to heat, or not?

[Lauren]

I live in So Cal, my fish aren't in the sun. For instance, today it’s the day after Christmas and about 65 outside, and that's on the cold side, last week it was in the 70's. In short, it doesn't really get that cold here.

Except...

I have a large room with 12' vaulted ceilings and the sun sets on the opposite side of the house. At night it can drop down to the 50's in my room. I've noted a temperature drop of 1 or 2 degrees in my tank since winter started.

Should I get a heater for the remainder of the winter? The temperature is still well within the safe range. I'm switching out my gravel soon, so I'm wondering if I should get an under gravel heater for my plants. If I got this, would this affect the temperature of my water? I have to keep summer in mind too.

[Grandmastr]

well just monitor the water temp, gets below 70, just get a 50 watt heater to just heat the water back up when its cool out

[sumoschro]

you dont need to keep a heater in your tank at all times (I do however, because its easier) but you should definitely have one around just in case there is a temperature drop that would potentialy harm your fish.