Fishtank Temp?

Question

Is it alright to have my fishtank temp set at 80-82 Degrees F* for 2 Convict (Zebra) Cichlids and 1 Red Devil Cichlid?

I know this is at their top ranges for temp , but the water still feels oddly cold. I can't imagine it getting any colder for tropical fish.

Im using a brand new electronic temp where you put this probe into the center of the tank and it gets the temp and an external one that just sticks to the glass and reads the temp.

They both give off the same readings

Answer 1

I think your cichlids will be fine at that temperature as long as it stays fairly stable, therefore I wouldn't do anything drastic to cool their water off if you think 82 is too high, or heat it up if you feel it is too low for that matter. I personally keep my cichlids at 82 pretty much all of the time and they've been fine with this for a pretty long time. (My heater is powerful and it's lowest setting stays around 80-82 but it is consistent).

As MM was saying I would trust the readings from two reliable sources rather than what it feels like to your hand as that can be deceiving.

Answer 2

They are tropical fish and 84 would be the very top...it will feel cold, but not too cold..if your digital thermometer is functioning then you should be confident it is giving you a correct reading. I would expect, however, the side of tank to have some warmth, however.

Answer 3

it is at there top range if you keep it at that any longer it will hurt the fish the reson it feels could to u is because human body temp. is 98 degress f* so the water will feel cool to you but for the fish its boiling

Answer 4

I don't like keeping my tank that warm just in case my temp fluctuates a little.I wouldn't want it to go any higher than what you have. I usually keep mine at 76.

Answer 5

80-82 F is just fine for both species, don't let your hand fool you, go with the reads of two separate sources. :)

MM

Answer 6

Yes that should be fine.