Changes in temperature

[TheFighterFish]

I have 10 gallon community stocked with rummynose tetras, black neon tetras, and a betta.

Currently the electricity to my room is not working. At night I run an extention from the bathroom to get the heater working. My question is:

Can the changing temperature during the day (~60 F, unheated) and night (~mid-70s w/ heater on) be harmful to the fish?

I'd like to just keep the heater on, but the extension cord running from the bathroom into my room is a hinderance. I'm also at school most of the day. Thanks in advance.

FF

 

[borracho]

For your tropical fish, the range of temperature should be around 70 to 80F as far as I know. 60F is too cold for those fish.

 

[Newman]

agreed....im surprised theyre doing well at that temp. one of my tanks fluctuates from 80F during day to 74F during night and the fish seem to be doing allright so far... but a change of 10F might be too much everyday. constant temp is always better. try to keep the heater on always.

 

[bassbonediva]

I've had a similar problem to this, TheFighterFish. My pilot light on my heater kept going out and I rent my house, so my landlord didn't want me messing with it. At the time, three of the four bettas I had were housed in 1gal tanks (was working on getting their current divided 10gal set up). I stuck them in front of a portable heater at night. Their water temp fluctuated quite a bit. All but one of them survived with no ill effects. The one that died passed away from something unrelated to the temp changes (also known as he decided to jump out of the 1gal in the middle of the night and I didn't find him until the next morning when it was obviously too late. So, as long as the situation is rectified soon, there shouldn't be any lasting damage to your fish (especially not your betta). How soon do you expect to get the power back on in your room?

 

[TheFighterFish]

hey guys

thanks for the responses. This electrical problem should be fixed within the week or so. I'll try to keep the heater on as much as possible.

I guess to clarify, I was wondering which one would be more harmful to the fish. Constant fluctuation in temperature, or a consistent temperature below their optimum range? If the latter were the case, I would just stop plugging in the heater until the problem is fixed.

 

[Newman]

its probably fluctuation, but if you cant elliminate that by keeping the heater on all the time then turn it off completely till the electricity comes back.

 

[JRB__]

I agree, leave it off, consistency is probably more important.

 

[brian1973]

I am going to disagree, now it is hard to compare captive bred fish to wild but fish in the wild, they would experience temperature flucuations on a daily basis, remember the change is not happening that quickly, it is raising slowly and lowering slowly as well, just a quick check shows a temp range for neons 68-78 degrees. Rummynose even higher. Keeping the temps low for extended periods of time will more than likely due more harm and at a minimum weaken there immune system, maybe I am missing something but why is it a problem running the extension cord during the day?

 

[Newman]

seems like its in the way, as in people trip over it? random guess.

 

[brian1973]

seems like its in the way, as in people trip over it? random guess.

Duct tape...

Also what temp is the house? I didnt notice where your from but if your house is centrally heated and your running the heater set at say 68 then your tank temp is going to remain roughly the same as the ambient air.

 

[TheFighterFish]

electricity back

I came home from school today to find out that the electricity to my room has been returned. Filter, thermometer, and lights are running as usual. No casualties, and no symptoms of illness.

Its a good day

 

[emmanuelchavez]

I am going to disagree, now it is hard to compare captive bred fish to wild but fish in the wild, they would experience temperature flucuations on a daily basis, remember the change is not happening that quickly, it is raising slowly and lowering slowly as well, just a quick check shows a temp range for neons 68-78 degrees. Rummynose even higher. Keeping the temps low for extended periods of time will more than likely due more harm and at a minimum weaken there immune system, maybe I am missing something but why is it a problem running the extension cord during the day?

I have to agree with brian. During the "transition" period of fall to winter here in southeast Texas, the temps in my 100g tank run from upper 70s to lower 60s during the day/night. My fish always look fine. Like he said, it's not a rapid drop/increase in temperature either.

 

[Doomhed]

I ran a community tank in my living room near the heat vent with no heater for over 3 years. the temp averaged around 70 degrees and I lost a grand total of 1 platy in that time. the tank was always overstocked with random guppy, platy and swordtail fry, always constantly producing more free fish for the neighborhood brats.

the biggest problems with running tropical low temp is slow fry growth and slower metabolism on your fish. After the first generation of livebearers they start adapting. by the 3rd-4th generation they move as much as the parents did with a heater.