Temperature of water

[fishkid26]

Can a discus live in water that is 76-78*F?

[Ralph]

Just about everyone on the board keeps them between 82 and 88 degrees. I am not saying it is impossible at 78 but they will likely be stressed.
Is it tank mates that you are concerned about, or plants maybe?

[fishkid26]

it is my heater it is all the way up but the temp does not go past 78.

[Ralph]

Check out some of these online retailers:

http://forum.simplydiscus.com//index.php?board=1;action=display;threadid=5902

There are some real good deals on heaters.

There is another thread on which heaters are the best but I couldn't find it right now.

[Liz_Streithorst]

First make sure that your thermometer is correct. If it is then buy another heater.

Liz

Fishkid, When discus are kept below 80 degrees for an extended period of time--then they can contract Ich, Velvet , hole in the head and a host of parasitic invasions they are normally resistant to due to water temperature. Joe :-\

[mikeos]

Water temperature directly affects the fishes metabolic rate (ie they are cold blooded). All fish are adapted to live in a narrow temperature band, and outside this band they will suffer stress, poor energy levels and a reduced ability to maintain their natural defences against desease, at reduced temperature all bodily functions become less efficient.

IMO below 82f is too low for adults, below 84/86f is too low for juvinile/ sub-adults. Just think how you would react to your environment in summer clothes all year round with no heating system or additional clothing, this is what it is like for your fish.


mike ;D

Mike, Excellent analogy! Joe ;)

[BlueTurquoise]

Very safe advice. Make sure that you're thermoter is working, if so then investigate another heater.

Chong :thumbsup:

You can also use an indoor/outdoor thermometer for checking tank temps. I get mine from Radio Shack.

HTH
Miles