Tank Temperature & Tropical Fish

Temperature can be one of the most important aspects of keeping your tropical fish, healthy and happy. Depending on what sources you reference, the recommended range can be anywhere from 70-80 degrees Fahrenheit. However, even the drop of a few degrees can be fatal to some species, while it only makes another fish, sluggish.

When choosing the tropical fish for your tank, consider the temperature range in which they each live, to ensure that you have a compatible selection for your aquarium set up.

Where Will You Place Your Tank?

First, however, you need to think about where you’re going to place the tank. Temperature regulation can be difficult, if the aquarium is located near a heat source, such as a west window, or the register from a heating system. While your heater is efficient at keeping the temperature up to where it should be, there is no system to cool a tank off when it overheats. Putting the aquarium where sunlight falls on it a good portion of the day, also allows algae to develop on the glass.

Ideally, place the tank and stand, a few feet from a heat source, but in a spot where it is easily visible to people who may be in the room.

What Kind of Heater Do You Need?

Even in southern climates, tropical fish tanks will require some method of keeping the water warm on chilly days, so you will need a heater. These come measured in terms of “watts”. The rule of thumb for the wattage required to maintain your tank at a comfortable temperature, is to multiply 5watts times the number of gallons. So a 20 gallon tank x 5 watts, would need a 100 watt heater.

When you set the tank up initially, you can adjust the heater according to package directions, keeping in mind, the type of fish you will be adding. In order to monitor whether you’ve achieved the optimum temperature, you’ll need a thermometer. The type that hangs inside the tank from the rim, often gets knocked off and falls to the bottom. Find one that secures in one location, and place it as far from the heater as possible. For example, if the heater is in the back left hand corner, place the thermometer at the front right hand corner. Adjust your heater until the thermometer registers the correct range. Remember that seasonal changes, and the use of a heating system in your house, can all affect the temperature of the tank.

Savings! Get special savings on premium fish food, filters, aquariums, medications and more supplies at Petco. Click here for savings.