Is a heater needed for cycling a tank?

[aquarium67]

I don't have the heater yet, but I have everything else needed. I just don't have the heater because shipping is slow I guess!

 

[Samzter]

I think when it's hotter, the BB grows faster? Could be wrong

 

[bud29]

The bacteria you are trying to grow do like warmer temperatures, however it is not 100% necessary. I have cycled lots of tanks without heaters, with temperatures as low as 68.

 

[aquarium67]

So basically it will just take a little longer?

 

[Oohitsae]

Yeah, like others have said, it takes a bit longer to cycle without one, but if you had to cycle with a heater, then tanks meant for coldwater fish would never be able to be cycled