Tempeature changes

kreblak

FDA approval pending
Mar 13, 2003
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I have noticed that the water temperature in my aquarium drops to about 74 degrees F during the night. Normally, it is at 76 degrees, and I've never really seen fluctuations. It is only in the morning that the temperature has dropped.

I know wide spreads in temperature are harmful to fish, but what about 2 degrees? Should I be concerned about my heater?
 
Do you have MH or PC lighting over your tank? That would definantly do it. How come your temperature is so low anyways?
 
It's a 46 gallon tank with a 150 watt heater. Should the temp be up around 78 or so anyways? I have been reading that higher 70s are good for fish, but the folks at my LFS swear that 76 is best.
 
150 w should cover you, but I personally keep all of my tanks, FW & SW, around 80-81. I'd hike it because a) I don't think the lower temperature is good for inverts, and 78 certainly won't cause any problems; and b) the temperature spike is much harder on them then upping the permanent temperature a few degrees.
 
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