Beginner

[funky1]

I Have just set up my fishtank. It is a custom made model width 15 inches, height 24 inches in a pine cabinet i have filled it with water added fresh start water treatment, got the ph level spot on at 7.5
It has 2-3 inches of gravel over a undergravel filter, airstone working great!
I have planted it up with 3 decorative plastic plants (various heights) and 2 decorative rocks
It has a bubble curtain at the bottom of the back glas (very effective)
It has a bio filter and a mini aqua jet installed(all working good)
It is fitted with a trionic light tube(recommended), and a heater.

I am now ready to start introducing fish and filter start.

My problem is the water temperature!!!!

I have set the heater on the minimum of 20 degrees.(can`t turn it down anymore).
but the temperature is reading 32 or more inside and outside thermometer. I am afraid I may cook the fish as this seems a little high.

What can I do?
Please can anyone tell me?

 

[iggy01]

Could your heater be stuck on? It's happened to mine before! most heaters have a light inside, so you can see when they're on. You can also sometimes hear them when they click on and off. Is the heater the correct wattage for the volume of water in your tank?

What's your room temp? Do you live in a hot climate?

Also before you start introducing fish have you considered fishless cycling?

Good luck!

 

[yvez9]

I'd also suggest doing fishless cycling. Your tank will be fully stocked faster!

Also, what is the temp in the room you are in?

 

[Slyspy]

Do you have the tank near to a radiator or other heat source? Maybe the heater is too large and insensitive for your tank size (I've had to downgrade a heater that was too large). Maybe the heater is faulty. I set one of mine to 27C and it was still merrily heating at 32C so ditched that one as well. Incidently 20C is too cold for tropical fish. If your water is warmer than this without a heater (my small tank maintains 25C without a heater) you may not need one at all. Check the requirements of your fish though.