so i have a 5 gallon tank with a filter and no heater, up until now i didnt think i needed one. i used to have tetras and a betta in it...like an idiot my friend who was watching my aquarium while i was out of town changed all the water and im pretty sure she put it them, in too soon and the water may have been too cold/hot, as you guessed they died. so now im trying to restart my tank up and my water is currently 72 degrees far. im not sure what the ideal temps are for freshawater fish and was hoping for help. i think its still too cold but just wondering.
2007-10-20 14:24:50 · 10 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Fish
i thought 75 woudl be fine too...but when i thought my tank was at 75 i bought a tetra and it died within hours of placing it in the tank...i floated the bag for an hour too. does the water need to be warmer or could something else all of a sudden be wrong?
2007-10-20 14:37:33 · update #1
The ideal temperature for tropical fish is between 72 and 79 degrees. I keep my tank at about 78 degrees.
2007-10-20 16:11:54 · answer #1 · answered by Dustinius 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
You should definitely have at least a thermometer in your aquarium so you know for sure what the temp is. We have always kept our freshwater tropicals between 75 and 85 degrees (usually 78 to 80) unless a specific breed requires a different temp. If your tetra "died within hours" of being introduced into your tank it was more likely a chemical problem rather than a temp problem. If the temp difference was drastic enough to kill the fish that quickly it would most likely have shown signs of distress during the hour it was floated in the bag. Always treat your water to remove chlorine and especially chloramine, then test it to make sure it is safe before you put fish into it or add the water to an established aquarium.
2007-10-20 21:45:57 · answer #2 · answered by brddg1974 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Water temperature of 72o is a little below what tropical fish would like - ideally you should have their temperatures at 76o-82o, although there are some that would like it even warmer. So if you want to keep a betta or most tetras again, you might see if you can get a 50 watt heater for your tank.
If you aren't able to get one, ther are fish that can take temperatures in the 68-72o range. Guppies are one, but with only a 5 gallon tank, I'd get all males. That way you don't have to worry about them breeding and overcrowding the tank. Also look into white clouds, smaller danios, and hillstream loaches. There are also some killifish that would like cooler temperatures. These fish do better when kept in groups of 5 or more, but the guppies can be kept by themselves or in a group. Keep that in mind considering the small size of your tank.
You can look up info about temperature preferences of different fish in the links below:
http://www.fishlore.com/
http://www.liveaquaria.com/product/categ.cfm?pcatid=830
http://www.fishprofiles.com/profiles/default.aspx?pnl=fresh
2007-10-20 14:48:11 · answer #3 · answered by copperhead 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
The ideal temperature is anywhere between 73-78 degrees F. I always keep all of my tanks at 75, that way if i have an emergency and need to re-arrange my friends i don't have to worry about temperature shock.
Whenever the temperature begins to change is the time you should keep a close eye on your heater.
Because the temperature fluctuates more frequently it is very possible that your heater will fail. this will result one of three ways 1) you are on top of things, notice that the heater has failed and quickly fix the issue 2) your fish literally boil 3) your fish get very cold and die from temperature shock. Unfortunately i had this happen once so i always remind people to check their temeratures because you never know...
2007-10-20 14:41:21 · answer #4 · answered by Alison B 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
You waited to long before releasing the fish into the fish tank. You should have cut open the bag within 30 minutes they need air which they get from filter. I would change 78. Idea is 78-82 degree.
You also have to check water nitrates levels every month. Water Conditioner helps with problem
2007-10-21 06:26:52 · answer #5 · answered by rosabearr ") 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I have goldfish and i guess the water is at room temperature. That my friend is around 70-80 degrees. What ever the temp is in you house, the fish should be fine although your water cant be to cold; mabey around 50-60. My fish do fine though.
2007-10-20 14:34:13 · answer #6 · answered by Betta92 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
The 72oF is a little cool for tropical fish. Guppies or white clouds, for a couple of choices, can be kept at this temperature just fine. Most tropicals I have raised do well at temperatures between 76 to 82oF. If you need specifics for different species, most fish books will list them for the different species. Also there are numrous web sites to look in to.
2007-10-21 01:44:29 · answer #7 · answered by stargrazer 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
the water for fresh water fish should be no less than 62 and no more than 72. Too cold and they go dormant, too hot and they can't breathe. Colder water carries more oxygen, warmer water carries less and makes them stress and die easily.
2007-10-20 15:09:39 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Saltwater requires minimum 72 deg. Freshwater should be kept at tropical levels BUT fresh fish are hardier so they shouldnt mind. check nitrate levels and quality fish stores other than walmarts and petsmarts.
2007-10-21 01:52:41 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
thats how cold i keep my fish tank and my betta seems to be fine i think 75-80degrees would be best
2007-10-20 14:31:15 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋