Constant Temps?

[tjd]

Romer advises against keeping certain species such a A. gephyra and A. macmasteri at constant temperatures less they become more suseptible to diseases. I am curious what is considered constant and more importantly what would be advised for such fish in terms of temperature variation range and period.

Is a few hours of cooler conditions after a water exchange considered sufficent variation or would changing the heater by a couple degrees F. every month (week?) be appropriate?

Tom

 

[apistoireland]

Best way to avoid a constant temperature is to lower the water temperature during the night. 1-2 degrees celcius will do fine. Cheapest way to do this is to use two themostats on seperate timers.

 

[lab]

In smaller tanks the temperature will automatically vary 1-2 degrees between day and night since the lamp provides heat for the water also.
This is the case with a "closed" lamp.

Best regards,
Lars

 

[tjd]

Am I correct in understanding that Romer's advice for these species (A. gephyra and A. macmasteri) pertains to the daily fluctuations rather than seasonal fluctuations the fish would experience in the wild?

Tom

 

[apistoireland]

yes you are. See also the Baensch Aquarium Atlas, I think it is numer 4 where they have a extended section on Apistos