Temperature Problem

[cramage]

I have a 30ltr tank. Its just settling just now with a filter. It does have heater and air pump too and light.

I got a thermometer and its reading 29oC. Doesnt matter if light is on or off. I have set heater to 26oC so obviously it wont be coming on, it was 29oC before this was added anyway.

Not sure why its so hot. Thoughts so far are the filter is generating heat? Or the thermometer is wrong. Its certainly not warm where I am.

Any ideas? 29oC is too warm for fish isnt it?

 

[Underwurlde]

29oC is too warm for fish isnt it?

Yep. I think you should aim for between 24°C and 25°C (75°-77°F) for a tropical freshwater tank.

So why so hot?

1) If your heater is on, turn it OFF. Monitor the temp of the tank every 1/2hr. If the temerature drops then the thermostat on the heater is broken or the settings are miscalibrated. Don't let the temperature drop below 22°C. This test could take the best part of a day depending on the size of your tank. (Remember, water is the 'universal coolant' i.e. takes a lot of energy to change its temperature).

2) Do you trust your thermometer? - if not try to calibrate it somehow?

3) Is your tank near another source of heat such as a radiator, fridge / freezer & the such like?

4) What is the ambient (room) temperature?

Only obvious stuff I'm afraid....

Andy