CichlidFish.com - Fish That Think.

one about nitrifying bacteria ...  If I were to slowly lower my tank temperature (Oscar tank) to 72-74 ...  will that at all affect the bacteria?  I know a higher temp will help to stimulate and increase colony sizes faster, but not sure on the effects of a mild temp.  btw, I want to lower the temp to reduce the 'space heater' effect of the tank in my bedroom.

The second question is about corydoras in a different tank in another room ...  they lay a lot of eggs and frequently (about 100 once or twice a week) ...  how would I know they are fertilized?  The mollies have a habit of eating them overnight so I haven't had any make it to know in that way.  I already have a problem with the mollies breeding quite prolifically, looks like the Oscar will have to help me with that problem ...  poor Oscar  ...  and poor mollies  .

Thanks for any help!!!

I'm thinking that as you lower temperature, the bacteria would increase because the cooler water would be able to hold more oxygen. However, I'm not sure that it would be enough of a difference to be of any concern. --Mark

Thanks Mark ...  so now from what I understand the bacteria don't mind the cooler temp and will love the oxygen, but the warmer temp just helps speed up their breeding cycle when establishing the bacteria and in turn speeding up the cycling process.  Kind of in the same respect of treating Ich, you raise the temperature to speed up the life cycle of Ich, but it still thrives at lower temperatures ...  makes complete sense.

On another note ...  my 30 gallon started leaking yesterday across the bottom front/length.  It is amazing how something like that can just happen out of nowhere.  Got another 30, everything is fine.  So much easier setting up a new tank when you have an established filter.  I went without gravel this time so when the mollies breed, I can see the babies better when doing a vac, and I can see if the bottom needs a cleansing or just take some water out away from any little ones when a pwc is needed.  They all took the transition very well ...  and I learned how to catch 1/4" mollies ...  took me a bit, those little buggers are fast!