What Temp Should My Tank Be At The Mo?

[Fish_n_Frys]

Hey,

2 days ago i got a new heater because im pretty sure the old one wasn't even working. I was getting worried because the temp of the water was pretty cold.
My temp thermometer is at 26 now.. but the heater reads 23..so thats a bit confusing.. butthe fish look more lively which is good.
Ive got tetras, guppies, mollies and platys

What would be the ideal temp for all these fish?

Im putting this under emergancy becuase if im to hot or to cold i don't want to have a huge loss of fish!

Thx, Charlotte

 

[Tolak]

I would go by the thermometer. Many times the markings on a heater don't correspond to the actual heat. You could double check with a second thermometer, a different brand would be best, as I've seen some thermometers that are off as well.

Tolak

 

[The-Wolf]

many thermometers are not all that accurate
but most have a tollerence of + or - 1 degree

this tpic I did a while back shows what kind of variences you can get
http/www.fishforums.net/index.php?showtopic=111080&hl=

 

[ncjharris]

Your tank should be at the same temp all year round. Most thermometers will have a thermostat that will (try) to keep the temp constant for all the water. If its winter it just has to work a bit harder.
Don't make the mistake of turning it up a little just as it is winter - you'll lower the o2 content of the water and the fish will suffer.

As recomended, try checking with a thermometer or two.