ideal temp for coldwater

[bigmac1878]

what is the ideal temp for a coldwater tank? i have a 15g(18g us) tank with 3 goldfish, 1 black moor, 1 shubunkin, 1 telescopic eye calico( in QT for swimbladder probs) and 5 white cloud mountain minnows. i don't artificially heat the tank, it will be at room temp, whatever that is at the time of testing. the temp at this moment is 18C (64.5F) if it helps my water parameters are:
PH - 7.2
ammonia - 0ppm
nitrIte 0.25 ppm
nitrAte - 20-30 ppm (uncertainty due to colour interpretation)
i last done a water change of about 15/20% just over a week ago (5-3-06)

i've only been keeping fish for about 1 year so i'm still learning. maybe one day, i'll be giving the answers.

until then, thanks.

simon

 

[jsoong]

Your fancies will actually do better in somewhat warmer water (mid 70's or 22C). However, more important is temperature swings during the day in an unheated tank. Fancies don't do well with sudden temp swings .... so if your room temp is not that stable, it might be better investing in a small heater.

 

[Zagz]

I would get a heater as recommended and keep the temp at 74 F.