The water temperature is something you don’t feel very well, but your fish can feel it all the time. This is important because if you don’t monitor the temperature of the aquarium, you’re risking the fish’s life! This article will tell you everything you need to know about water temperature, including why it’s so important and how you can keep the perfect temperature in your aquarium. So keep reading and don’t panic!
The temperature in the wild vs in your tank
All fish have an ideal temperature range, where they thrive. In most cases, your fish does not need precise temperature. This makes sense, in the wild, there is no aquarium heater to keep the water temperature constant. Rain, hot summer days and cold winter nights all work together to ensure that fish in their natural environment do not experience the same temperature for too long.
As a matter of fact, freshwater fish experience daily temperature fluctuations of more than 30 degrees Fahrenheit. Even in coral reef environments, the daily temperature fluctuates between 68-90°F(20-32°C). If so, why do we insist that our fish tanks maintain a constant and stable temperature? It all depends on how fast the temperature changes. Because oceans and rivers contain so much water, it can take a long time for temperatures to rise or fall. The change in temperature can take a day or even a season to complete. Your aquarium, on the other hand, is not so lucky. The small amount of water can quickly heat up or cool down based on the temperature outside the tank. It is this rapid change in temperature that is the problem. So in your aquarium, the goal is to keep the water temperature within the range your fish, invertebrates, plants or corals like.
Temperature and fish health
Fish can’t regulate the temperature in their body-when the temperature of the water changes, their body temperature also changes. Water that is too hot or too cold can be uncomfortable. In the wild, cold fish swim to warm waters. Similarly, warm fish will find a cold place. There is no escape for your fish in the aquarium, even if they wanted to! Unfortunately, this temperature can have a negative impact on the health of your fish. In particular, the water temperature has a direct effect on your fish’s metabolism. If the water in your tank is too cold, then your fish’s metabolism will slow down, which leads to your fish becoming sluggish and sleepy.
On the other hand, too high water temperature will speed up fish metabolism. Your fish will become more lively and even extremely active. Although this doesn’t sound terrible, these rapid fluctuations in temperature have been proven to cause stress in your fish. Stress is arguably the leading cause of ornamental fish death. Pressure from temperature fluctuations weakens the fish’s immune system. Even fish that are briefly exposed to temperature fluctuations are less resistant to disease and parasites.
How do you maintain the ideal temperature in your aquarium?
Now that you know why the right temperature is so important, it’s time to keep it. If you know the temperature in the fish tank, you’re half done. Unfortunately, warm water and cold water look the same. That’s why you need an accurate fish tank thermometer to detect the tank temperature. It’s an essential product for every aquarium! With the thermometer ready, it’s time to take a closer look at how to maintain the perfect temperature for your fish.
Getting the basics right
It all starts where your fish tank is placed. Airflow from open windows or air conditioning vents can quickly cause the temperature in your fish tank to plummet. Similarly, the midday sun shining through your window into your fish tank will cause the water temperature to soar. That’s why it’s so important to choose the right position when setting up your fish tank!
Aquarium heater adjustable temperature
What if the water temperature in the aquarium is too low? It’s time to turn on the aquarium heater controller! Heating your fish tank is very simple. All you need is a good fish tank heater. This lightweight little device is underwater and will continue to heat your water until it reaches the temperature you want.
Cooling your aquarium
If you live in a warm area, you may have the opposite problem. The hot weather makes the water in your fish tank too hot. The cheapest way is to use a fan. Although any old fan will do, there are specially designed fan systems to keep your fish tank at the correct temperature. If your tank is large, you may find that the fan is not enough to lower the temperature. In this case, you can choose to use an aquarium cooler-essentially a canister filter that cools the water flowing through it.
Stable water temperature in the range of a few degrees is recommended to keep everything happy and healthy in your aquarium. With the help of heater and coolers, keeping your fish tank at a suitable temperature has never been easier!
Do you have a temperature reminder? If not, you can start getting one aquarium heater with temperature control by visiting our aquarium product pages.
senzeal 