what temp for flowerhorn?

  • We are currently upgrading MFK. thanks! -neo
yes.. i agree too.. but with more than half of the country experiencing this kind of temperature (between 98 and 104) from March to July .. there is little choice (the water temp is constantly between 83 and 87).. its only in July (when the rainy season begins) that the atmospheric temp goes down to about 87-90 and the water temperature goes down to about 80 degrees for the next 6 months or so... I've tried floating ice bottles and stuff in summer but gave up..
 
Just a FYI, the bacteria that causes "duck lips", is especially virulent at 82'F and above.
And I agree with RD, high 70s ould be just fine.
One of the cichlids used to create the flower horn, is the trimaculatus.
This species come from areas in Mexico where night time temps drop considerably, and can hold average temps into the 70s range.
 
Me and my friend bought new baby fh. A cheap one for a start. It's a mai thai flowerhorn. We live in Canada where winter consumes half of the year and temp goes down to almost -30+ sometimes. At first I kept my baby fry at 84 and my friend kept his at 80. Both of them just stick to the heater especially his. I inc mine to 87 and is now actively swimmin around. I have my doubts that that high of temp could be dangerous for him so Im seeking advice
 
See my posts above........

And I also live in Canada, where it is currently -27 C outside. (with wind chill)
 
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Hello. Newbie squarish. Thanks to everyone for the support. I'll be getting FH when my new tank cycles. Have tried 3 different heaters. (Why? 1st just poor quality; 2nd preset but only heats to 76.6; last one a 300 watt).
Tank temp is about 77.2 or so. What is best temp for FH? For long life, health & looks?
 
Read all: new heater on 79-81F. Tank temp 77.7 after 35" with that. In AL in 2-3 months weather will be like India, very hot also.
Thanks for the advice & will go with 78--80.
 
Don't believe everything that you read. FH's are a hybrid cross of CA cichlids, species of fish that did not originate in year round temps of 84F. In a closed system such as an aquarium, bacteria thrives at these higher temps, making a perfect breeding ground for disease such as Flexibacter columnaris, more recently named Flavobacterium columnare aka duck lips. Exactly why one sees so many FH topics with "duck lips".

I suspect that some of the early breeders of FH felt that higher temps were better, as most of the designer fish have delicate immune systems, and higher temps gives the entire metabolism a boost. That, and at higher temps with a higher metabolism one can power feed more which results in increased growth in juvenile fish, which allows breeders to get their fish to market fa$ter. Good for the breeder, but overall maybe not so good for the longevity of the fish.

I've grown out several FH over the years, all imported from Bangkok, and they all did just fine at 78-79F.

RD I've been curious...is there a study that shows a 'curve' of increased bacterial disease issues vs temps? I too have read conflicting information on FH temps from 'experts' who claim since they're raised in warmer water at the farms its okay.

Is the duck lip disease on the increase with FHs? Didn't recall it being on the rise. I did see about 2 or 3 at my LFS being treated for some type of white growth bacterial issue.
 
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