I'm keeping my 2" p bass with a couple of small turtles right now (eventually relocating to a 180 with other fish, waiting until he puts on a little size), so I can't turn up the water temp so high. I have it at 77, and the bass is fine (a couple months in). The higher temps are really great for growing them fast, which is what 99.9% of the people on this forum are concerned with (which is fine, that's one of the awesome things about p bass). I wouldn't just crank it right up, could be tough on the other fish in there. If your bass is already taking pellets then you are in good shape! Good luck