Do you really need a heater?

[Lt.]

Hey y'all, I'm getting ready to start a new fish tank and was wondering... To cycle fishless, do I NEED a heater?

I simply can't afford a heater right now, but will be buying a filter and sand/dirt for my tank.

I planned on adding some pure straight up ammonia to the tank to start it cycling, in case that matters.

 

[ImACoolguy]

I don't believe it would make a difference. However I do believe I read somewhere that the bacteria cultivates faster in tropical conditions. That's a completely unbased statement unless I can find where I read it.

 

[54seaweed]

it's not necessary to use a heater during a cycle unless you cant keep a temp of 65*

 

[Ingy]

And don't have a light on either. A cycling tank is a perfect place to grow algae but that needs light.

 

[FishMommy8962]

A heater is unnecessary for cycling even though beneficial bacteria will thrive in tropical climates. Needed: no. Recommended: yes.

Good luck with your cycling!

 

[Lt.]

Hey thanks for the input guys, yeah I figured that's about how it would turn out, greater recommended but not necessary.

I'm just sorta winging this build right now since I'm buying a thing or two each payday. I had to get rid of most everything a couple years ago for a move, by now am building back up at last.

 

[FishMommy8962]

Hey thanks for the input guys, yeah I figured that's about how it would turn out, greater recommended but not necessary.

I'm just sorta winging this build right now since I'm buying a thing or two each payday. I had to get rid of most everything a couple years ago for a move, by now am building back up at last.

Pics whenever you can!

 

[Lt.]

Well, it's a bare tank at the moment, but will do!