Temperature Swings Ok?

How much of a temperature swing is OK? My tank swings a few degrees between 72F to 78F daily. The average temperature is usually around 74.
* Keeping shrimp and neon tetras. (Tetras to have new home soon)

Thinking of getting a heater for this 5.2g plastic tank. How many watts would I need? 25?

 

72-78 F is too much of a swing on a daily basis.

A 25 watt heater should be fine, but I would be careful if the tank is plastic. I would worry that it'll malfunction and burn the plastic.

 

That's a pretty big swing for tropical fish so I'd get a heater and yes, a 25w would be great.

 

The main occupants will be shrimp.

 

I don't think its good for them either....they're pretty sensitive little critters.

 

72-78 F is too much of a swing on a daily basis.

A 25 watt heater should be fine, but I would be careful if the tank is plastic. I would worry that it'll malfunction and burn the plastic.

That's my concern too. The kit hood does have a cut out for a heater though.

 

I think it should be ok. I have a plastic bin that I heat my water in every week for my water changes and have not had an issue and its not even supposed to a heated tank. If your kit came with the cut out it should be able to withstand the heater fine I think.