Winter Aquarium Temps? How low do you go?

  • We are currently upgrading MFK. thanks! -neo
I'm staying at 80. I'm running off water heater heat

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keeping it 80 this year, cuz my plecos just poop!
 
It all depends upon what species of fish you keep. Most people keep their tanks too warm. Most tropical fish do well in temperatures in the mid 70's. Many species can tolerate temperatures into the 60s as long as the temperature drop is gradual.
 
I've always kept my tanks around 82F when I have my heaters plugged in. This year is the first time I'm going down to the 70's...20g is at 75F. I also decided to just plug in one of the heaters in the 120g instead of both. It should be able to do the job and keep the tank at least in the high 70's. The 75g, I only dropped it to 78F
 
Yeah, I'm going to 75 in my big tanks. The grow outs will be kept at 80 and the Goonch tank wont have a heater so it might be in the low 70's to high 60's.

I don't think this will hurt the fish, it will save a little in electric and food too.

Thanks for all your input, it helped me make the decision.
 
My tanks last winter dropped into the low 60s. the gar looked amazing.. my aba knife had no problem with it 'nore did my eels. key is a slow drop.. and the steady temps.. just like they would see in the wild. I wouldn't let them get much below 62 for trops... and remember ick sometimes can get a foothold in the lower temps, so any signs and ide bump temps back To the 80s and try a slightly warmer temp if you decide to drop it back down. had this happen with our fahaka puffer. increased the temp back up, water changed the gazungas outta the tank for a few days and all was well.
 
My tanks last winter dropped into the low 60s. the gar looked amazing.. my aba knife had no problem with it 'nore did my eels. key is a slow drop.. and the steady temps.. just like they would see in the wild. I wouldn't let them get much below 62 for trops... and remember ick sometimes can get a foothold in the lower temps, so any signs and ide bump temps back To the 80s and try a slightly warmer temp if you decide to drop it back down. had this happen with our fahaka puffer. increased the temp back up, water changed the gazungas outta the tank for a few days and all was well.

I didn't think about my Aba. I may drop that tank to 75 also. Thanks for your input!
 
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