bassmanten

I am currently cycling a 10g tank with raw fish and am in the Nitrite phase. To speed up the process, I turned up the heat to the upper 80s (F). However, I plan to keep the tank at about 75 - 78F when I add fish.

Before the cycle is over, should I begin to slowly reduce the temperature to 75F to acclimate the bacteria slowly, or are the bacteria not that sensitive to temp change?

I guess I am concerned that when I do the big water change right before I add fish, replacing 88F water with 75F water might harm the bacteria.

If I do need to start lowering the temp, how fast should it be done....2 degrees per day or something like that?

Thanks.

Tavel

I have this 10 gallon hospital tank which alternates between goldfish (cold water, 64F) and my sick tropical fish(78-80F). When moving from goldfish to tropical I just turn the heater on and let it cycle up to temperature, conversely when going back to goldfish I just turn it off and let it radiate out.

the temperature fluctuates about 15 degrees (up or down) in 24 hours. I thus far have seen no evidence that the bacteria is upset by it.

I have no doubt you'll be just fine if you turn down the heater and leave it.

Peterpiper

bassmanten,
Time is on your side, so why risk dropping the temp fast? 2 deg a day sounds good to me.