Do fish tanks need heaters?

Heaters. If you are keeping tropical fish, you will need a heater. A heater insures that a tank doesn't get too cool, and that the temperature stays steady during the course of the day, even when the room cools off (e.g., at night).
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Do you need a heater for a freshwater fish tank?

Freshwater fish tanks need heat or not according to the type of fish being kept. Cold-water specimens don't require a heater, but not all freshwater fish can survive in cooler waters: some freshwater fish are tropical or sub-tropical.
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What fish can live without a heater in tank?

10 Best Coldwater Fish That Don't Need a Heater
  1. Sunset Variatus Platy. ...
  2. Celestial Pearl Danio. ...
  3. Rainbow Shiner. ...
  4. Hillstream Loach. ...
  5. Endler's Livebearer. ...
  6. Clown Killifish. ...
  7. Cherry Shrimp. ...
  8. Dojo Loach.
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Can fish live without heater?

The ideal temperature for most tropical fish is between 74°F and 82°F. A heater will provide a constant temperature within this range. Without a heater, the water temperature can drop significantly in only a few hours and can cause your fish to become lethargic and, over time, cause death.
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What do I do if my fish tank is too cold?

Position your aquarium against a wall that reduces outside air drafts in which the warm air rises. One way you can make your fish tank warmer is to increase the temperature in the room where the aquarium is located by setting it to 78°F (25.5°C). Keep the aquarium in a warmer area of your home or closer to a heater.
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YOUR Freshwater Fish Tank Probably Doesn't Need a Heater!



Can cold-water fish live in a tropical tank?

Another side effect of keeping coldwater fishes at tropical temperatures is the much shorter lifespan that will arise due to the fish always being kept at unnaturally high metabolic rates. By keeping your coldwater fishes cool, they will enjoy a much longer, healthier life.
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Do I need a heater for my 5 gallon fish tank?

If you've got a 5 gallon tank you don't need an overly expensive heater. They're only needed in bigger aquariums. In fact, some of them probably wouldn't even be able to fit in a 5 gallon tank, or would take up far too much space!
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What fish do well in cold water?

Outside of the goldfish and the guppy, the zebra danio (Brachydanio rerio) is the most readily available of all the cold-water fish. Native to South Asia, they tolerate temps that fall into the mid-60's and are very easy to care for. Long-finned species are available, as well as a popular leopard-spotted variety.
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Do cold-water fish need air pump?

In many cases, your aquarium inhabitants don't need the extra oxygen and live just fine without an air pump. But take a road trip, add in medication or run a certain type of filter, and the extra oxygen from an air pump becomes a necessity.
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How long fish survive in tap water?

Ordinary tap water is fine for filling up the aquarium as long as you let it sit for several days before adding fish (the chlorine in the tap water will kill the fish).
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Can I cover my fish tank with a towel at night?

During winter, you should insulate your tank and all filtration by wrapping them in blankets, towels or cardboard. 1 Don't forget to cover the top of your tank, but make sure you do not cut off the oxygen supply. Resist the urge to frequently check your fish.
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Do I need a heater for my goldfish tank?

All Goldfish are temperate fish and don't absolutely require a heater, unlike fish like Discus that come from the steamy tropics. But Fancy Goldfish sometimes can't take sudden shifts in temperature like their ancestors can and almost never down to near-freezing.
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Do fish need aquarium lights?

Yes, aquarium fish need light to determine whether it's day or night. However, the natural light in your room is sufficient. Fish do not necessarily need an extra aquarium light. An aquarium light is to see your fish, and for live aquatic plant photosynthesis.
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Why do fish stay by the heater?

Why does he hug the heater? This is because he's a tropical fish and is feeling cold, needing to be near the heater to feel the warmth. It is likely that the heater is not performing efficiently to warm the entire aquarium evenly. The water temperature should be 24-28 degrees Celsius.
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How can I heat my betta fish without a heater?

How To Keep Betta Water Warm Without A Heater
  1. Use The Hood/Canopy. One of the easiest ways to ensure that your Betta water is and stays warm is to use the hood or canopy for the tank. ...
  2. Use A Stronger Light. ...
  3. Keep It In A Warm Area. ...
  4. Use A Filter That Is Not Energy Efficient. ...
  5. A Smaller Tank.
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Can you put a heater in a plastic fish tank?

Heater is safe to use on smaller fish tanks and aquariums between 2-5 gallons in size. Designed for plastic and glass aquariums.
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How many fish can I have in a 5 gallon tank?

You can keep about 4-6 fish in a tank this size as long as each fish is not larger than 2 inches. The one-inch fish per gallon rule would apply to most smaller fish breeds like Tetras, Rasbora, and more. Fish that can grow larger than 2 inches are not recommended for a 5-gallon tank.
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What is the easiest fish to take care of?

The Top 10 Easiest Fish To Take Care Of:
  • Goldfish.
  • Bloodfin Tetras.
  • White Cloud Minnows.
  • Danios.
  • Betta Fish.
  • Black Molly.
  • Kuhli Loach.
  • Angelfish.
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Is it easier to keep tropical fish or goldfish?

Many new fish owners shy away from the idea of having a tropical aquarium as they fear that it will be too much of a challenge. In reality, it's mostly a case of controlling the heating, lighting and filtration systems. Tropical fish are not difficult to look after and can actually be easier to care for than goldfish.
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Can you put goldfish and tropical fish together?

Myth #8: Goldfish Cannot Be Kept with Tropical Fish

While many tropical fish won't work with goldfish for a variety of reasons, there is no reason why some species cannot make suitable tankmates. Goldfish are able to live in a wide range of temperatures, so some overlap does exist.
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Where should I put my aquarium heater?

Position your heater near a filter inlet/outlet or a circulation pump to ensure even heat distribution. Submersible aquarium heaters can be installed horizontally near the bottom of the tank for best results. They can also be positioned vertically if that is your preference.
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How do you know when fish are cold?

The most common sign of temperature shock is lethargy. Fish are cold-blooded, so unlike mammals who generate their own heat, they can only absorb warmth from the water. When the water is too cold to do this, they'll often stop moving.
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Can I put ice cubes in my fish tank?

Avoid putting ice cubes directly into your aquarium unless you make them with reverse osmosis or dechlorinated water. Perform small partial water changes with slightly cooler water, making sure not to drop the temperature of your aquarium too rapidly.
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