Heater for cycling

[lowbudget]

Do we need a heater for cycling a tank?

 

[Zoarder]

Do we need a heater for cycling a tank?

Yes.

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[russ13]

Yes and also curing live rock

 

[s2k]

Nope - why waste electricity. I would put a skimmer on a week before u plan to add livestock

 

[gumbii]

omg sanh, i already told you yes...

 

[Fly5150]

No, no heater required. You don't even need water.


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[djam]

i'd say it would go faster with a heater...maybe even crank it up to 220 degrees to kill off bacteria.

 

[russ13]

I remember reading some thing about the bacteria don't do well in water colder than 60 degrees but I could be wrong. When I cured my live rock I did it in a container that was outside so I used a heater. I always cycle my tanks pretty fast I put the heater on as soon as everything is set up.

 

[babyjess210]

I didn't use heater or skimmer so I'm with s2k

 

[s2k]

Noob.

 

[sonnus]

You don't need a heater if you don't mind a long cycle.

The optimum temperature for nitrifying bacteria is 82-84F. If you want a quick cycle (most everybody) shoot for 84F. If your temperature drops to 50F you can expect your cycle to take 4 times longer than it would at 84F. The bacteria will only stop reproducing once the temperature gets near freezing which isn't a concern for us.

So, if you're going to Asia for 3 months and don't care how long the cycle takes then don't worry about a heater. If you want to cycle your tank in 2-3 weeks then turn up the heat.

 

[lowbudget]

Thank you sir. Just pee in my tank for that extra ammonia

 

[Playa-1]

I would use a heater for cycling rock. I don't know that it's absolutely necessary, but a good idea. Extra P for a good cycle is optional