I'm have a question concerning heating and plants. I'm wondering if a heater is really necessary for plant-keeping. I have a 10 gallon aquarium which I want to aquascape with many more plants. I currently don't have a heating system for the aquarium, but I'm wondering if I will need it. I will be adding an anubias plant, some Java Ferns, perhaps Water sprite or Hornwort. I live in the California Bay Area, which has very mild winters. Today would be a normal day, and the temp of the water is 64 degrees F. Btw, I have two Amazon sword plants which I had for more than two years, and nothing happened to them over the winters, so I'm guessing it would be okay for the other plants as well. What's your guys' opinion? Thanks a lot!
Heaters?
- Thread starter virtuoso735
- Start date
Are there fish in the tank?
Heaters are more for stability. They prevent tansk from getting too cold. In one of my tanks my heater almost never comes on as I have it set very low. But if it does come on that means the water is starting to get far too cold fo rmy fish.
Heaters are more for stability. They prevent tansk from getting too cold. In one of my tanks my heater almost never comes on as I have it set very low. But if it does come on that means the water is starting to get far too cold fo rmy fish.
So a heater isn't really necessary if the temp is stable (which it is here). So the plants I mentioned can survive in the 60's? Oh, and about the fish, I have 3 zebra danios and 3 tetra (serpae's) and a cory. I had them for about 3 years with, and the winters have not affected them at all. I'm just wondering that if I add the new plants which might be more used to warmer conditions if they can survive, or if a heater might prevent their decaying.
Last edited:
yah stability is an issue, especially if tank is near a door or window or drafty area.
personally I keep my house at 62-64 degrees so a heater for my fish is more important for me than someone that keeps their house at 72
personally I keep my house at 62-64 degrees so a heater for my fish is more important for me than someone that keeps their house at 72
I'm kinda stuck for money, since I'll be redoing a my aqurium. I'm not sure if they heater is neccesary to make my new plants thrive. So in my case, would you guys recommend the heater or not? If it is unnecesary, then I can spend my money on other things for the aquarium. Thanks.
It isn't that important for the plants but it is for the fish. Plants can go dormant when things get cold, but they will die back if things get too cold. Low 60's isn't too bad for plants for short periods of time, but isn't great for tropical fish.