CichlidFish.com - Fish That Think.

So i went to my Local Pet shop and asked about their tanks and they said they had a 55 gallon with the hood, light, and filter and theyd sell it for $110 (which is much cheaper than i could find anywhere else) so im getting it tonight after they make sure everything works for me...

I need help on starting out with such a big tank....
Is a heater absolutely neccesary?

Right now i just have my 3.5inch red oscar but im planning on getting another cichlid soon

Oscars are pretty tuff and should be fine in the day, but if it gets cold at night where you live then i would suggest getting one. Better safe than sorry.

A heater is a must! Unsteady temps will cause many problems one of which is Ick. Just get the heater and save the headache.

yeah with out a heater you are just asking for an ich outbreak. how many times i had ich outbreaks before i got a great heater i couldn't count!!! it is a most especially if you live with a zombey like my aunt she thinks that 60 is hot, so my o's really need a heater!:eek: so yes a heater is a must. i think a 200 watt should be about right? help me out here tug, i think that is what you told me when you thought my tank was a 55, right?

I agree with the heater as a must have,,, only asking for trouble without one.