Temperature Fluctuations...

[SHLove16]

Okay, so I have a heater to keep my tank's (12G nano-cube) temperature up, and I use a fan too cool it down. However, I don't think I have been able to keep it within 2 degrees like I have heard you should do. For example, instead of always being 78-80 degrees, on an average day it might be 74 (never below it) at some point, than 80(rarely above it) at another...I don't have enough money for a chiller, plus the fan works, it's just I can't keep the temperature constant. I guess what I am trying to ask is, are those fluctuations too severe to keep: zoo's, mushrooms, cleaner shrimp, and clowns? Because really that is all I am keeping, just basic "hardy" stuff. Or should I work harder at worrying about a REAL steady temperature (if so, any tips)?
Thanks,
Simon

 

[drummereef]

It's the quick temp fluxuations that are bad. If the fluxuation is happening over the course of a few hours then you are likely fine. I however use a controller so my fluxuation is kept to within one degree.

 

[Nano Chris]

A large drop or rise in temperature is not really what would worry me, its how fast the temperature drops or rises, i run fans on mine and it still rises, i think i need a chiller for mine (was over 102F degrees today, and let me tell ya even with my ac kicking in my room still didn't keep the tank at 80F because i need to get a bigger ac) its harder to keep the temperature in line with a nano, than it is a bigger tank too.

I would keep an eye on it if it goes over 80 than put a ice bottle in it to cool it, try to keep it 78-80 as best you can.

 

[SHLove16]

Alright, thanks...will do.

 

[EdKruzel]

74 is too low and if your heater can't maintain 78, then you need to purchase a more efficient one. Temperatures up to 84 are still safe, but you are correct that 78-80 is best.

Set the heater (this one or a new one) for 78 and forget it, it's on a thermostat so it will turn itself off when the setting is reached.

 

[SHLove16]

Well, I have got the ViaAqua Aquarium 50W heater...I'm pretty sure it can maintain 78, but the trouble is finding it. I have never really been able to tell EXACTLY where it's at...it has a rotater to adjust/set the temperature, but they are squares with crazy weird numbers in the 20's and stuff...too low to be C, and WAY to low to be F.........

 

[greenbean36191]

Numbers in the 20s would be right for C. 27-28 is what you want.

Don't worry about the fluctuations. You couldn't make them fast enough to replicate what the animals see in nature if you tried. There is absolutely no reason to believe that 2 degrees or less variation is desirable.