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How to Keep Your Aquarium at the Right Temperature for Your Fish
With fall upon us, now is the time to assess the heater in your aquarium. During times of inactivity, a heater may cease to function correctly, so it’s important to monitor it when the ambient temperature changes. Maintaining the proper temperature in a fish tank is an important factor in keeping the fish healthy. In many cases, temperature fluctuations can cause the death of fish, due to stress-related diseases, as well as aquarium plants and coral. Luckily, maintaining optimal temperatures is a simple process, regardless of the species of fish.
Learn the Optimal Temperature for Your Fish Species
For most fish species, there’s a common range of temperatures for tropical aquariums that support a healthy tank. In general, 76° to 80°F (25° to 27°C) is a good range. However, certain species require a few degrees warmer or cooler, so it’s best to set the temperature for your specific breed or specimens.
Saltwater Aquariums
The ideal temperature for saltwater marine tropical fish is 78° to 81°F (26° to 28°C). For reef aquariums, it’s best to have a range of 76° to 78°F (24° to 26°C).
Freshwater Aquariums
Freshwater marine tropical fish thrive best in a temperature of 77°F (25°C). However, they can also survive in temperatures up to 82°F (28°C).
Learn How to Control the Temperature
Depending on your type of fish, a form of aquarium temperature controller (a heater or chiller) is one of the best pieces of equipment you can buy. To ensure steady temperatures are maintained, a thermometer and a reliable heater are vital tools for aquarium owners. Adhesive thermometers are a no-hassle way to check temperatures any time you take a look at your tank.
Aquarium Heaters
Depending on the type of fish you have, one of the most important fish tank supplies you can buy is a heater. Fish tanks can be heated easily with submersible or hanging heater models. Most models are adjustable so you can set the ideal temperature for your tank, while others are preset to 78°F (23°C) for convenience.
Two examples of very high-quality heaters are:
https://www.aquaticwarehouse.com/eheim-jager-25-watt-aquarium-heater?search=heater&category_id=0
and
When choosing the correct water heater, having a heater capacity that is more than the volume of water in your tank is ideal. Additionally, when you’re choosing the right wattage, 3 to 5 watts of heater power per gallon of tank water should do the trick, depending on how cold your home is. Go bigger if the tank is in a cold room. Avoid plugging in a dry heater. You should also avoid removing the heater from the tank if it’s still operating. Unplug it and let it cool prior to removing it. Always follow manufacturer instructions to ensure the longevity of your heater.
Coldwater Fish
Some kinds of fish are capable of surviving in cold water temperatures. Aquatic life such as goldfish, koi, and some species of carp can survive in aquariums without a heater, but even goldfish today are raised in tropical locations and don’t have the ability to withstand cold water any more. At Aquatic Warehouse, our fancy goldfish come from Thailand, not China, where they were raised in cold winter environments. We have found that the goldfish from Thailand are healthier. If you live in a hotter region, you may need to cool your tank using a chiller unit or cooling fans. Additionally, if you have a reef tank, cooling units may be necessary to keep lights and other accessories from making the water too warm.
Environment Control
Your home environment plays an important role in controlling your tank temperature. Tanks shouldn’t be placed by exposed windows. Excessive sunlight can cause algae to infest the tank. If it’s necessary to keep a tank close to a window, make sure to use thick curtains or drapes to reduce the amount of light it’s exposed to. Likewise, fish tanks should never be placed above or near radiators or air conditioners.
At Aquatic Warehouse, we carry everything you need—from heaters to chilling units to thermometers—to maintain the optimal temperature in your fish tank. In addition to offering a wide variety of equipment for both freshwater and saltwater aquariums, we carry any pond equipment you may need if you have an outdoor pond full of beautiful koi fish. Stop by and see us at our store in Kearny Mesa or give us a call at 858-467-9297.