Often beginning aquarists do not hurry to delve into how the temperature of the aquatic environment affects fish and plants. Non-compliance with the proper regime ends with the death of all creatures or various diseases. The same consequences are also caused by sharp temperature fluctuations, when the inhabitants of the vessel experience a shock and do not have time to acclimatise to new conditions. Let's consider what normal water temperature should be in a home aquarium. Cold-blooded creatures are very dependent on this parameter, so this knowledge will help you avoid annoying blunders.
Direct influence of water temperature on fish life
In cold weather, fishes minimize activity, the metabolism in their body falls. In heat, many underwater inhabitants lack oxygen, difficulty breathing, and tend to float to the surface more often. High temperatures lead to aging of their body and acceleration of growth. Especially important is the optimum water temperature in the aquarium for tropical fish species. At home, their water environment is almost always in the same state and there are almost no differences. Sharp changes in temperature invariably lead to a weakening of immunity and the appearance of various infections. The creatures that hit the aquarium from our zone are more resistant. For example, goldfish or carp can tolerate short-term temperature changes.
What is the temperature of the water in the fish tank?
Fish from different regions rarely get along in one vessel, because they are accustomed to a certain temperature at home. For example, for creatures hailing from temperate latitudes ( barbus , danio , cardinal) - this is approximately 21 °, and for handsome discus from South America it is necessary to maintain 28 ° -30 °. It is better for beginners to select the most resistant species from the same climatic zones, so that it is easy to adjust the temperature within a comfortable range of 24 ° -26 °.
How to change the water?
Direct mixing of fresh cold water with warm liquid from the aquarium is undesirable. For many fish, this phenomenon is associated in nature with the onset of spawning or the advent of the rainy season. In order not to cause a shock state in their wards, it is better to refrain from such experiments and to equalize the temperature of the new water before the substitution process.
Temperature mode for transportation of fish
Many amateurs lose newly acquired fish only for the reason that they did not provide a normal temperature in the container when they were transported from the store. Especially it concerns those cases when it's cold outside or the way home is not close. It is best to transport fish in a thermos bottle, which will protect them from possible stress. If you only have a package or a bank, then try to speed up the journey as much as possible so that the temperature does not change more than two degrees.
How to maintain the optimum water temperature in an aquarium for fish?
Most often unwanted fluctuations occur in the vessels installed near the windows, directly on the windowsills, near the switched on radiators. Try to look for aquariums a more comfortable place, where the sun or other factors will least affect the life of aquatic inhabitants.
It is advisable to use high-quality heaters and thermometers, controlling constantly the water regime. If your room temperature changes during the day more than 5 degrees, use appliances with automatic adjustment. It is desirable that the heater is washed with water, so fasten the compressor near it. Moving bubbles contribute to better mixing of the liquid, all layers in this case will have a more uniform temperature of the medium.