Winterizing bass

  • We are currently upgrading MFK. thanks! -neo
FunWow!

FunWow!

Redtail Catfish
MFK Member
Jul 30, 2008
3,716
637
150
Rhode Island
I was looking up winter temps in brazil and it ranged lower than I thought it would. Temps seem to depend on the location but seem to range in 40s to 60s. Question is anyone ever try to do this and I wonder if its better for the bass to experience winter than just summer all year round. I've keep bass in 70 degree water but never really gone lower.


Sent from my iPhone using MonsterAquariaNetwork app
 
Seems like it would be better for them but I'm not sure why. I'm not sure what the advantages would be as they don't necessarily require a cooling period. I would also be concerned with what the actual water temps are. If the air temp is 40-60, that probably means the water won't be much cooler than 60 degrees.
 
I honestly know nothing about bass but my thoughts is this could be key as to why they can thrive in places like Florida.


Sent from my iPhone using MonsterAquariaNetwork app
 
FunWow! said:
The cooling period is a natural occurring thing to them.. As they get bigger it helps with breeding.


Sent from my iPhone using MonsterAquariaNetwork app
Click to expand...
So knowing this, doesn't that imply that it would be better for them? If we can replicate a natural habitat, it has to be better than keeping them at the same temperature year round. Even if that means only dropping the temp degrees. Doesn't is get really cold in RI though?
 
I let my BIG bass tanks go down to lower 70's in the winter and they are just fine, plus I don't have to feed as much. I had a heater take a crap in my big stock tank and they got down to about 65f for a week before I could get a replacement and we'rent as active but lived and ate. So IMO I would say it's better to let them cycle. I know that LMB in the north live longer than southern bass and scientist have linked it to the cycles slowing their metabolic rates. I would never recommend lower temps with below 12" bass though.
 
strollo22 said:
So knowing this, doesn't that imply that it would be better for them? If we can replicate a natural habitat, it has to be better than keeping them at the same temperature year round. Even if that means only dropping the temp degrees. Doesn't is get really cold in RI though?
Click to expand...

Yeah and the temp does on the fall and winter months.


Sent from my iPhone using MonsterAquariaNetwork app
 
bassguy said:
I let my BIG bass tanks go down to lower 70's in the winter and they are just fine, plus I don't have to feed as much. I had a heater take a crap in my big stock tank and they got down to about 65f for a week before I could get a replacement and we'rent as active but lived and ate. So IMO I would say it's better to let them cycle. I know that LMB in the north live longer than southern bass and scientist have linked it to the cycles slowing their metabolic rates. I would never recommend lower temps with below 12" bass though.
Click to expand...

That's interesting to know cycling prolongs the life span.... Didn't know that. I've always used lower temps on my big guys I had. Now I'm doing it with my smaller bass and all seems fine. Their at 72 now. So if your bigger bass did fine at 65 then babies should be able to take it aswell. Anyone else around try going lower than 65 degrees???


Sent from my iPhone using MonsterAquariaNetwork app
 
FunWow! said:
That's interesting to know cycling prolongs the life span.... Didn't know that. I've always used lower temps on my big guys I had. Now I'm doing it with my smaller bass and all seems fine. Their at 72 now. So if your bigger bass did fine at 65 then babies should be able to take it aswell. Anyone else around try going lower than 65 degrees???


Sent from my iPhone using MonsterAquariaNetwork app
Click to expand...

I would let the little ones get big before lowering the temp 10"-12". Just as in the wild they are born in SA spring and grow big to be healthy through the summer to help survival.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
MonsterFishKeepers.com
Top Bottom