need heater advice

[finfan]

i have never used heaters before (just had small aquariums with a few fish that have done relatively well), for my new tank i am contemplating getting a heater, but before i do that, i want to get some advice on the following questions:

FYI: of course i live in houston, and there is rarely ever any chance of the room getting too cold, generally, my room temperature is between 75 and 85, probably closer to 78 or 80 most of the time. my new tank will be 30 gal (24L*12W*24H)

Q1) Given my room temparature, and tank size, and that i am in houston, do i really need a heater?  I realize there are diffrences in temparature in my room between summer and winter, but that is also true for nature, isnt' it?

Q2) If I do need one, I want to get a good quality heater (not fancy, good from a functional reliability factor).  With that, what are your suggestions?  Is "Marineland® Visi-Therm® Stealth Submersible" a good choice?

Q3) Any general advice on how to put it in the aquarium (or should I just follow instructions on the box)?  What is the best way to hide them?   They all look ugly to me and i feel they take away from the natural look of the aquarium.

[sproett]

Re: need heater advice

What temp does your other aquariums stay at?  If they stay in a temp range you are comfortable with then your larger tank should too.  Unless it's near an ac vent, window, etc that would affect the temp.  Personally, I think you'll be fine without one.  
As for hiding it, I'll let the others help you on that one.  You can see the heaters in all my tanks.

[PhishPhreek]

Re: need heater advice

My family room and the comunity tank in it stay around 76 year round with no noticable problems.
But I keep my fish room around 82.  My grow out tanks grow faster at warmer temps and my breeders seem to spawn more easily at warmer temps.  
So you should decide if you want them to grow faster and spawn more often or if you want them to grow slower and live longer..... your choice.

[Zulaab]

Re: need heater advice

A1 - in nature the temp does change, but as you get closer to the equator you will notice the temp does not change by much and there other factors you cannot do in house either (like the monsoon season).  I have had heaters in all my aquariums, even my 5g QT tank has one.  Stability is a must for fish not to get a "cold" which can stress them and make them easier sick.

A2 - I am about to order two more for my new 20 and 29g tanks.  -  I love mine that is in my 58g and this is why I am getting two more.  It has been ROCK solid.

A3 -  In the corner of the tank is a good place to put it.  I put the water exhaust from a filter/airpump near by and attempt as best as possible to have it run water over it (ie so the heat is carried around the tank as best as possible) - in my community tank the heater and the intake pipes are covered by "fake plants" because these will without a problem cover heaters and will not be effected by the heat.

I hope I have answered some of the stuff you are looking for :)

[finfan]

Re: need heater advice

thanks for the tips guys, choices, choices, decisions, decisions

zulaab, for "A2", did you mean you are buying more of the Marineland® Visi-Therm® Stealth Submersible or some other brand/type?

[Zulaab]

Re: need heater advice

thanks for the tips guys, choices, choices, decisions, decisions

zulaab, for "A2", did you mean you are buying more of the Marineland® Visi-Therm® Stealth Submersible or some other brand/type?

This means I am buying specifically two more Marineland® Visi-Therm® Stealth Submersible heaters..  I think they awesome.

[AK-71]

Re: need heater advice

I like that mine (different brand [may look at home] brand) has an indicator  - just to make sure it turns on and off where I want it, because the heater keeps my water ~ 5deg warmer than it thinks it is.

[lepaul37]

Re: need heater advice

I would advice you on getting those digital thermometer readers. They are pretty accurate. I keep my tanks around 77-78 degree.