85+ degree fahrenheit tank

[wesa]

Today was our first really hot day. My tanks are in a trailer house and i don't turn on the air conditioner. I set up two fans on the tanks and opened all the windows. My rainbow shark was the only one that looked bad: he was swimming erratically and brushing up against plants, caves, etc. and then stopping. He didn't eat either. His breathing was quick. Do think his problem is that he has itch besides being just really hot? I didn't see any spots and he used to occasionally brush up against things but now he's doing it a lot. How else can i cool my tank? Ice?

 

[jams.alaskan]

You can cool the tank a little by freezing a bottle of water and then floating the bottled ice in you tank.

ALASKA

 

[tstenback]

I fill up plastic bottles with real cold water and float them in the tank this usually keeps the temp down. Until you get used to it though make sure you keep an eye on the temp and if it gets to cool or drops too quickly take it out of the tank. HTH

 

[wesa]

What about my shark, will he be okay?

 

[tstenback]

Get the temp down first and then see how the shark reacts. Sometimes just getting the tank down to normal conditions will get rid of any symptoms the fish may be showing. It might just be the stress of this situation that has him rubbing against things.

 

[Bradder]

I was born in Wichita-- Kansas heat can be miserable!

I am sure there are more knowing people on this board that can help, but a few additional things you might consider would be to make sure you are not using any hood lighting (they can generate a lot of additional heat) and even table lamps within a few feet of the tank can create a tremendous amount of heat. Too, though generally not a problem with cooler tanks, any aquarium equipment (e.g. warm air pumps. etc.) that are close to the walls of the tank can boost higher temperatures even higher. Heat generating equipment housed under tanks can also add a lot of warmth via the bottom of the tank as the heat rises- especially if contained in closed cabinets under the tank.

I believe higher water temps also reduce available oxygen levels. I would make sure there is a lot of areation (air stones and/or dropping water level a bit to allow teturning water to break surface tension); this may reduce the apparent breathing stress.

If forum members state my information is wrong, please ignore my advice; I have been away from fishkeeping for a while so my info may be out-of-date.

Good luck.