The Puffer Forum

I finished setting up my tank last night, but I think I have a little problem. Water temp seems stuck at 84F. On 2 different thermometers. That's with lights off, tank is never in direct sunlight, and it's not that warm here. Now I haven't even started cycling the tank, so there's no fish in it yet, but the LFS is keeping their GSPs at around 80F, and the pufferpedia says max is 80F. Is putting a GSP in there a bad idea?

If your room temperature is below that normally, then the temperature of the tank should fall & stay lower than that. Maybe a heater is malfunctioning?

I think a temp constantly at 84F would stress a GSP, but if the temp raised that high for a little while it wouldn't hurt one. Just be sure to figure out why the temp is so high before looking into any fish.

Heater isn't even plugged in right now. Room temp is currently 81F.

Maybe you filled it with warmer water and it hasn't had the chance to cool off yet?

What kind of thermometer are you using? If its a stick on, where do you have it stuck?

One is stuck to the front left of the tank, heater is on the rear right (not plugged in right now). The other is a floater, not attached to anything, moves around with the current. Both read the same temp. I did fill the tank with warmer water than usual, but it's been almost 24 hours. Figured it would have cooled overnight.

I'd give it another day, and if there isn't any change then look into other causes.

If you have to cool the tank because it is very hot in your house, you can float little zip-lock bag with some ice cubes. I had to do that in my tanks a few summers ago...

I would do a water change with cooler water and get it down to a normal level. No point in waiting.

84F is on the warm side but with enough oxygen in the water I dont believe it should cause any damage. If you're really concerned you could run an air stone.

Doing a water change would help to lower the temp, but if you're like me a water change would do no good since the water is coming out of the cold water tap at 85F. I suppose you could melt ice and add it in.

MP

Still at 84F. For now I'm not too worried. As fall approaches things should cool down. Not to mention since I'm cycling I guess a slightly high temp is a good thing. When the tank is fully cycled I'll do a final water change with cooler water, around 75F, and let it sit overnight to see what happens.