How much gradual temperature change can a fish handle?

[Rocketman]

Hey everyone, Rocketman is back - out of school and with a new job at Pet Supplies Plus. Ha.

So, as I live in Michigan, my house gets a little hot during the day. The temperature in my 60 Gallon tank is normally kept at 75-76 with 2 Ebo-Jagur heaters. In the summer, however, the temperature rises to 80 with no help from the heaters. Assuming the temperature change is gradual, (as water heats slowly by nature,) what effect would this have on my fish? Balas, Otos, Tetras, Cories, and Giant Danios as well as some plants.

Any recomendations?

[Turin Turambar]

In my experience - do nothing. I have neons, rasboras, ramirezi and plecos. They are all great and I don't do anything to lower the temperature even when it reaches 29-30c.
Aside when it's "naturally" hot, I keep the tank temperature at about 27c.

[OrionGirl]

The biggest problem with temperature changes is the reduction in dissolved oxygen at higher temps. 80 isn't that warm for most fish, but the oto's might become a bit sluggish. As long as you have adequate surface agitation, they should be fine. Just monitor them for gasping, and have frozen water bottles handy to put in in case it gets upwards of about 85.

[Hebdizzle]

which pet supplies plus do you work at? I sometimes go to one in Commerce Township (I think thats what city its in). What is yours like? That one isn't too bad... (HORRIBLE FISH SELECTION)

[Rocketman]

My tank is planted, (hornwart, Bacopa, Swords, Anacharis, Ludwigia,) so I don't think O2 is a problem.

I work at the Rochester Location. We just got new managment and our selection is improving, the fish are all healthy too.