What should be the temperature of the guppy water in the aquarium and how to maintain it?
Guppies are one of the most popular fish among beginner aquarists as well as experienced professionals. Due to the ease of care, these fish are great for children. For comfortable keeping and breeding it is important to know and follow the simple rules. It must be borne in mind that the natural range of guppies is the northeastern part of the South American continent. Although the fish of this breed are considered the most unpretentious to the living conditions in the aquarium, it is important for them to maintain an acceptable water temperature. If it does not suit the residents of an artificial reservoir, then they will begin to hurt and die.
The effect of temperature on fish
No matter what pets live in the aquarium, unexpected and sudden changes in temperature (more than 3 C) will negatively affect them. Residents of a home reservoir are equally badly affected by both too high and too low water temperatures. If it changes smoothly for a long time, then it is quite possible that the fish will tolerate this normally.
But if changes occur rapidly (within an hour by 2 or more degrees), then the consequences can be very sad. This sometimes happens, especially small reservoirs with a volume of less than 50 liters that are not equipped with heaters are especially prone to temperature fluctuations. In such tanks, the liquid cools very quickly. Even a slightly open window in the winter for ventilation can cool the aquarium.
Another reason that can affect the comfortable environment in the tank is the use of unheated water during partial changes. From hypothermia, the fish will catch a cold and become ill.Also adversely affects the well-being of the inhabitants of the aquarium elevated temperature. If it rises above 35 C, then their death is almost inevitable. The first signs of fish feeling unwell at elevated temperatures are restless behavior, discoloration, ascent to the surface of the water and swallowing of air.
From a comfortable temperature depends:
- breeding process;
- proper development;
- metabolism;
- activity;
- immunity and good appetite.
It is not difficult to make a conclusion - the correct temperature in the home reservoir affects the life and health of the inhabitants of the aquarium. It is necessary to monitor compliance with the temperature regime.
Comfortable guppy environment
Guppies adapt well in various temperature conditions. There have been cases that they survived at temperatures of 5 and 36 degrees Celsius. But nevertheless, the optimal maintenance regimen is 18-25 C. The main condition is that the water temperature should always be at the same level, and its differences should be no more than 3 C. It is believed that in warm water (25-30 C) fish develop faster, more often fry are hatched, however, while their life span is reduced.
If the temperature in the aquarium is cooler (18-25 C), then the life expectancy of the guppies increases, and they grow larger and brighter. But at the same time, the fish can get sick, and the females bear the offspring longer, but the fry are more impressive in size.
If the temperature drops below 18 C, then the development of eggs in the female stops for a long time, and the offspring may not work.
Necessary "climatic" equipment for the aquarium
In order to avoid changes in the temperature of the water in the aquarium during the cold season, you will need a reliable water heater with a thermostat. It is necessary to choose devices for heating water only from well-known and trusted manufacturers. A to avoid uncontrolled temperature increase, you should buy a reliable heater in the aquarium.
It is also important to choose the “correct” location of the reservoir, away from the heating system, air conditioning and direct sunlight, especially in the summer.
Control devices
To constantly monitor the temperature of the water in the aquarium, you should use special thermometers. Typically, such a measuring device is installed in the middle layer of water and in a clearly visible place, preferably on the wall opposite from the heater. These devices are of two types:
- outdoor;
- internal.
External thermometers may be like this.
- Flexible thermometer in the form of a tape. As a temperature indicator, a special heat-sensitive paint is used. Pros: easy to install, difficult to damage. Cons: high measurement error, it is very difficult to move to a new place.
- Digital thermometer. This is an electronic device with a built-in temperature sensor. The indicators are displayed on the screen. The device is protected by a moisture-proof housing and fastened with Velcro on the walls of the aquarium from the inside. The advantage is a very low measurement error. Disadvantages: excess cost, the need to replace batteries, not well mounted on an uneven surface.
Consider the thermometers located inside the aquarium.
- Liquid thermometer - This is a classic thermometer that is mounted on the wall of the aquarium with the help of a suction cup. It looks like a regular thermometer to measure the temperature of the outside air. Such options are considered one of the most accurate. Plus - low price, cons: fragility and unreliability of fastening.
- Electronic thermometer with a remote LCD screen. It consists directly of the housing where the display is located, and an external sensor, which is immersed directly in water. The sensor is attached in the aquarium using silicone Velcro and connects to the body with a special wire. The device itself can be placed in any place convenient for you, where the parameters displayed by it will be clearly visible.The advantages and disadvantages of this device correspond to a digital thermometer for external placement.
How water temperature affects the gender of a guppy, see the video below.
