SMB in tropical temps.

[AU_Arowana-RG]

Can a smallmouth bass be maintained at temps of 75-83 degrees farenheit?

 

[fisher12889]

The lower end of that range might be alright, I wouldn't keep one over 78-80*.

 

[AU_Arowana-RG]

Thanks for the note.

 

[Noto]

Oxygenation is very important for them. Hotter water holds less oxygen and hotter fish need more oxygen. Keep the water as cool as the other fish will allow and aerate like it's going out of style. Florida and spotted bass are more tolerant of warm water.

 

[snookman]

I keep a spotted bass at 78f with no problems.

 

[warmouth]

I agree with NOTO......the higher the temp the more oxygenization that is needed, after awhile that can be difficult to maintain.

 

[knifegill]

My bass is from Washington state, so I really wouldn't try him any higher than around 75ºF, but if your bass is from several generations of warmer waters, yeah. 78 sounds like an alright upper limit. He won't live as long.

Oh, SMB. I have a LMB. Sorry for the mix up.

 

[Umbra]

I've kept them at 79 before, you'll need a powerhead and excellent filtration. They'll be slightly more susceptible to diseases as well, but with proper care they do fine. 75 degrees is a much safer bet and most tropical fish species do just fine in that temp range as well.