It's easy for us to adjust to changing temperatures – when it is too hot, we may turn on a fan or air conditioner, choose lightweight clothing, take a cool drink or stay in a shady area. When it is too cold, we can turn on the furnace, bundle up in cozy layers, bask in the sun or snuggle under a blanket. Fish, however, cannot do any of these things, and the temperature in their tank – the only environment they have – is critical for their well-being. While most aquarium fish can tolerate some minor fluctuations, when the temperature changes too much or too quickly, different problems can occur, such as…
- Algae growth or plant decay that can change the tank's chemical balance
- Greater bacteria growth that may lead to fish illness or fatalities
- Changes in the water oxygenation levels
- Impacting fishes' metabolism, which impacts feeding needs
- Changing the breeding readiness of different fish
With so many tank characteristics relying on the appropriate water temperature, it is critical to keep that temperature stable at an acceptable level.
