Luckyguy

i just recently started an aquarium.i live in arizona so with the AC the temp is about 77 to 79.my question is when it starts to cool down(we dont use the heater on the house)when should i put a heater in my tank?i know i still have awhile yet.how do i keep from putting it in to soon or waiting to long?

dvc_r

You can put the heater in any time you want. Most heaters have a dial on the top so you can set it. It won't go on until the water gets below the temp you set on the heater.

Do you have the heater yet? If so, what kind is it? (Maybe we can give you more info)

aquarist48

Hello Lucky and Welcome to Fish Lore. A few questions for you:

Is the tank cycled? If it "is not" cycled and there are no fish in it then I suggest adding the heater now and raising your temperature to 83-85 degrees. This will help to speed the cycle along. Once your tank has completed the cycle then you can lower the temperature to 78 or so.

Are there fish in the tank? If there are fish in the tank and the tank is cycled then I would go ahead and add the heater in as well. As mentioned it should cut on and off by itself according to the temperature that you have preset.

Also, be sure to update your profile aquarium information when necessary. It's a big help for others to know what is inside your tank and your water perimeters.

If you have the time and the means we love photos and videos
Have fun and enjoy the site. Hope to see more information about the new aquarium set up you're planning.
Best wishes!
Ken

Nate the Fishkeeper

Judging from your 'Aquarium Info', this tank is 14 gallons?

You can put in a heater as soon as you want, because a heater will not heat the water continuously. The heater will automatically maintain the temperature you set, and will automatically shut off once it reaches that temperature. So, it's okay to have a heater when then temperature is within range.

Your tank would need a 50 Watt heater if it's 14 gallons. Your room temperature is already similar to the needs of freshwater tropical fish.

Good Luck, and Happy Fishkeeping!