Hot summer weather

[teacherspet]

My tanks are running quite hot due to high temps here in sunny southern california. I have a 20 gallon that is at 84 (platys and rainbows) and a 6 that is at 86 (bumble bee goby). I also have a 100 gallon marine that is at 82 (lion and puffer). I have to run out for the day but was planning on doing a water change when I get home to try and lower the temp. I don't want to shock them however, so I was hoping someone could give me some feedback and/or ideas. I have a fan blowing on them during the day, but it hasn't seemed to help. Thanks!

 

[IovaykInD]

Try some bottled ice water. You could use a couple of gallon milk bottles and let them float inside the tank. If it is like this every year, I'd really suggest a chiller. Although it costs a lot, I think it would be worth it for you.

If they don't seem stressed, it may be an ok temperature, because I know people who have their tanks at 85 degrees for the whole summer and the fish are fine.

Isaac

 

[qwikimpss]

I just picked up an air conditioner for my room that has 2 tanks in it. 100 bucks from best buy, you may want to look into it.

 

[jmccalip]

Make sure the fan is close and blowing directly on the water. I have a 40mm PC fan running at 6v, and it cools my 55 gallon from 82 to 78.5. The fan is 1" over the water.

 

[teacherspet]

Thanks for the ideas. I did a water change which lowered the temp and have a fan blowing on them...

 

[dwarfgourami]

You may also want to put an airstone in as lack of oxygen is often a greater problem than the heat itself.

 

[Angry_Platy]

I have had my tanks sit at 90F for weeks on end over summer (hot OZ weather) and the fish have been fine. Summer 2 years ago I used to freeze bottles of water and float them in the tank. The fish all got ich and were worse off. Now I just make sure the water level is slightly lower hence causing more water disturbance from the filters hence more oxygen in the water. I have had my tanks spike at 94F for 2-3 days without any ill effects on the fish.

 

[Fishy411]

yeah and make sure your puffer doesnt kill your lion. theyre known for that.