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I have a 20 gallon freshwater aquarium with 6 small tetras that I've kept for some time (2+ years) at a water temperature of 85 degrees as suggested by the fishstore.

I use a small heater with a thermostat, and I think the flourescent light on top of the glass lid traps the heat causing it to warm things up a bit.

Recently I've been reading up on fish and working to make improvements to my tank. Everything I've been reading about FW fish lately suggests a lower water temperature in order to maintain a healthier tank. I'm afraid if I try to lower the temperature in my tank, I'll kill my fish.

So my question is should I just continue to maintain my current temperature or gradually start bringing the temperature level down?

Depending on the type of tetra, I believe they prefer the temperature to be slightly cooler than 85 (I think somewhere between 73 - 81). If you do choose to reduce the temperature, do it very gradually. I think a degree a day is what is recommended but I'm sure someone will be along shortly to correct me if I am wrong.

Nope! Right as rain! A gradual change will not kill the fish, and lowering it some will be better for any new additions to your tank, should you decide to get any.

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And when he gets to Heaven, to Saint Peter he will tell: "One more Marine reporting, Sir! I've served my time in Hell."

You can start lowering the temperature bit by bit.



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I think you would do good even to bring it down to 80. Most fish dont like temperatures so hot as that.
I keep my guppies and platys at 80 and my community tank at 76. Guppies seem to do well at that temp whereas my community fish seem to prefer a slightly lower temp. I have noticed an improvement in the behaviour of my weather loaches since I lowered the temp.
I think You would be fine to lower it from 85 to 80 in one day. Say 1 degree every 3-4 hours.


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The main problem with it being such a high temperature as that is that oxygen does not dissolve as well into water at such high temperatures. The fish may be uncomfortable, but that is hard to measure. It's most likely that they will have a hard time breathing. A temperature of about 78-80 degrees seems about ideal for most tropical fish (some like it lower and rarely a fish likes it higher, as discus are recommended to keep at 82)

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