I've searched the forum and found (somewhat) differing opinions, so thought I would post my specific question. I have a 55G acrylic tank w/natives. It currently houses a red breast sunfish, bluehead chubs, and green-fin shiners. As the temp is dropping and I haven't cut on my heat yet, I wonder if the temps are too cold? My sunnie seems pale and my current temp in the house is 63 degrees. Do I need to add a heater just to keep the temp around 70? Even with heat, I won't be keeping my house warmer than about 67 degrees (propane costs are outrageous).
To Heat or Not?
Started by
Guest_twohuskies_*
, Oct 23 2010 08:00 AM
5 replies to this topic
#2
Guest_daveneely_*
Guest_daveneely_*
-
- Guests
Posted 23 October 2010 - 09:22 AM
Unless you live in the deep South, our native fish are very well-adapted to dealing with water temps down to 4C or colder every winter. A heater just wastes electricity and unless you're on solar, funnels more money into the coffers of your local utility provider.
#3
Guest_NCNativeFish_*
Guest_NCNativeFish_*
-
- Guests
Posted 23 October 2010 - 04:51 PM
Getting colder for native species shouldn't ever really be an issue. I can't picture it being any colder in your house than it would be outside, where they would be anyways. Most species native to North America can adjust to temperature fluctuation very rapidly, so in an aquarium setting, as long as you aren't trying to boil or flash-freeze them, temperature is one thing you shouldn't have to worry about.
#4
Guest_twohuskies_*
Guest_twohuskies_*
-
- Guests
Posted 23 October 2010 - 11:18 PM
Thanks to both of you for your quick replies. I figured they would be accustomed to much worse, but I also read a thread on this forum about the temps in aquariums being colder than our waterways because the water is confined to a much smaller area. (I'm probably not wording that right, but it made sense when I read it 
) I really like these fish and want to give them everything they need. But, since they don't need even a little heat, I'll save my utility $$ for the greedy propane company...
) I really like these fish and want to give them everything they need. But, since they don't need even a little heat, I'll save my utility $$ for the greedy propane company...
#6
Guest_gerald_*
Guest_gerald_*
-
- Guests
Posted 24 October 2010 - 07:42 PM
Could that have been in reference to keeping aquariums outdoors, where they would heat and cool much faster than a stream would? One thing to remember is that fish in streams can seek out underwater springs where groundwater seeps into the channel, providing a warm refuge in winter and cool refuge in summer. So even though you may see ice on the surface, fish can find nooks and crannies of groundwater seepage several degrees warmer than the measured stream temp. But no, you sure don't need to heat an indoor native fish tank. And letting them cool off for the winter may enhance their colors in the spring.
... but I also read a thread on this forum about the temps in aquariums being colder than our waterways because the water is confined to a much smaller area. (I'm probably not wording that right, but it made sense when I read it
Reply to this topic
0 user(s) are reading this topic
0 members, 0 guests, 0 anonymous users
NANFA Youtube Channel 
