Tank temp - Power Outage

[BkkprGal]

After many issues getting my tank to cycle, I finally have four danios that have survived 2 weeks! During the bad storms we had in Georgia a couple of nights ago, we had a tree fall on the house. Luckily we are all fine, the house is structurally sound. But we were out of power for about 12 hours. I keep my tank around 76°, right now it is at 63°. The power just now came back on.

Fish seem fine. But I'm concerned about the heater now bringing the temp back up to 76°, a 13° difference. I don't know how long it will take to heat these 10 gals, but should I turn the heater down so it will stop at a lower temperature for a while and then increment it up over a period of time?

 

[Back in the fold]

Nothing to worry about. Heaters are tough and do the job really well. Leave the thermostat alone, it will be fine. They might be the last of the manufactured goods that are still well built. Danios ? Nothing tougher. They'll be fine.

 

[BkkprGal]

Thank you! I wasn't worried about the heater being up for the job I was just concerned about the big fluctuation in temperature for the danios. That's why I got them, I needed something that would survive my abuse haha. Thanks for the reassurance. I'm enjoying the fact that my heater is back on, so I'm sure they will as well.
(Rereading my original post, I see that I wasn't clear that my concern was the danios)

 

[Essjay]

Our power was out for 8 hours last Monday. Admittedly the temperature didn't drop as much as yours (bigger water volumes retain heat longer), but I've been keeping an eye on the fish every day and so far so good. I just let the heater warm the water back to its usual temperature.

 

[Uberhoust]

Would really depend on the wattage of the heater. Assuming your heater was chosen for the tank I would say you would be OK just leaving the thermostat on the heater at its normal position.

 

[Rocky998]

My power flickered on and off five times in a row before finally just shutting down... I'm surprised my heater didnt blow up lol... But it did great! Then it heated the tank right back up after the power came back on

 

[Colin_T]

Good to hear the house and everyone is fine after the tree and storm.

If you insulate the base, back and sides of the tank with 1 inch thick polystyrene foam, it will help keep the heat in better and the heater won't have to work as hard.

A coverglass on the tank also helps trap heat. Use 4, 5 or 6mm thick coverglass because it is less likely to chip and crack compared to 2 or 3mm thick coverglass.

Danios can live in cool water so a slight drop down to 63F is fine for them. In fact they live longer in cooler water and the females are less likely to become egg bound if kept in cooler water around 60F over winter. Then allow the water temperature to rise by itself in spring and summer.

 

[BkkprGal]

I missed your comment last week @Colin_T . I just followed up with some research and I'm going to decrease the tank temp. I've been keeping it at 76*. I have Corys & Danios, so I'm thinking 72* might be good.