I have a stable 30 gallon tank that has been going for a few years now.
In it I have a half a dozen live plants, 7 neon tetras, 3 flame tetras, a molly, two swords, two ADFs, a pleco, a chinese algea eater, a khuli loach, and a gold dojo (weather) loach
But ever summer I seem to have the same problem. Since I don't have AC, when a heat wave hits, my house gets very hot. The problem is it gets too hot for the tank (mid to upper 80s and sometimes even in the 90s). Then at night it cools down to the mid 70s to low 80s. The extreme heat plus the temperature fluctuations are not good for the tank. (I have my tank heater set to kick in if the temp drops below 70.) I have tried adding ice cubes and cold water, but that only works if I'm home all day and can add them in small doses. Does anyone have any ideas how I can keep my fish safe during the summer and when I'm generally away from home all day?
Thanks for any help or advice
2007-05-25 04:45:55 · 11 answers · asked by PurpleFool 2 in Pets ➔ Fish
Just increase the amount of water movement in the tank - make sure the the surface is well disturbed and the water is well circulated - the fish can handle those temperatures so long as you can keep the oxygen levels up. You can try the fan method which should help a bit, but to do this you need to keep the lid off, which will result in a lot of evaporation.
2007-05-25 04:54:02 · answer #1 · answered by Ghapy 7 · 3⤊ 1⤋
If you have a basement I would recommend moving the tank. If you do not have a basement then I would try moving the water as much as possible. This will delay the heat from effecting the water as fast. Check to see if the back of your hood is open. You can put an old nylon on the back to prevent the fish from jumping out and also provide a way for the heat to escap faster. Do not put your light on because this will also generate heat. Good Luck!
2007-05-25 06:56:14 · answer #2 · answered by mustang 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I have had the same thing happen with my 29 gallon tank already this summer. I have use ice cubes not to many at one time. and make sure its made with the same water you use in the tank. Also you can blow a fan over the top of tank and that will help but u will also have to replace the water that evaporates. You can also get a screen for the top of the tank instead of the lighted hood (if you happen to have a lighted hood on it) Good luck.
2007-05-25 14:19:43 · answer #3 · answered by sweetansassy 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Get an air conditioner.Add a chiller. If you can't do that,add ice-packs to the filter every few hours,change the water with cold tap water and run the filters.If the room is hot,the water will heat up later on,but not right away. There is no magical solution.
2007-05-25 06:25:23 · answer #4 · answered by DAGIM 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
There are a few ways you can do this. First the fish you have will do fine in lower temperatures. you can safely turn down the heater a few degrees which in the long run will help. just remember to do it slowly.
You can use a clip on fan to move the heat to blow away from the light or across the light. these are found at walmart and really do work.
you can leave the light off for longer periods during the heat of the day if your home gets warm. Turn it on more towards the evening hours when you are home to enjoy it.
you can add a power head or lower the water level 1/2 inch to help cool it.
2007-05-26 03:55:04 · answer #5 · answered by danielle Z 7 · 0⤊ 3⤋
Hi
try blowing fan on the tank. if you have fish than will not jump from your tank open the hood. add a power head.
dont run the lights when its very hot.
take a big bag or bowl with a lid and put ice in it with the ice wraped in towl to help the ice from melting as fast.
never just drop ice right in the tanks tap water has chemicals in it.
and if you want to go for a real fix make your self a chiller or buy one.
2007-05-25 05:06:58 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Okay, I am not sure about them exactly but I have heard that people who have ponds or fountains with goldfish in the summer use a chiller. Apparently, it keeps the water from overheating.
Hope This Helps!!!
2007-05-25 06:20:46 · answer #7 · answered by ? 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If you can't afford the chiller option you can use 16oz plastic soda bottles frozen. In our work water can we use 2liter bottles and never have to buy ice. A little experimenting may be necessary to get the bottle size right!!!
2007-05-25 12:07:22 · answer #8 · answered by pappyld04 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
maybe try using a fan blowing directly on the tank
2007-05-25 04:50:39 · answer #9 · answered by Debt Free! 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Try to keep it in a nice shady place and to keep it cool but try not to keep it too cold though.
2007-05-25 04:51:45 · answer #10 · answered by Itachi lover 4ever 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋