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i added the heater and its around 85° now but i have to keep a constant watch because the heater doesnt have a working internal thermostat. but its holding the temp pretty well (a few hours without deviation) so we shall see how it does.
so i discovered something else kinda odd. even after a 50% water change the ammonia didnt go down at all. maybe i should let the water cycle throw the filter n mix a bit more but right after the water change there was no difference