Temperature fluctuation

[barbarossa4122]

Hi,

Can fauna and plants tolerate a 2 to 4 degrees of temp fluctuation ?
The reason I would like to know is that I am having problems with one of my heaters in a goldfish planted tank and my new heater will not arrive until Jan. the 5th. The temp fluctuates between 72 and 76 F. I usually keep it a constant 74F.
Darn, I paid for 2 to 3 days delivery and I am getting 8 days.

 

[Tug]

What signs of distress are there, what is happening to fish subjected to large and fast temperature change, say more then 5-7 degrees?

barbarossa, I hope the fish make it through to the delivery date. As I recall, you also have some tropical species mixed in with the goldfish. My main concern with any bad heater is if it stays stuck in the on setting, it could make fish stew out of your goldfish tank. If it were filled with only goldfish and plants. I would take the heater out all together.

Sorry to piggyback on your question barb.​

Good luck

 

[barbarossa4122]

Hi Tug,

The heater in the tank with the tropical fish works good.
The one in the 30g breeder with goldfish and ottos it's the culprit. And it was exactly like you said..............it got stuck and kept heating the water. I am in the habit on checking my tanks constantly, that's how I found out. Temp was already up to 80F. I tried the heater using a bucket of water and it does the same thing, thermostat is probably not working anymore. Now, until my new heater arrives the temp fluctuates from 72 at night to 75-76 during the day. Fish and plants seem to be doing OK.
What p..es me off is that I paid for faster shipping and still got the regular 8 days shipping. I wanted to call the vendor but, for $4.00 extra why bother.

Oh, I did take the heater out right away. Lol, don't trust that heater anymore.
Thanks for the reply Tug and Happy New Year.

 

[Gerryd]

Hi,

I think that as long as extremes are avoided, that MOST fish can handle these swings.....

I think you did the right thing removing the bad heater. Broiling your fish is not a good thing....

I think they will be fine for a few days. Try and keep the ambient temp steady until then....

 

[barbarossa4122]

Hi,

I think that as long as extremes are avoided, that MOST fish can handle these swings.....

I think you did the right thing removing the bad heater. Broiling your fish is not a good thing....

I think they will be fine for a few days. Try and keep the ambient temp steady until then....

Hi Gerryd,

I'll try to keep my home at 74-75F during the night also.

 

[Biollante]

Goldfish Do Well Down To Just Above Freezing

Hi,

As for the goldfish, not too much to worry about as the temperature lowers, you may even see them perk up a bit.

Definitely better to have no heater than one stuck “on” all the time.

Goldfish do well even in cold water, just stop feeding them before the temperature gets down to 55 F (13 C).

I have read that temperature swings of 20 F (6.6 C) are generally fatal, I suspect a great deal of stress is induced before that point. Also the Oxygen content of water falls as temperatures increase.

Biollante

 

[barbarossa4122]

Hi,

As for the goldfish, not too much to worry about as the temperature lowers, you may even see them perk up a bit.

Definitely better to have no heater than one stuck “on” all the time.

Goldfish do well even in cold water, just stop feeding them before the temperature gets down to 55 F (13 C).

I have read that temperature swings of 20 F (6.6 C) are generally fatal, I suspect a great deal of stress is induced before that point. Also the Oxygen content of water falls as temperatures increase.

Biollante

Thanks Bio and Happy New Year !

My temp swings will be about 2 to 4F until I get the new heater. Anyway, I am cranking up my house thermostat at night from 72 to 76F just to keep them happy I know goldies are OK with lower temp but, how about the Ottos and the plants ?

 

[Biollante]

Stability!

Hi,

The Ottos should be good down to 70 F (21 C) or so, maybe even a bit less. :gw

Since you gave me a “bratty” answer before when I asked about your plants and critters I do not know who is where plant or otherwise… However if they have been getting along with the Goldfish and Ottos they ought to do well.

Stability is more important than particular temperature. :gw

Happy New Year!

I think your tank will be okay, the temperature fluctuations will likely give rise to some algae, which should make the Otto’s happy, nothing dreadful, I wouldn’t think. Just be quick to get rid of any dying plant material.

Good luck,
Biollante

 

[barbarossa4122]

Hi,

The Ottos should be good down to 70 F (21 C) or so, maybe even a bit less. :gw

Since you gave me a “bratty” answer before when I asked about your plants and critters I do not know who is where plant or otherwise… However if they have been getting along with the Goldfish and Ottos they ought to do well.

Stability is more important than particular temperature. :gw

Happy New Year!

I think your tank will be okay, the temperature fluctuations will likely give rise to some algae, which should make the Otto’s happy, nothing dreadful, I wouldn’t think. Just be quick to get rid of any dying plant material.

Good luck,
Biollante

Hi Bio,

Thanks for the reply. Yep, the Ottos are doing great with the goldies. I have noticed that the goldies are ignoring the Ottos.
Now, if I gave you a "bratty" answer in the past , I certainly and positively did not mean too.

 

[Tug]

Undisciplined - out of control.

barb,
A glass cover over your aquarium should keep the temperature more stable and when your heater does arrive, slowly return the tank to the temperature you want. Again, no sudden changes.

FWIW, I believe some of our generation were spoiled rotten and just come across as bratty to these old salts, even though it's unintended. This form of communication, email, etc., doesn't help. Who knows, if it's discipline we lack, we could all use a little more no doubt. I know I could.

 

[barbarossa4122]

barb,
A glass cover over your aquarium should keep the temperature more stable and when your heater does arrive, slowly return the tank to the temperature you want. Again, no sudden changes.

FWIW, I believe some of our generation were spoiled rotten and just come across as bratty to these old salts, even though it's unintended. This form of communication, email, etc., doesn't help. Who knows, if it's discipline we lack, we could all use a little more no doubt. I know I could.

Good idea using a glass cover. Anyway, I cranked up my house thermostat until the heater gets here.
I like Bio and certainly value his advice and I'll never be "brat" with him
Btw, this morning I asked my wife if I sometimes come across as a brat, and she said, yes. So, Bio might have a point There you go Bio, she agrees with you

 

[Biollante]

Being An Evil Plant Monster, I Have No Room To Talk...

this morning I asked my wife if I sometimes come across as a brat, and she said, yes. So, Bio might have a point There you go Bio, she agrees with you

Hi barbarossa4122,

Your wife is a woman of obvious intelligence and impeccable taste, which begs the question…

I find you energetic, interesting and likable, but for whatever reason…

I am no doubt a fuddy-duddy and a tad to sensitive (seems to be a recent development). Tug is kind enough to point out my obvious flaws in, generally a kind sort of way.

Biollante

 

[barbarossa4122]

Hi barbarossa4122,

Your wife is a woman of obvious intelligence and impeccable taste, which begs the question…

I find you energetic, interesting and likable, but for whatever reason…

I am no doubt a fuddy-duddy and a tad to sensitive (seems to be a recent development). Tug is kind enough to point out my obvious flaws in, generally a kind sort of way.

Biollante

Thanks for the compliments Bio. And, your helpful advice you give.