Is warm or cold best?

[Chicabelle]

My tank is naturally about 14-15C (about 57F) but it does often drop a bit colder over night. I thought this was a little cold so I bought an aquarium heater only to find the lowest temperature it will do is 20C. Is it better to leave the tank without the heater (slightly colder than recommended) or add the heater and keep it at a constant 20C? At the current temp my to little ones are a bit dormant to say the least!

 

[danchristopher]

They are naturally dormant anyway and will spend hours sitting in the same spot. My advice would be to not add the heater. If you really wish to keep a more constant temp, find a heater than can go down to something more like 16 degrees which would suit them better. They thrive in cool waters, 14-15 degrees sounds perfect actually. In nature they would experience temperature drops at night anyway so it is totally normal.

 

[GazerOfStars]

I agree with Dan here. In fact people tend to worry more when there tanks get too warm rather than cold!

If 20 c is the lowestet your heater will go you should avoid using it. Your Axies will be fine as long as it doesn't get close to freezing!

 

[Kaysie]

Mid-50's is no problem at all for these guys. I've had ice skim my tanks with no problem.

 

[Dakkagor]

have to agree, they do alot beter in cold water than warm. My tank temperatures are about the same and the little monsters seem fine.