heating my tank...

wondering if i need to have a heater on my tank for the cycle, is it more for the livestock than the water or what. my tank is always about 75-76 degrees without the heater. i am going to get one but is it a must have from the get go? And also does SG go up or down when the water gets warmer???

 

Technically the SG is related to temperature..but with the temperature difference just 4-5 degrees it won't change much. I think you could hold off on the heater as long as your temp stays in the mid 70's. When you get livestock, however, I would get it just to make sure it stays constant.

Ivan

 

thank you appreciate the help. how did that test go for your girl, BTW. hopefully well.

 

forgot to update that..she passed the first part but didn't make it on the second. Pretty darn good for having 4 days to study..but she will have to wait until next year to apply to physical therapy school again. Thanks!

 

The great temperature debate...
if the room temp is at ~75 degrees 24/7/365 your in good shape. I've read ppl keeping reef tanks anywhere from 73-85+. this debate is usually directed more towards coral growth i believe, where some think 80+ degrees will increase rate of growth for corals (but also algae). But its much more important for the livestock to just keep a consistent temp with +-3 degrees throughout the day regardless if it 75 or 85. when cycling the tank I think some ppl choose to raise the water temp ~85 to encourage bio growth and then tapper down after cycle. having a heater as an insurance policy is a good idea tho cost/benefit is good ($60 for a good one) and eliminates one more thing you may have to worry about one day down the road.