Handling high tank temperatures

[shellelle]

My tank's been hitting 86°F lately, and my tetras seem stressed. I've got a 20-gallon with a basic heater, no chiller. Any tips to cool it down without breaking the bank?

[graye]

First thing, check your heater settings. Sometimes they malfunction and overheat. If it's set right, try reducing room temp or adding a fan blowing across the water surface. Evaporation cools things down.

[leafyfox]

Yep, fans work wonders. I rigged a cheap USB desk fan over my 30-gallon, dropped temps by 4°F. Just top off water more often 'cause evaporation's gonna spike.

[euter]

Yep, fans work wonders. I rigged a cheap USB desk fan over my 30-gallon, dropped temps by 4°F. Just top off water more often 'cause evaporation's gonna spike.

Second this. Also, float some ice packs in a ziplock during heatwaves. Temporary fix, but it's saved my Discus before.

[Lunabreeze]

Long-term, consider a chiller if your room's consistently hot. Or switch to cooler-water species. Tetras can handle warmth, but not forever at 86°F.

[bravido]

Messed with my heater dial last summer, same issue. Turned out the thermostat was sketchy. Replaced it with an adjustable one, problem solved. Worth a check.

[shellelle]

Thanks, all! Gonna try the fan trick first and monitor the heater. Appreciate the quick help.

[jasmy]

Does the tank get direct sunlight? That'll crank up temps fast. My cousin's tank was near a window, and it cooked his Guppies.

[graye]

Does the tank get direct sunlight? That'll crank up temps fast. My cousin's tank was near a window, and it cooked his Guppies.

Good point. Even ambient light from windows can add heat. Blackout curtains help if relocation's not an option.

[kraalix]

My tank's in a basement, stays chill year-round. Maybe move it if possible? Not always doable, I know.