Heater when starting new tank no fish question

[Dan808z]

Do I need to run my heater when I am just starting to cycle and cure some live rock in new tank? Just mixed saltwater. Live in Hawaii 68-87 F Thanks!

 

[lmforbis]

You are probably OK without it. I'd monitor the temp though.

 

[Dan808z]

You are probably OK without it. I'd monitor the temp though.

Monitor as in....? Any parameters I am looking at? Thanks!

 

[jay0705]

You don't want it too cold. The stuff on your rock needs to live at the heated temp aswell as unheated

 

[lmforbis]

Monitor the temp. You also want to monitor ammonia, nitrite and nitrate through the cycle.

 

[one-fish]

Temp PH Salinity needs to to remain as constant as possible as you go thru cycle once you see a spike and then a zero of each of water parma's Amm. nitrite then nitrate....wait a week..still good add fish slowly....On your way....

 

[beth]

Is that the range of temps in the location of the tank wo the heater? Consider the temp of where your tank is located. If it runs 75-82, with very little temperature variations, (for instance the tank stays at 76-77 degrees or 80-81 degrees) then no, you may not even need a heater at all. If, however, there is a big range, then when it's cold you will need the heater, and when its actually 87 degrees, then you may need a chiller.