correct temp for goldfish?

[Spclk1981]

Well, I know room-temp is OK for them. I set up my aquarium, got the temp to remain at 78* for my future neons.

The LFS offered to "rent-a-fish" to me - they'll give me 4-5 feeder goldfish for $.10 each. I can put them in the tank to cycle, and take a water sample in and they'll test it for free. Once I am cycled, I can return the feeder fish for $.10 each credit, and get the neons and whatnot that I want.

My question is, can I leave the tank at 78*? If not, it's no big deal I suppose, I can unplug the heater and just let it drop to room temp, now that it's set, I can plug it back in and be right on the money or darn close with little adjustment.

So, what do you all say? Think they'd be OK in that temp? No? I think I am going to pick them up tomorrow afternoon.

[LittlePuff]

Unplug the heater. In the 60's is perfect for them. The warmer the water, the less O2 in the water. They will be fine at normal room temp.


Kim

[Spclk1981]

OK, thanks, that's what I figured.

I'll do that then :)

[OrionGirl]

? What about when the fish die because of the ammonia spike? What about the potential to introduce diseases and parasites to your aquarium? What about how much slower the bacteria colonies will develop at the lower temperature?

Please look into fishless cycling. No harm to the fish, less stress for you.

[LittlePuff]

I've never heard of the temp affecting the rate of good bacteria growth.

Kim

[OrionGirl]

Most bacteria have a temperature range with their growth rates are maximized, including the nitrifiers in out tanks.

[Dangerdoll]

isn't the cycle supposed to go quicker with warmer temps? Not like putting your tank up to 95 and wishing for the best..... more like, instead of having it at 70, keep it at 78......?

[aquariumfishguy]

Stupid me... and here I thought this was a post concerning the well fare of the Goldfish. Opps!

[Spclk1981]

I didn't really think about the temp affecting bacteria colonization...makes sense to me though.

Also, as for the welfare of the fish - I think they'd be fine, goldfish are hearty. I had them as a kid, and I knew nothing about cycling a tank. Heck, they were lucky if I cleaned the tank every month :( They lived 7+ years. I wasn't too worried about disease being that I am getting my "permanent" stock from that store, so those are just as likely to be diseased.

I suppose it would be best to be patient and fishless cycle.

[OrionGirl]

The feeder goldies they are offering you recieve terrible care and IME aRe much more likely to be caring some pathogen than other stock.

Sorry to say this, but 7 years for a fish that should live for 30+...Well, not really that good.

[Spclk1981]

The feeder goldies they are offering you recieve terrible care and IME aRe much more likely to be caring some pathogen than other stock.

Sorry to say this, but 7 years for a fish that should live for 30+...Well, not really that good.

As I said, yes, 7 years, but admittedly (shamefully now) I was a horrible caregiver. After reading the boards and knowing more than I ever did, I am truly amazed they lasted that long. Heck, I always took the filter apart and completely cleaned/replaced it all. I knew nothing about benefical bacteria.

I believe what led to the destruction of my tank was an all out WWF-style rumble...I had 2 large goldfish, and 2 african clawed frogs (not the dwarf frogs) in a 15 gallon tank. There was a big "rumble" and within a few days there were no survivors.

Anyways, yes, I suppose a fishless cycle is still the best bet. I'll wait and do that.

[aquariumfishguy]

Oh my! I guess it would be WWF-style with that kind of tank setup. Big battles took place, I can only imagine.