How to Maintain Aquarium Temperature?

The temperature of the aquarium is a whole other sphere if you own an aquarium. It must be maintained and looked after all the time. Every fish species has different ranges of temperature that they prefer. If the temperature us not constant within the preferred range, the fishes will undergo stress and they survive instead of living. This makes it crucial to know the temperature preferences and maintain it at all costs.

If your aquarium is undergoing temperature fluctuations frequently and you are confused about it, this article has got you covered. In this article, you will find ways and methods by which you can maintain the aquarium’s temperature and not let fluctuations occur.

Why is temperature control important in an aquarium?

The need for temperature control in an aquarium is essential. Temperature change affects every living being. You can understand the need for temperature control by implementing it in your life. Even a slight change of temperature makes us feel uneasy, and we think of ways to keep ourselves warm or to cool ourselves.

So a temperature change in an aquarium is not taken well by fish. They are not even capable of finding a solution for it. Temperature fluctuation affects fishes in all ways direct or indirect. If you cannot control the levels of temperature or make them remain constant, there will be sudden fluctuations in the temperature now and then. A sudden change can stress the fish a lot. Too much temperature fluctuation can lead to bacterial growth, fluctuation in the oxygen levels of the tank, and many more followed by the disruption of the ecosystem.

If a mess is made of the ecosystem, ultimately it leads affects the fish and never in a good way. Your fishes will become vulnerable to diseases and get sick quickly, the oxygen fluctuation will make it harder for them to survive, and a lot more.

All of this makes the maintenance of temperature in the aquarium extremely crucial. You wouldn’t want your fishes to have the disease and make their life miserable. Also, temperature changes will bring a drastic change to your already properly established ecosystem.

What is the ideal temperature for the fishes?

The ideal temperature for the fishes to thrive in is 75℉ to 80℉. Most of the fish species do well in this range of temperature. Although it won’t hurt to do a bit of research about the species of fish you want or own. Knowing the accurate temperature range will help you a lot.

Knowing the correct temperature range will allow you to keep different species that prefer the same range in one tank.

Keeping a diverse tank is a good thing, but without any proper knowledge about the fish species, you will have to bear severe consequences.

How to maintain water temperature?

From above observations, it is certain that temperature fluctuations are not what you want happening in your aquarium. Here’s how to maintain the aquarium temperature and not let fluctuations occur.

Get a good quality heater

If you own an aquarium then you must know that buying cheap products is never the answer to anything. The cheap products will be equal in terms of performance as their price. To avoid water temperature fluctuations it is a must that you get a good quality heater for your aquarium. If your tank undergoes sudden tank temperature changes, a good heater will have a built-in thermostat that will automatically activate the heater.

For the best results and to keep the tank’s temperature as consistent as possible, place the heater in the center of your tank, and make sure your heater is the proper type for the size of your tank. Remember that the smaller the tank the higher watt of heating your aquarium needs.

A smaller amount of water loses heat faster than a large amount.

Get a thermometer

Temperature is not a visible occurrence. You cant tell the temperature of the water by just looking at your aquarium. This is where the heater comes into play. You can get a stick-on thermometer for your aquarium or a submersible one. The stick on attaches to the tank’s side. It is the easiest way by which you can keep track of the temperature.

Although, don’t forget to check it every time you glance at the tank to ensure there are no occurrences of temperature fluctuation. You can also get your hands on submersible thermometers.

They come with a higher price tag than the stick-on thermometer. It doesn’t matter which thermometer or what kind of thermometer you choose, if you do not place it right, it is useless.

You must place the thermometer from where you can see the temperature levels.

Location of your aquarium

If you want to keep your aquarium free of temperature fluctuations, consider placing the aquarium in the right place or away from anything that might trigger fluctuations. If you have kept your tank near a window,  you are suggested to move it.

If the tank gets too much direct sunlight, it not only contributes to algae growth but to temperature fluctuations as well. Or if you have your aquarium in a location where it gets exposed to cold temperatures.

Then as well you might want to consider moving it. A thermostat can quickly be overwhelmed if your tank is prone to these oscillations, and the equipment may not be able to keep up with the changes.

Aquarium Chiller

An aquarium chiller is for those having a large tank and live in places where the weather becomes really hot. The high temperature of the surroundings is sure to affect the aquarium water temperature. So it is better to have an aquarium chiller if you happen to live in such areas.

Although if your aquarium is smaller, it is alright to use a fan to cool down the aquarium’s temperature.

Water quantity

The change in the quantity of water also causes temperature fluctuations. Water quantity can be altered by several things such as evaporation or during water changes. It is a given that water will evaporate from the tank even if you have a lid.

Also, don’t do a whole water change as the new water you will add can cause the temperature to change.

Now, if you do a whole chunk of water change at once, the tank’s temperature will go haywire. Do partial water changes and not all at once.

Consequences of too high temperature

If the water temperature exceeds the upper limit, it can cause a slew of dangerous issues in your aquarium. Your fish takes oxygen from the water to breathe. And, in typical circumstances, your aquarium will have more than enough oxygen. Warm water makes your fish more active, which necessitates more oxygen.

The main problem is that warm water stores less oxygen than cooler water. There may not be enough oxygen to go around in severe circumstances, and your fish may suffocate. It isn’t finished here, your aquarium’s helpful microorganisms or nitrifying bacteria require oxygen to break down ammonia.

As the oxygen levels of your aquarium go down as the water’s temperature rises, the ammonia levels increase in the tank and take over oxygen. Hence, causing harm to the gills of your fish.

Effects of low temperature

When the temperature of your aquarium becomes too low, it will make the fishes weak and lethargic. They will start to show signs of weaknesses slowly and die. They might hold on to cold temperatures for some time. But wont be in the best of conditions and will eventually die.

Temperature plays a vital role in an aquarium. Attention must be given to the temperature at all costs. For if there are fluctuations, unwanted things will occur. To keep the temperature from fluctuating all you need is ideal types of equipment and have to do everything uniformly and orderly.

Be mindful of the thermometer and give a glance at it now and then. A good quality heater will do half of the work for you. Maintain the water quantity and you’re all set.