you said that you didnt want loss. if your keeping cichla i dont recommend keeping them in temps lower then 87 b/c they are very prone to iche and other disease at a smaller age. keeping cichla in high water temps that disease can not survive in is key. if your keeping them outside in a natural pond, you will have gradual temperature drops so you may be ok, but dont get me wrong any water them lower then 70 degree F i think you have some really slow cichla.