[MargieS]

Hi. My tank has just been set up for 10 days. I added 3 White Cloud Mountain Minnows. Since they like cooler temps, I have my tank set at about 71. The fish serm happy and comfortable. But I'm wondering if this is too cool for my plants? They look ok so far. But just wondering what you all think. My plan was for fish that like cooler temperatures. But I still have a heater so the temperature will not fluctuate too much. Thank you for your thoughts

 

[Michael]

The plants will be fine. I don't use heaters in any of my aquaria. Winter tank tempertures vary from 69F to 72F because the house is cooler (70F-74F). In the summer temperatures rise to 74F to 76F with the house thermostat set at 78F.

 

[dwalstad]

Good question! Depends on the species...
Plants that do well at cooler temperatures are Vallisneria spiralis, Anacharis, Bacapo caroliniana, Sagittaria subulata and other plants from a temperate habitat. In contrast, Cryptocorynes from tropical Asia would be less likely thrive. You have chosen a good fish for a cooler tank. Same idea applies to the plants.