? on Tank Temperature Fluxuations

[Trandall]

I now might have another possible issue. My tank had been running very steady at 76.9 degrees which I figured was an o.k. temp for a FOWLR tank. Since I installed my new lighting system < which I love > I now have some temperature fluxuations. I'm wondering how much flux is too much for fish? I don't have any fish in the tank yet so can't judge by their behavior.
Here's the temps from my tank yesterday......

76.9 When I first turned the lights on in the A.M.

77.8 After 5 hours with lights on.

78.5 At 5 P.M.

79.1 At 8:15 P.M. < Lights were then turned off >

Then this morning the temp was back down to....76.3 at 8:15 A.M. when I turned the lights back on.

So...if my math serves me correctly, that's aprox. a 3 degree difference/flux in temperature in a 24 hour period < from 76.3 at the coolest to 79.1 at the warmest >.

Is a 3 degree fluxuation in 24 hours acceptable for most fish?

How much do your temps fluxuate in a given 24 hour period?

Thanks for any input you can give.

Terri Randall

 

[LukFox]

I think you're perfectly fine. In the wild temperatures vary a ton more than that. In the summer my tank can swing about 6 degrees. I don't even keep a thermometer in the tank during the cooler months since it's not going to get to hot or too cold (given I'm in CA). If the fish are used to fluctuation over the course of the day, they're absolutely fine. Fish that are kept with a perfectly stable temperature are the ones that might show stress with a change in temperature since they aren't used to it or prepared. Honestly, 3 degrees is nothing. Your fish won't care.

 

[Trandall]

Oh good point. Never thought of that...thank you!
Makes perfect sense.
Appreciate the response.

 

[reefergeorge]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11637393#post11637393 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by LukFox
Fish that are kept with a perfectly stable temperature are the ones that might show stress with a change in temperature since they aren't used to it or prepared.

Same with corals. My reef fluctuates six degrees during summer with no ill effects. So I don't think you will have any problems.

 

[JustinReef]

My tank fluctuates from 78-82 mostly everyday. There are many things in an aquarium that should not fluctuate but I don't think temperature is a big deal. Unless it goes below 76 or above 86.

Only thing is that maybe 76 is a little on the lower side. I have my heater set to come on if the tank gets as low as 78. You may want to keep the lower temps a tiny bit higher. Just my opinion though.