Water Temperature

[mozthefox]

Hello everyone.

This is the first aquarium I've had that I've properly looked after and I would like some advice on water temperature if that's ok?

Originally I bought the tank to keep fish like danios or goldfish...cold water fish. However after having the tank successfully running for over a week with 4 danios, I decided to measure the water temperature. The temperature read 26°C which I thought was a bit high. After checking online I began to realise that that temp is encroaching on tropical territory.

I like a warm room so I don't particularly want to change the ambient temperature of the room. There is no heater in the tank, the water has just settled at 26 degrees.

Will I have to resign myself to the fact that it's going to have to be a tropical tank? If so, would you advise getting a heater to make sure the temperature doesn't fluctuate?

What do you think I should do with my danios? Will they be happy with the warm water or do you think I need to look into alternative solutions?

Thanks for your help.

James

 

[Fish are friends]

My danios are in a tank where the temp is 26-27 and they are quite happy. A heater will keep the temp constant. As far as I know goldfish can handle really cold water as long as the change is gradual.

 

[mozthefox]

Thanks for your quick reply

They seem to be quite happy. They are swimming about like I would expect. The only thing I am concerned about is that when I feed them in the evening, it's as if I haven't fed them for a month. They immediately come to the surface and go absolutely mad for the food. Does the increased temperature increase their metabolism? Should I be feeding them more do you think?

I know danios are quite hardy and fast swimmers, however how do you think they will cope with some tropical fish? Are they compatible? Anything types of fish I should stay away from?

Many thanks,
James

 

[Fish are friends]

most fish can go for 3-4 days with no food at all. danios are a very active fish and will always go nuts for food even after they have been fed... try not to over feed them cause that can cause problems with nitrate. since it is your first aquarium you might wanna have a look at the beginners section to learn as much as you can about cycling, feeding etc plus you can always ask questions here..I am still learning things every day
Although you wanted cold water (personal opinion here) tropical is far more exciting...i have 3 tanks 2 are tropical and one is a cold water goldfish tank and if you saw them you would know which were the ones that kept me busy...good luck with the hobby.

 

[the_lock_man]

Relying on ambient temperature to keep tropicals at the right temperature, when in a cooler climate is IMHO asking for trouble. I would strongly recommend a heater, just to keep things stable.

 

[mozthefox]

danios are a very active fish and will always go nuts for food even after they have been fed

So I've read. I've just learnt that they will eat some blanched vegetables too so I might see if I can find a cucumber or frozen peas (thawed!) for them to try as well.

Although you wanted cold water (personal opinion here) tropical is far more exciting

I had a tropical tank very briefly but wasn't responsible for maintaining it. I do like many tropical fish varieties so I may decide to convert the tank

I would strongly recommend a heater

I tend to agree. I may make a purchase from Mr Pets later this evening

Many thanks for all your advice.
James