Temps

[sdieringer]

A friend gave me some old publications (1984) on aquriums, it suggested to lower the temp on your tank to 74 t0 76 once a month or so. Is this a good thing to do or not? I have not heard this until now.

 

[8BALL_99]

what was its reasoning? I've never heard this before. The only thing I could think of is an attempt to kill of some parasites.. But thats not cold enough to matter.

 

[gflat65]

I hvaen't heard that, either. In the wild, there isn't a monthly temp swing to the low side, so I'm not sure where the justification for a short term temp change would come from.

 

[sdieringer]

All I remember is that it, help the fish feel like it was in a more natural setting. I agree w/ 8ball, nature does not cool off once a month, That is why I asked. thanks for the replies

 

[freddy4130]

Nature fluctuates a heck of a lot more often than your tank I bet that much. My temp fluctuates about 4 degrees or more per day. I top off with room temp distilled water. Today my temp went from 80 to 72 within 15 minutes. I changed 5 gallons with room temp water.

I have a theory. If you keep your parameters perfect all the time your tank becomes weak. It may look like a million dollars, but as soon as something happens that your corals and fish are not accustomed to they die. I read about it all the time. Guy loses thousand worth of livestock because his power went out for a few hours. I say train your tank to deal with adversity.

 

[hammolw]

Interesting theory Freddy!
I like it..... Your own aquatic variation of survival of the fittest!
I'm with you, if everything needs to be babied to survive, it is inevitable that sooner or later you (or your equipment) is going to fail. This is indeed a relatively high maintenance hobby, but lets be realistic... Right?