Temperature Range Query

[ShinySideUp]

If a book gives a temperature range for a particular species of fish, let's say 24 to 28 degrees Celsius, what advantage would there be to keeping the fish towards the higher end of the range as opposed to the money-saving lower end of the range. Not heating 200 litres of water by four more degrees than necessary would save a lot of money over a year so why would I need to do it?

 

[TrainRek77]

You're not saving a whole lot of money with a few degrees. Just aim towards the middle and make the fish comfortable. And not to be so frugal. haha j/k.

 

[Ruskull]

I vary the temp from time to time, I'm sure it's that way in the wild anyway. By keeping it toward the lower part of the range you leave the option to raise it to help with meds if necessary. Keeping the temp down can also aid by lowering aggression in some fish just as raising it can help with breeding.

 

[OldMan47]

The temperatures are an indication of typical temperatures where the fish are found in the wild. They are not necessarily the only acceptable temperatures. The reason we can make up a community of fish is that the fish themselves are somewhat flexible. e end up trying for a temperature that is included in the range of all of our fish but sometimes we push fish by a degree or two outside their comfort range to make a grouping work.

 

[raptorrex]

If a book gives a temperature range for a particular species of fish, let's say 24 to 28 degrees Celsius, what advantage would there be to keeping the fish towards the higher end of the range as opposed to the money-saving lower end of the range. Not heating 200 litres of water by four more degrees than necessary would save a lot of money over a year so why would I need to do it?

I always look at it this way.
the two figures are extremes. as with all situations, between the two extremes is an ideal. more often than not, thats in the middle.

I prefer to go a little lower, and despite comments here. its quite a saving in electric. each degree lower is money in you pocket. with bigger tanks, is a fair bit of extra money, too.

but, as with anything fish, they are nowhere near as sensitive as many assume.

 

[CezzaXV]

Unless you're keeping a species only tank, I find a range is helpful. Some of my fish are at the lower limit of their commonly accepted temperature range, whereas others are at the high end. This is a community tank and they're all in together.

I guess if you go higher then you've got a little extra bit of protection if there's a power cut - it'll be longer before the temperature drops below their acceptable range, though personally I dont think this is enough justification to waste your electricity on.