What is the normal range of water temperatures for cichlids from Madagascar? I'm working on getting some tanks back up and running after a I moved last year. Need to know how stable there area needs to be. I would think with the ick and parasite issues that paretroplus can have mid 70's is likely as low as you would want to go but that may be completely off. A google search didn't give me much information.
Water Temps in Madagascar?
- Thread starter jgentry
- Start date
I've had a few power outages where the temp in my warmest tanks has fallen into the high 60sF for a short time, and my Paretroplus have survived.
But I try to maintain high 70sF for the Madagascan tanks. Seems most Paretroplus are located north in Madagascar, and at low elevations which leads me to believe warmth is preferred.
But I try to maintain high 70sF for the Madagascan tanks. Seems most Paretroplus are located north in Madagascar, and at low elevations which leads me to believe warmth is preferred.
The temp in the tanks for my Madagascan cichlids is 79° If they're spawning or eggs/fry are present, then its 82°. It may not be necessary, but it works for them.
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It is important to keep in mind what species of fish you are keeping. Paratilapia tolerate cooler temps and there may be differences between the species. Paratilapia sp Andapa will die if temps drop below 58 F. Temps greater than 80 F are a waste of electricity. Even with paretropline fry- they are comfortable between 70-80 F, in fact, temps>84 increase likelihood of esterility. There was an old study by Alex Saunders where he recommended temps around 80F, can't remember specific temp but I have raised my impel spawns at lower temps around 75F. What is imperative is to decapsulate brine shrimp.
Hope my rambling helps
Hope my rambling helps
Ptychochromis and Paratilapia will do well around the mid 70s but I prefer to keep the Paretroplus higher (80-84 F.). Always watching for ich. If it hits, up goes the temperature ... immediately.
Thanks for all of the responses everyone. This is what I was expecting so at least now I feel confident in how I need to set everything up.
New tanks will be in an attached garage so there will be some fluctuation in temperatures. I'll try to keep the room itself at 68-72 in the winter and use tank heaters to bump the system up to 78.
Any thoughts on summer temps? I expect water temps to be close to 84-86 in the summer when you factor in heat from the pumps at the hottest times. The garage seldom gets above 82 and I do not want to mess with a chiller if at all possible.
New tanks will be in an attached garage so there will be some fluctuation in temperatures. I'll try to keep the room itself at 68-72 in the winter and use tank heaters to bump the system up to 78.
Any thoughts on summer temps? I expect water temps to be close to 84-86 in the summer when you factor in heat from the pumps at the hottest times. The garage seldom gets above 82 and I do not want to mess with a chiller if at all possible.
I don't think you have to worry about water temps getting too high. My garage circulates air via a basement fan (not efficient- attic vent to outside would be better to remove hot air as it raises). Water temps at peak summer temps don't exceed 84F. You can always use external sump pumps so less heat gets transferred into the water or use small computer fans blowing directly into the water- this is more economical than a chiller and cools the water rather well as it evaporates- you can find these fans in fish stores in the web.