Keep your fish healthy with our tips for cooling your aquarium
We are aware that with the hot days we have to pay extra attention to our pets. We do not go outside with our dog at the hottest time of the day, ensure that our cats have the option of cool places, give our rodents and rabbits a special cool path and our birds get a nice shady place.
But did you know that your fish can also suffer from the heat? And that these high temperatures can lead to problems such as overheating and a lack of oxygen in the aquarium water, which can be harmful and even deadly to your fish and other aquatic inhabitants. We have some tips here to cool your aquarium during the hottest days.
What is the perfect temperature of your tropical aquarium?
There are a lot of different types of fish and aquarium plants, each of which has its own water requirements such as hardness, oxygen and temperature. It is important to know the specific temperature requirements of the fish species in your tank, as some species may have slightly different temperature ranges. In this blog we assume a general average.
An average water temperature of 24-26°C (75-79°F) is generally recommended for tropical fish in an aquarium. This range allows most tropical fish species to feel comfortable and function normally.
If the water temperature rises above 28°C (82°F), the water is considered too warm and can be dangerous for tropical fish. High temperatures reduce oxygen levels in the water, which can lead to breathing problems and stress in fish.
The oxygen content in your aquarium:
Oxygen is vital for fish because they need it to breathe. Oxygen molecules dissolve in the water and become available to the fish through their gills. Fish use oxygen for their metabolism and to produce energy. Overheating the water can lead to a decrease in available oxygen in the water.
When the water temperature rises, the oxygen content decreases, which can lead to a lack of oxygen in your fish. This can result in breathing problems, stress and even death of the fish if not addressed in time. There are several methods you can use to add extra oxygen to the water:
Air pump: A air pump in combination with an air stone or air hose, air can be pumped into the water and thus increase the oxygen saturation. This promotes gas exchange at the surface of the water, so that more oxygen is absorbed.
Water Surface Agitation: Increase the movement of the water surface by using an aquarium filter or a special surface skimmer. This increases the contact time between the water and the air, resulting in better oxygen uptake.
Aquarium fan: A fan aimed at the water surface can increase evaporation, leading to cooling of the water and an increase in oxygen uptake.
Water change: Regular water changes ensure that fresh, oxygen-rich water enters the aquarium. Please note that during the water change you also lose the good and oh so important bacteria in your water, so you cannot keep changing your water endlessly.
Tips to cool your aquarium during the hot summer days
Prevention is always better than cure, and to keep your aquarium at the right temperature during the warm summer months, here are some tips:
Placement of the aquarium: Avoid direct sunlight and do not place the aquarium near heat sources such as radiators or windows that receive a lot of sunlight. Choose a cool and shady place in your home.
Aquarium lighting: Limit the lighting duration and decrease the intensity of the lighting. Lighting can generate heat, so by reducing lighting, you also limit heat production in the aquarium.
Ventilation and air circulation: Provide adequate ventilation around the aquarium. Place a fan near the aquarium to promote air circulation. This aids in evaporation and cooling of the water surface.
Evaporation and surface movement: Increase evaporation by using an air pump with an air stone or air hose. This creates movement at the water surface, which aids in heat dissipation and oxygen enrichment.
Aquarium Cooler: Consider using an aquarium cooler. These devices are specially designed to lower the water temperature. They work on the basis of cooling technology and help keep the water at a desired level. These special aquarium coolers can be used 24 hours a day and are able to cool your aquarium by 2 to 3 degrees.
You can also use the special aquarium cooler in combination with a thermo control, so you have full control over the cooler and you determine at what temperature the cooler switches on and off again.
Water change: Regular water changes with cooler water can help lower the water temperature. Do this carefully to minimize temperature fluctuations, as too large a temperature difference can stress your fish.
Use a thermostat: A thermostat can help regulate the water temperature in the aquarium. Set the thermostat to the desired temperature and it will automatically turn off the heating when the temperature gets too high.
Regularly check the temperature: To measure is to know, which is why you use an aquarium thermometer to regularly check the water temperature. This helps you quickly notice any temperature rises and quickly take appropriate measures.
