Is a Heater Required?

[TripleB67]

I have a 5 gallon aquarium that I'm currently trying to decided what to put in it.

I'm going to choose something from the following list: Neon Tetras, Julii Cory Catfish, Male Guppies, Cherry Shrimp, Betta

For which of those would I need a heater?

I have a heater made for a 5 gallon tank (that is supposed to keep the water 78*), but if I don't need it I would just as soon return it and save some money.

I would appreciate any help.

TripleB67

 

[dewiro]

Personally in a tank that small I would use one. Keep in mind, the less water in the tank means the more your water temps are going to fluctuate.

 

[bbhariz]

Well all those fish need a heater that goes up that high but I'm not sure if the shrimp do need :/

 

[Guppylove85]

I think of it like this, how would you like to live in a house that is too cold or too warm?

I know that guppies can live in cooler temperatures as low as 60's with 72 -80 being the normal range, and can be pretty hardy fish so you maybe able to get away with not using a heater with them, depending on your house temperature and location of tank.

Betta's prefer 75-85, but im not sure you would want to put anything else in with one in this size tank.

 

[brennae]

I'd stock with 1 Betta and keep the heater.
Coldwater fish like Goldfish don't need heaters but the fish you listed are all tropicals.