Aquarium temperature is a very important factor to consider when setting up your tank. First, ensure the water is at the right temperature for your fish. An aquarium heater is an important piece of equipment for keeping tropical fish. It helps to maintain the water temperature at a comfortable level for the fish. One of the most common questions we get asked is whether or not guppies need a heater. Do guppy fish need a heater?
The answer is yes; guppy fish need a heater. They are tropical fish and require warm water to thrive. The ideal temperature for guppies is between 76 and 82 degrees Fahrenheit. If the water gets too cold, the fish can become sick and may even die.
Selecting the right aquarium heater is very tricky. There are many factors to consider, such as the size of your aquarium, the type of fish you have, and the water temperature. You will also need to know how much heat is necessary for your aquarium.
This blog post will discuss all you need to know about aquarium heaters and temperature. We will also answer some of the most commonly asked questions about guppies and their ideal temperature.
Does Guppy Fish Need A Heater?
Yes, guppy fish need a heater as they are tropical fish and can’t survive in cold water. The ideal temperature for guppies is between 72 and 82 degrees Fahrenheit.
I know we want to save money on our electric bill, but trust me, your guppy fish will be much happier and healthier if they have a heater in their tank.
What Temperature Can Guppies Survive In?
Guppies can survive in a wide range of temperatures, but the ideal temperature is between 72 and 82 degrees Fahrenheit.
They can withstand short periods in colder or warmer water, but it’s not ideal for their long-term health. How can you expect a tropical fish like a guppy to live in water that doesn’t meet its ideal water parameters?
These fish can handle the lowest temperature, up to 68 degrees Fahrenheit but that doesn’t mean they are happy and thriving.
In fact, these guppies are dying a slow death which will not end up pleasant for other tank mates as well.
How To Select A Heater For Small Aquarium?
The size of your aquarium, the number of fish, and the desired temperature will all play a role in selecting the right heater for your tank.
A good rule of thumb is to select a heater that will raise the temperature of your tank by about ten degrees.
The Size Of Your Aquarium
When selecting a heater, you’ll need to take into account the size of your aquarium. A small aquarium will require a smaller heater than a large aquarium.
The size of the heater will be listed in watts. It’s important to select a heater with the appropriate wattage for your aquarium.
Temperature
Next, you’ll need to consider the temperature you need to maintain in your aquarium. Guppies are tropical fish and prefer a water temperature between 72-82 degrees Fahrenheit. In general, most tropical fish prefer a water temperature in this range.
Know The Amount Of Heat That’s Necessary For Your Aquarium/Tanks
Knowing how much heat you need to generate to maintain the desired water temperature is important. This can be calculated by using an online calculator or by using the following formula:
(Aquarium size in gallons x desired temperature increase in degrees Fahrenheit) / 60 = watts needed
For example, if you have a 20-gallon aquarium and you want to raise the temperature by ten degrees, you would need a 33-watt heater.
Heater Watt Size Guide
Now that you know how to calculate the wattage you need let’s look at some common heater sizes and find out how much heat they can generate.
Heater Size Wattage
Small (up to 20 gallons)- 50 watts
Medium (20-40 gallons)- 100 watts
Large (40-60 gallons)- 200 watts
Extra-large (60+ gallons)- 300 watts
As you can see, the larger the aquarium, the more heat it will need to maintain a stable temperature. This is why it’s important to choose a powerful heater for your tank.
If you have a small aquarium, a 50-watt heater should be more than enough to keep your fish happy and healthy. You’ll need a heater with more power for medium and large tanks.
200-watt heaters are great for 40 to 60-gallon aquariums, while 300-watt heaters can handle 60 gallons or larger tanks.
Where Should You Place The Heater?
Now that you know how to select the right heater for your aquarium, it’s time to talk about where you should put it. The best place for your aquarium heater is near the filter outlet.
This way, the water pumped through the filter will be heated as it passes over the heater. This is the most efficient way to heat your aquarium water.
Another good place to put your heater is on the back of the aquarium. This is a good option if you have a small aquarium or don’t want the heater to be visible. Again, ensure that the cord is not in the way and that the heater is not too close to the glass.
What Type Of Heater Can You Use For A Guppy Tank?
There are two main types of heaters that you can use for a guppy tank: submersible and non-submersible.
Submersible Heaters
Submersible heaters are completely submerged in the water. As a result, they are easy to install and don’t take up a lot of space. Plus, most submersible heaters have an automatic shut-off feature that kicks in when the water gets too hot.
Non-Submersible Heaters
Non-submersible heaters are not submerged in the water. Instead, they sit outside the tank, and the water is heated as it flows past the heater. Non-submersible heaters are less expensive than submersible heaters but can get more difficult to install.
Does Guppy Fry Need A Heater?
Yes, guppy fry needs a heater. The water temperature should be between 75 and 82 degrees Fahrenheit.
The fry will die if the water gets too cold or too hot. Therefore, it is very important to keep the water temperature stable for guppy fry.
You can use a small aquarium heater or a fish bowl heater to keep the water warm. Place the heater in the fry tank and turn it on. Adjust the temperature until it is between 75 and 82 degrees Fahrenheit.
Please do not put the fry in the main aquarium until they are at least four weeks old. By that time, they should be able to survive in a wider range of temperatures.
Can Guppy Fish Live Without A Heater?
Guppies can live without a heater, but they will not thrive. The ideal temperature range for guppies is 75 to 82 degrees Fahrenheit.
If the water gets too cold, the fish will become sluggish and may die. If the water gets too hot, the fish will also die.
It is best to keep a heater in the aquarium at all times. That way, you can maintain a stable water temperature for your guppies.
What Happens To Guppies If The Water Gets Very Cold?
If the water gets very cold, the guppies will become sluggish and may die. Therefore, it is important to keep the water temperature stable for guppies.
Yeah, it sounds fun and nice to experiment by lowering the temperature in the aquarium to watch how your guppies will react.
But in reality, it is not a good idea because you might accidentally kill them all, especially if you are a beginner aquarist.
A lot of people have made this mistake and have regretted it afterward. So please don’t do it! It’s not worth it.
If you want to lower the temperature in your aquarium, do it gradually over some time so that your guppies can adjust to the change.
What Happens If The Water Gets Too Hot?
If the water gets too hot, the guppies will become stressed and may die. Therefore, it is important to keep the water temperature stable for guppies.
Just like when the water gets too cold, if the water temperature in your aquarium suddenly becomes too hot, it will stress out your guppies, and they may die.
Again, please don’t do it! It’s not worth it. If you want to keep your guppies happy and healthy, you need to maintain a stable water temperature in their aquarium.
Higher the temperature, the higher the metabolism rate of your fish will be. This, in turn, causes the guppies to eat more and produce more waste. The increased waste production pollutes the water and can cause sickness or death in your fish.
What Happens If The Temperature Changes Too Suddenly?
If the temperature changes too suddenly, it can get dangerous for your guppy fish. They may experience shock and die. It is best to slowly acclimate them to new temperatures by gradually increasing or decreasing the temperature a few degrees over an hour or two. This will give them time to adjust and minimize the risk of them experiencing any adverse effects.
What Tropical Fish Do Not Need Heater?
Some tropical fish can live in cooler waters and do not require a heater. These include species like the betta fish, goldfish, danios, and white cloud mountain minnows. If you have any of these fish, you can save some money by not having to purchase a heater.
But remember, not all tropical fish can handle cooler waters. Guppies, for example, are tropical fish that require a heater to maintain a warm water temperature.
So if you live in a region with cooler temperatures or your home is naturally cool, you’ll need to use a heater to keep your guppy tank warm enough for them to thrive.
You can also find heaters specifically designed for small aquariums. These heaters are usually submersible and can be placed directly in the tank.
However, if you have a larger aquarium, you may need to purchase an external heater that sits outside the tank.
Tropical Fish That Can Survive Without A Heater Ideal Temperature
While some tropical fish can live without a heater, they still prefer warmer waters. The ideal temperature for most tropical fish is between 76 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
If you can maintain this temperature in your aquarium without a heater, your fish will be much happier and healthier.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Guppy fish need a heater to maintain a comfortable water temperature. Without a heater, they may experience shock or even die. If you have other tropical fish, they may be able to survive without a heater, but it is still best to provide them with one.
Thank you for reading my blog post. I hope that it was helpful and informative. If you have any questions, please feel free to leave a comment below, and I will get back to you as soon as possible. Have a great day!
Good Luck!!
Happy Fishkeeping!!
