Cichlids - How Low A Temperature Can They Survive

[Smalleyboy]

The electricity in my area has just failed and according to the supplier could be off for another 3 hours. How low can I safely let the temperature in my cichlid tank drop before it gets serious? Normally run the tanks about 28 degrees C (75-80F)

I am 40 miles away but my wife is at home and if necessary we can heat water on a gas stove and top up tanks with boiling water. I need to know how low I can let the temperature of the tanks drop before intervening?

All advice gratefully received.

 

[fishing4exotics]

Hi Smalleyboy, I have had the same problem before. My cichlids survived low 60* f. overnight.

 

[Smalleyboy]

Thanks for that. My main tank is 300 litres nd my wife has put an old quilt over it. Due to the volume of water in it, it should be OK for quite a few hours. I have one smaller 55 litre brood tank which also has a blanket over it so it should be OK for a while.

 

[big mick]

Dont top your tank up with boiling water!

As long as you have central heating you should be just fine, Id be more worried about the filter than the temp dropping over the space of 3 hours but I wouldnt worry too much.

 

[Smalleyboy]

Electricity back on.
Thanks to all for their comments.

 

[tttnjfttt]

I don't have cichlids, but my fish have all survived 5 hours with no heat. The temp did drop into the high 60's, as the heat in our house was also out, but everyone was fine. Usually with prolonged power outages (over an hour) i put the bio media into the tank to help keep it alive and keep the ammonia controlled. I also swish the water around about every hour to help with oxygen. I've also been toold to float warm bottles of water to help keep the temp up if it comes to that.

I know your power is back on, but it always helps to know for future ottages.