How can I maintain a cooler aquarium water temperature for goldfish?

Question

I've had silver dollars, angelfish, algae eaters, and several other types of fish in a 55-gallon aquarium for years now, but I decided to start all over so I gave my fish up and I've decided to get goldfish(the bigger ones). I've always kept my aquarium temperature around 77-82 F for the fish I had before, but I have been told that goldfish should live in a cooler environment (around 70 degrees?) So how can I get my aquarium to 70 degrees and keep it that way?

As of right now, my aquarium has no fish or water, so i'm ready!:D Thanks for your help!



And another side question here, what other fish can I put with my goldfish? Would there be some type of...temperature conflict?

Additional Details

The thing is, I live in a warmer climate. The problem is trying to keep them cool, not warm...lol

Answer 1

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker

Congrats on your rediscovery(smile) all fish hobbyist go through this stage at least once in their lives.

A 55 is a great tank for goldfish, there are a few ways you can try and keep your tank cooler. 1. invest in a chiller, which can be quite costly .2. take out the existing heater and make certain your tank is in a cooler part of the house with no direct sunlight and leave it room temp, also only turn your lights on for 8 hours a day. Although, room temp may not be ideal for your goldfish by professional standards... if you acclimate properly, your goldfish will be ok and will adjust over time, as they are tough. They will start stressing out in temps over 73 degrees and began to brings about ick , repository and bacterial issues.

Beware of adding other fish in with goldfish, it's not so much their secret hidden aggression, I worry about(as they have attitudes and at night are know for launching attacks and killing other types of fish, by simply stressing them out or nipping their fins causing fishy aliments) but rather their very very high waste levels that often cause very high ammonia outburst, that most tropical fish can not handle. Goldfish have no stomachs and what goes in comes right back out, real fast like.

Disclaimer : below is rebellious info.

Now if your a fish hobbyist rebel, like me, just to see if i can... know that if you have your tank set up properly, anything is possible, The name of the game is making sure you have a EXCELLENT biological system going in your tank, that will break the ammonia problem down, before it even has time to start up. I can't stress enough adding bacteria tell you to, just to boost their sales, think about having a biowheel and underground filter going, along with power heads, and stirring your gravel almost daily AND doing 10 percent top water changes, after gravel is stirred, every two weeks like clockwork. You can have tropical tankmates with your goldfishes. However your going to be meet with the issues of temp again. tropical fish like anywhere between 75-78, Brackish pretty much same,

So if i were going to add goldfish with other tank mates, i would add: other goldfish(sorry i jsut don't have the heart to give you that advice). but just look at the types of other goldfish you can add giving you the color and variety in your tank.

ORANDA ,LIONHEAD,RANCHU, EYE TYPES, BUBBLE-EYE, CELESTIAL, TELESCOPE, PEARLSCALE, CHINESE POM POM,VEILTAIL, FANTAIL, RYUKIN, SINGLE TAIL VARIETIES, COMMON ,COMET, SHUBUNKIN

You have the space for about 10, have fun and good luck,sorry i am so freakin long winded.

Source(s):

ichthyologist and hobbist

Asker's Rating:

Asker's Comment:

wow. great answer!im glad someone thoroughly explained to me everything i wanted to know.
unfortunately, my house is usually around 76-79F, and I choose not to invest in a water chiller, so Im just going to go with some other type of fish. But thanks for informing me about goldfish! I appreciateit

Answer 2

I've had my goldfish for almost 6 years and they are doing great at room temp.somewhere around 65 to 68. They do not need a heater at all.

Answer 3

Goldfish thrive at about 68 degrees. You may need a chiller, definately no heater.

Source(s):

I own 6 goldfish.

Answer 4

Just take out the heater and make sure there is no heat vent by the tank, only goldfish and koi go together, but lots of work controlling the ammonia in the tank.

Answer 5

If you keep the temperature of the room around 70 then the temp of the water will be same.

Answer 6

well, if you have been using a heater take it out. normally room temp is around 68-70, and that is a healthy (maybe not quite the best, but healthy) then just use room temp. now, if you have been keeping your room temp that hot, change the room temp or get a cooler appropriate watts. check with your local fish store to make sure about the watts.

Answer 7

I agree with everyone else by staying away from a heater. I have 2 Sarasa Goldfish in a 10 gallon tank. I have decided to unplug the heater and it says about 68-70 degrees F. Other fish that are compatible with goldfish are obviously other goldfish and koi. But koi get really big so I would not put them in your tank. Any other coldwater fish should be compatible with your goldfish. I wouldn't put more than 5 goldfish in your 55 gallon tank, because they can get really big! Good luck with your fish!

Source(s):

Owning/breeding goldfish!

Answer 8

Hi Qwerty, to answer your side question-None! The only compatible tank mates for Goldfish are similar sized & types of Goldfish & they love the company!

Answer 9

I dont think theres anything to cool the water just heaters so try to fill your tank with more cold then hot it will stay cool