Bristlenose in temps as low as 70C?

All posts regarding the care and breeding of these catfishes from South America.
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MissMinerva
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Bristlenose in temps as low as 70C?

Post by MissMinerva »

Has anyone kept these at lower temps? I would like to put a few juvies in my Hillstream loach tank. The temp averages 70C - but does get up to mid to upper 70's in summer - and there is alot of current. Do you think they would do ok in there?

Thanks so much!
Jan
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MatsP
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Post by MatsP »

If your hillstream loaches would cope with a temperature of 72'C, then I would say go for that. Much under that and, in my experience, the bristlenose will "black out" (mine would lay lifeless on the bottom below it's "hideout").

If not, I'd recommend some other fish, perhaps a Chaetostoma specie, they should be fairly compatible with low temps, and stay reasonably small...

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MissMinerva
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Post by MissMinerva »

Thanks, Mats. I mainly want a couple in that tank for algae eating purposes. And I do already have about a dozen juvies. I can make sure the temp doesn't drop below 72F. It is up to 73F right now as the day warms up.

The tank they are in is at 78F. What would be the best way to acclimate them to a lower temp of 73-74F? Same as any new fish? Bag them and slowly add the cooler tank water?

Thanks again,
Jan

Edit: I'm getting my Celcius and Farenheit mixed up! :roll:
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MatsP
Posts: 21038
Joined: 06 Oct 2004, 13:58
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Spotted: 187
Location 1: North of Cambridge
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Post by MatsP »

I did get 'C and 'F mixed up too, I suppose, makes a big difference, but I'm pretty sure everyone here would know that 70-80'C is too hot for ALL aquarium fish, so we both meant 'F.

Anyways, you can just put the fish in a bag or other thin-walled container and let the sit there for a while, then slowly add water from the new tank to get the chemical difference overcome. Bristlenoses or similar fish are naturally exposed to moderate in range, but fast, temperature changes when the rainy season comes and goes, so they should be fine with that.

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MissMinerva
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Location 1: Iowa, USA

Post by MissMinerva »

I put one of the bristlenose in the loach tank on Friday. He's been happily munching zucchini. Everyone is doing great!

Jan
Alan_au
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Post by Alan_au »

You should have no problems Jan,

It is the middle of Winter here at the moment, the time of year I spawn a lot of my catfish that don't like the heat of Summer. The Bristle nose are spawning at 18*C, that is about 68*F.

Alan.
When life gives you lemons ask for a bottle of tequila & salt.
The only danger I find in life is to take too many precautions, some people walk in the rain, others just get wet.
MissMinerva
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Joined: 21 Jun 2004, 22:42
Location 1: Iowa, USA

Post by MissMinerva »

Thank you, Alan. Today I will be having a problem keeping the temp DOWN! :roll: Very hot here right now. But, I do keep a fan blowing into the tank. That really helps!

Jan
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