Importance of temperature

[Jayzao]

I understand fish lack the ability to regulate body temperature but how important is overall temperature.
I have a new setup that has been staying around 87-89 degrees typically. Every once in a while it hits 90 and I change water to lower it.
The tank is stocked with invertes and african cichlids.
Should I be looking for a chiller?

And when I reference "importance" I mean 2-4 degree swings or running at the higher side of suggested temps

 

[alexmuw]

I think your temps are high.

In the wild, the temps of rivers/lakes/etc... would never reach 90. They might reach 80, but I think 90 is a rarity (a large mass of water requires a HUGE amount of heat to raise the temps).

I understand that fish can temporarily tolerate high temps, but I don't know how it would affect them long term.

Why is it at 90? Unplug the heater, turn it down, move tank out of sunlight, put in cooler room.

 

[creepyoldguy]

^^^^ exactly what he said

 

[Jayzao]

Has stayed under 85 for some time now. Never had a tank heater.
Live in Las Vegas and maybe had the tank a bit close to the window.
Thanks

 

[aclockworkorange]

A chiller might be worth looking in to next summer.

 

[Chromobotia]

Dang, your tank hit 90 degrees. What temp is the room at? Are you the only one in Las Vegas without central air conditiong?