Heat Fluctuation

[Brian Bivens]

This question may seem rediculous, but I have read everywhere how temperature fluctuations stress out fish. My question is, in the wild, wouldn't the temperature fluctuate from day to night in the water the fish are living in?
at the very least the surface temperature has to fluctuate....

The reason I am asking, is that I have a little one gallon aquarium at work. It has a silly four watt bulb in it, that I replaced with a 15 watt bulb, but the temperature raises between 4-6 degrees during the day while it's on.

I keep molly and platy fry in the little tank (only three of each) until they are big, and then take them to the local fish shop... Do you think this fluctuation is causing them unnecessary stress?

thank you!

 

[S.A.]

This question may seem rediculous, but I have read everywhere how temperature fluctuations stress out fish. My question is, in the wild, wouldn't the temperature fluctuate from day to night in the water the fish are living in?
at the very least the surface temperature has to fluctuate....

QUOTE]

But most fish are not kept to a 2 ft X 1ft section of the water. They rise and drop down with temperature and particle fluctuations, not to mention food/prey.

What temperature was the tank before and what is it now?
Are you able to get a lower wattage? If not, does your aquarium have an open top? If it does, you can leave it open to let cooler air flow over the water surface.