what is the safe way?

Question

what is the safest way to make the temperature in my aquarium go down? icecubes? should i just get a heater that keeps it at the right temperature?

Answer 1

Heaters will only make the temperature go up, they won't lower it.

The safest way is to get an aquarium chiller, but these are expensive! Some other options are to blow a fan across the surface of the water to create ripples - this will add oxygen, as well as increase evaporation, which will cool the tank a few degrees. Also, unless you have live plants, turn off the aquarium lights - these can produce some heat.

You can also get a room sized air conditioner for the room the fish are in, just vent it out a window. Small air conditioners cost less than chillers, plus it makes the room comfortable for you to watch the fish/do tank maintenance.

Using ice cubes will change the temperature too quickly, then the temperature will go back up - the constant warm temperature is less harmful to your fish than the temperature fluctuating (unless it's extremely high). Plus, the fish can come into contact with the ice cubes. Instead, try small (10%)water changes and gradually add new water that's slightly cooler than what their in. Make sure your filter is running at full flow and you could add an airstone for supplemental water movement - water movement is needed to add dissolved oxygen to the water, since warmer water hold less oxygen for your fish.

Answer 2

When my tank water gets too hot, I usually plop in a few ice cubes every 15 minutes or so until the temperature is down low enough and make sure the room the tank is in is cool to keep it that way. If your tank seems to heat up a lot, remember that it is better for a higher, but steadier temperature than a lot of fluctuations.

Answer 3

I normally freeze a water bottle and let it float on the top of the tank and then take it out when it reaches the desired temperature. Most ice cubes are made from tap water, but a few won't hurt. Just make sure to add dechlorinator after you use the ice cube trick.

~ZTM

Answer 4

Invest in a good heater. Each species of fish will find its own"comfort zone" at various aquarium levels. DO NOT put ice into the tank !! The sudden drop will put your fish into shock and kill 'em !! Remember this, If the room temp is comfortable for you it is also right for the fish !!

Answer 5

if ur too hot let it cool down to room temp (around 75) and add about 5-10 icecubes per 50 gal and w8 until your about the rite temp..

Answer 6

heaters will not make the water temp lower....

what is the temp now, fishes can handle the higher temps but make sure you compisate with extra oxygen, as warmer water dissolves oxygen faster than colder water.

Water changes will cooler water will decrease it, but not to drastic or you will put your fish in shock.