I've been looking around for info and was wondering what sort of experience anyone has keeping them in tropical temps (even lower range, like 72-75). Will they die fast without the cooling period?
Balzani and temperature
- Thread starter Cichlaholics Anonymous
- Start date
I bought 9 total from Rapps and they all died! I don't think it was Rapps fault but my own. I never did a cooling period which I did not have them long enough to do a cooling period. I honestly think they developed "Bloat" due to feeding oversized foods. They are very interesting fish and I would love to try a Gymno species only tank again someday.
I made a similar thread about a month ago, and important a cooling period is depends on where they come from, as their habitat covers a range of climates. BTW mine just laid eggs at 25C with no cooling period (other than the cold water from the tap for water changes).
Cichlaholics Anonymous;2498130; said:
I bought some Wilds from a Local Wholesaler... I lost about 9 out of 15.. Then sent them off to a buddy.. He got a pair they bred and died shortly after... they were at or just over one year. Neither of us incorperated a cooling period
man, my very crappy LFS's supplier has these things for $2.95 wholesale, I thought of purchasing some to growout/resell but after reading this I'm glad I didn't.
Well I have some F1's from that pair... About 9.. But ya... Thinking that the temp ordeal is goinhg to be a must for me 
I tried balzani and labiatus at tropical temps and they wasted away.
I've had Gymno Paso Pache since May, put them in the pond over the summer, which varied in temp between 55'F and 80 and they bred. Cooling down may not be needed for balzani, but I believe lower temps in general would be wise, it also keeps aggression down.
Brought them into a basement tank that sits on the floor, and the temp stays @ 60-65'F an they seem to be doing well.
I've had Gymno Paso Pache since May, put them in the pond over the summer, which varied in temp between 55'F and 80 and they bred. Cooling down may not be needed for balzani, but I believe lower temps in general would be wise, it also keeps aggression down.
Brought them into a basement tank that sits on the floor, and the temp stays @ 60-65'F an they seem to be doing well.
I was told by the seller that they are locally bred here in S. Florida, not sure if that affects it or not
i read that balzani are actually the only type of gymnos that does OK at temperatures around 70? you can probably keep these guys in an unheated tank in your house and they will be ok. temperatures will probably be high 60s to low 70s...