is this normal ?

[Angel03]

I seem to be having problems with the temp in my fish tank , one minuite it feels to warm then its to cool is this normal the temp at the momment is 81/27 is this to warm ???

 

[Losi]

The temp should not fluctuate too much. My tank stays between 77 and 79.

Is your heater up to the job?!

 

[Beesboer]

My water temperature fluctuates from 25.5 to 27.5 degrees Celsius. The reason why it fluctuate so much, is its rather hot here in SA in the summer. A normal day is between 24 - 34 degrees, and when my light go on it heats the water to about 27.5 degrees. It doesn’t seem to bother my fish, as they are all happy.

 

[Lateral Line]

I would say 27 is a bit high, you could, (and in my opinion should), drop that by a couple of degrees. At higher temperatures, the water cannot hold as much dissolved Oxygen. Additionally, the metabolic rate of the fish is increased which tends to shorten their lives - not a lot - but enough to notice.

Your temperature should not fluctuate wildly. You are in the UK in November, so we can't blame the tropical heat outside raising your temperature, so it's your heater that's doing it. The majority of heaters turn on and off, thus the temperature rises, the heater switches off, it falls then it switches back on again. However, there should only be a degree or two between the warmest and coldest.

You say it "feels" warm, are you actually seeing large swings on a thermometer - or is it "just a feeling"? If the temperature really is swinging wildly, (say more than 2 degrees) - then I think you need to replace your heater, (or thermostat if you have a seperate one).

 

[MAM]

go by what the thermometer says, not your finger. i always thought my molly tank water felt cold, but it was at 76 F.
for you fish, lower the temp to around 76-78 degrees F. its too warm right now.

 

[Inchworm]

Hi angel03

I try to keep my tanks at around 76-78 degrees. This gives me room for a bit of deviation one way or the other with no problems.

A good thermometer is a wize investment for a fishkeeper to make. It will help you accurately monitor temperatures in the tanks and will help you equalize the temps when you change water.

IMHO the temperature fluctions that are what you should be most concerned about. A sudden drop could weaken your fish and leave them in a condition where they are more prone to disease.

 

[Angel03]

Thanks everyone for your relpys , i know it cant be the heater as it is a new one , the temp at the momment is 79/26 as i turned the heater down a touch , will just have to keep on eye on the thermometer.

 

[Lateral Line]

>>> i know it cant be the heater as it is a new one

I'm afraid a brand new heater can be trouble. Being new does not mean that it "has" to be good. Be careful.

 

[KnuckleHead]

Heat fluctuations can also be caused by the way the heater is positioned. The submerbable heaters are the best to get. Place them horizontal rather than vertical.