Heating a no tech bowl?

[Ponyoryx]

Hi everyone, I spontaneously put together this no tech bowl last night because a friend of mine brought home some discounted aquarium plants that needed some TLC. II found this bowl at a thrift store for $3 and have been holding onto it for just this! I added some plants and snails from my other setups as well. I am assuming the volume of the water is ~2gal. I should have measured before filling the bowl ><

My plan is to keep this bowl strictly to rams horn snails (and maybe some shrimp once the bowl is more established, maybe a dwarf african frog??), but I'm worried about tank temperature. I live in New England, and I fear the water will reach temperatures in the high 50s-low 60s this coming winter. We try to minimally use our central heat because of gas costs in the winter here, so my room is usually around 58. I did install plastic window covers this year, so hopefully that helps!

Does this forum think a tank heater is 100% necessary in this set up? I would hate to add tech to this bowl if I can avoid it. I did order one on amazon today assuming the answer is yes, but I can always return it 😉

I do plan on adding some more stem plants since I did make it a dirted bottom, and any other suggestions/comments are welcome!!

Thanks!

heater: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07Y9WNCJJ/ref=ppx_od_dt_b_asin_title_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

[Fish Folk]

On 11/5/2021 at 1:10 PM, Ponyoryx said:

Hi everyone, I spontaneously put together this no tech bowl last night because a friend of mine brought home some discounted aquarium plants that needed some TLC. II found this bowl at a thrift store for $3 and have been holding onto it for just this! I added some plants and snails from my other setups as well. I am assuming the volume of the water is ~2gal. I should have measured before filling the bowl ><

My plan is to keep this bowl strictly to rams horn snails (and maybe some shrimp once the bowl is more established, maybe a dwarf african frog??), but I'm worried about tank temperature. I live in New England, and I fear the water will reach temperatures in the high 50s-low 60s this coming winter. We try to minimally use our central heat because of gas costs in the winter here, so my room is usually around 58. I did install plastic window covers this year, so hopefully that helps!

Does this forum think a tank heater is 100% necessary in this set up? I would hate to add tech to this bowl if I can avoid it. I did order one on amazon today assuming the answer is yes, but I can always return it 😉

I do plan on adding some more stem plants since I did make it a dirted bottom, and any other suggestions/comments are welcome!!

Thanks!

heater: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07Y9WNCJJ/ref=ppx_od_dt_b_asin_title_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I wouldn’t worry about a heater. Just select your stocking to match temperature, and all should be well. If you want to add a small bubbler, it will aerate the cool water more, allowing for appropriate fish to thrive.

Edited November 5, 2021 by Fish Folk

[Patrick_G]

I’d say yes get a heater for the Dwarf Frog and no for the plants and snails. I’m not sure about the shrimp. Cory is legendary for getting some shrimp to survive outside during the winter, but my guess is they would be lethargic at 58 degrees. 

[Ponyoryx]

That's a good point. I'll do no heater for now but probably use it if I add any new critters. 

[lefty o]

for shrimp and snails, temp is not an issue.

[Beardedbillygoat1975]

I think shrimp like Neocaridina would do great in there. Room temperature is great for them. They’ll live longer and be healthier at those temps. 
Most dwarf/nano fishes or Frogs like dwarf African frog (not the clawed frogs don’t do that!) need tropical temps.