Cold fish

[gwand]

I finished fishless cycling a 10 gallon tank and a 5 gallon quarantine tank at 80F. I bought 6 white cloud minnows and turned off my heater since these fish prefer colder water. My question is whether a temperature of 69F will impair the ammonia cycle I spent so much time generating. Thanks for your input.

 

[Alice B]

It shouldn't, but fish do give off less waste at cooler temperatures

 

[TwoTankAmin]

The colder the water the slower the cycle works because colder temperatures slow the bacterial activity. However, I doubt you have to worry much at 69F. If you were working into a range much below 69, then you might need to think about acclimating the bacteria to cooler temp rather than a sudden drop.

 

[emeraldking]

The lower those temperatures, the lower the metabolism gets. So, the less active the fish will become. Which also means that there will be less waste of those fish.

 

[10 Tanks]

Hello gwand. What is your house temperature? If you keep your house warm, then the water will fine for your fish. The most important issue is your water change routine. Small tanks require a minimum of half the water removed and replaced a couple of times a week. This will maintain a steady water chemistry for your fish.

10 Tanks (Now 11)

 

[gwand]

Hello gwand. What is your house temperature? If you keep your house warm, then the water will fine for your fish. The most important issue is your water change routine. Small tanks require a minimum of half the water removed and replaced a couple of times a week. This will maintain a steady water chemistry for your fish.

10 Tanks (Now 11)

Thanks for the advice. House temperature is 68. Tank temp without heater is holding at 70.