaters would be a good idea just to take some of the load off of the other, if the water is kept at tropical ranges the plants should do fine.........:)

[wataugachicken]

well, if you want a planted tank, you will most likely need to heat it. some plants do fine in cool water, others just won't grow, and more others will just die right off. they need the higher temperature for their chemical processes. cooler tanks can be made very interesting, like with native fish species, but usually if you aren't using a heater, your main option is goldfish. and goldfish like to eat plants. what are your objections to the standard heaters? something like a visitherm stealth heater might be great for you - no annoying light, all black (except for the thermostat), and can be completely submerged and hidden in the tank.

[ozgood]

Thanks for the replies.

I don't have any objections to heaters in general. I do have an issue with burning a 250/500 watt heater(s) for large portions of the day (keeping a 78 degree water temp in a 62 degree room). I actually have a visi-therm 250 watt currently. Is the temperature differential that I'm looking at considered "extreem" or is this somewhat normal?

[wataugachicken]

i think it would be okay. larger masses of water hold temperature for long periods of time on their own, especially if the tank is well covered to prevent heat loss. i don't think that the heater would be working too hard because it only has to keep the temp steady, not constantly reheat the tank from 62 to 78. maintaining is a lot easier than starting from the bottom up. you may want to increase the efficiency of the heater by insulating the bottom, back, and sides of the tank with foam. you could paint it black and make a neat visual effect.

[Weezer]

I personally would get another 250 on that size tank in the cool conditions you described.........:)

[jm1212]

most fish you would want to keep in a tropical tank will need warmer temps. than 72º anyway. a heater is a must for a tropical fish tank.

[Derringer]

Agree with others - I would use at least 2 heaters - it wouldnt take long for the water to get too cold if you only had one and it broke.

[Malbri]

You can do it warm as long as you have 2 heaters. Dont worry, you shouldnt have trouble with it, my bedroom is colder than that in the winter

[Mgamer20o0]

i dont think it would be that much. if you want tropical fish you need to heat the tank. once you have it heated up there is things you can do to keep the heat in the water. surround the 3 other sides to keep heat in. keep a glass lid on it to keep the heat in side. i dont think its that bad to heat it.

[ozgood]

Again, thanks for the replies. I like the idea of insulating the tank a little. I'm going to check out some styrofoam at the local home improvement store. I've been wondering what to do about a background for the tank anyway. Perhaps I can get this and paint it black. Might be easier than painting the tank. I'll definitely get the second heater.

[red devil]

72 degrees sounds like a guaranteed way to give most tropical fish ich