getting water temp. down

[CheLives]

i still have not purchased my fish as the water temp is unstable. i want to get a betta (maybe a comunity tank later), my tank is 20 gallons.

i had the heater set in, and the temp. was fluctating from about 78-82.

it turned the heater off, and now it flucataes between 80-82.


i want to get it down to 78 and to stabilize.

i put in some cold water, but it still wont go down.

suggestions?

 

[AquaticGem]

I believe most fish can handle temperature changes of 4 or less.

Before offering any suggestions, though please answer the following questions, if you would.

1. Do you have central air, or air conditioning?
2. Does the aquarium have a light, and if so, how long do you usually leave it on?
3. Where is your tank located in the house?

 

[CheLives]

Originally posted by AquaticGem
I believe most fish can handle temperature changes of 4 or less.

Before offering any suggestions, though please answer the following questions, if you would.

1. Do you have central air, or air conditioning?
2. Does the aquarium have a light, and if so, how long do you usually leave it on?
3. Where is your tank located in the house?

thanks 4 the response:

i live in a basement apartment (toronto)
no air conditioning

i have a light - which i had been leaving on about 12 hours a day

the tank is in the corner, oppisite the front door

 

[AquaticGem]

I would perhaps only leave the lights on for around six hours daily, as well as set up a fan to blow cool air over the top of the aquarium, and see if that helps any. Though, 80-82F should be fine for most tropical fish (especially bettas).