- Joined
- Sep 25, 2006
- Messages
- 572
ChrisMohrSr;149716 said:I have kept three bimacs at about 75 degrees with no apparent ill affects or discomfort. However, I agree that 60 degrees might be more comfortable for the animal, but in my case that would take a chiller and my Social Security check can't make the cost. Do you know where I could obtain a chiller at a reasonable Social Security price?
From what I've read online, I suspect that a bimac will survive at 75 degrees, but live "faster" (eat more metabolize it faster, and reach the end of its life sooner). That's not a show stopper by any means, and may not be worth the price of a chiller - your call. Another reason for a chiller is that it will allow you to keep other things in the tank too, that might not be as tollerant to heat as a bimac.
I've gotten two good used chillers from craigslist, one from the "inland empire" craigslist, not too far from you. I got a 1/4 hp for $200 ,and a 1/5 hp for $150, both JBJ Arctica brand (good brand). It took me a few weeks of looking to find those deals, but it's doable. I figure that my chiller costs me about $18/mo in electricity to run, so calculate that into the cost.
Is your tank really only 20 gallons? People here generally recommend at least a 50 gallon tank for a bimac, since they can get big (I keep mine in a 60 gallon at 57 degrees)