Guppy fish are popular small, colorful, and relatively easy to care for and will always give you tons of surprises with their unique abilities and personalities. But they also send shock your way by doing something completely out of their true nature. For example, the first time I saw my fish doing something like hanging out near the heater as if they needed all the heat to their body, I was shell-shocked and stood there and wondered. Why are guppy fish hanging out by the heater?
There are a few reasons that can be the case for your guppy fish hanging out by the heater, such as seeking comfort, the tank being too cold, or the tank water quality is not good. It is a good idea to check the temperature of your tank water using a thermometer to ensure it is within the ideal range for guppies. If it is not, you will need to adjust the heater to get it to the right temperature.
In this blog post, we will explore why your guppy fish might be hanging out by the heater and offer some solutions to coax them back into their usual territory!
Is It Normal For Guppy Fish To Hang Out By The Heater?
No, it’s not normal for guppy fish to hang out by the heater unless there’s a specific reason. Therefore, you need to understand the basic needs of guppy fish and figure out what’s causing your guppy fish to seek warmth from the heater.
By understanding the reasons, you can provide a better environment for your guppy fish. I have seen guppies do this for a few reasons, which was not a pleasant scene to watch.
The horror of finding your fish out of the tank, gasping for breath on the kitchen floor, is enough to send chills down any fish keeper’s spine.
Why Are My Guppy Fish Hanging Out By The Heater?
Now, when we have stated the obvious, it is necessary to know the reason behind this heating trend in guppy fish. There can be several explanations for why your guppy is hanging out by the heater. The most common ones are:
Comfort
Guppies, like all other fish, are cold-blooded animals. This means that their internal temperature depends on the water around them.
So, if the temperature in the tank is low, the guppy will feel cold. And what do we humans do when we feel cold?
We go near a source of heat to warm up. Similarly, guppies also go near heaters to warm themselves up.
Blank Tank
Another reason your guppy fish is hanging out by the heater could be that the tank is new. When setting up a fish tank, it takes a while for the water to reach the correct temperature. So, your guppy might be hanging out by the heater because the rest of the tank is too cold for it.
Low Temperature
Guppy fish is one of the hardiest freshwater fish and can live in various water conditions. But that does not mean they do not like comfort.
In fact, guppies are tropical fish and prefer warmer water temperatures between 75 to 82 degrees Fahrenheit.
So, if your tank water is on the cooler side, it is not surprising that your guppy fish will be hanging out near the heater to get some warmth.
If your tank is too cold, your guppies will huddle together near the heater to stay warm. This can happen if the room temperature drops significantly or if there is a draft in the room where the fish tank is located.
If your tank is too cold, your guppies will start to shiver, and their metabolism will decrease. This leaves them unable to fight off diseases and parasites, which can quickly kill them. So, it is important to maintain the correct water temperature for your guppy fish.
Strong Current
Guppies are strong swimmers but prefer slow-moving water. If there is a strong current in the tank, it can get exhausting for the fish to swim against it. So, they might take refuge near the heater where the water is calm.
Guppy Tank Is Dirty
A dirty tank is unhealthy for your fish and makes the water colder. This is because the dirt and debris in the water absorb heat and make the water cooler.
So, if your guppy is hanging out by the heater, it could indicate that the tank is dirty and needs to be cleaned.
Newly Introduced Fish
If you have recently introduced new fish to the tank, they might be bullying your female guppy along with the male ones. This can happen if the new fish are larger or more aggressive than your guppy.
In this case, your guppy might be taking refuge near the heater to escape the aggression of the new guppy and other fish.
Pregnancy
If you have a pregnant female guppy, she will hang out near the heater more often than usual. This is because pregnant guppies need warmer water to ensure the health of their fry (baby guppies).
Can Heater Burn Your Guppy Fish?
Yes, if the heater is not placed properly, it can burn your guppy fish. This usually happens if the heater is too close to the side of the tank. When the guppy swims too close to the heater, it can get burned by the heat.
To prevent this, place the heater in the middle of the tank and away from the sides. You can also use a heater guard to protect your fish from getting burned.
Do Guppies Like Heaters?
Now that we have looked at the various reasons why your guppy might be hanging out near the heater, the question remains – do guppies like heaters? The answer is yes and no.
As we have seen, guppies are tropical fish that prefer warmer water and will gravitate toward the warmer areas of their tank.
So, it is not surprising that they like heaters. But that does not mean they will always stay near the heater.
Guppies are curious fish and will explore their tank. So, you might find them swimming around in different parts of the tank at different times. You will only find them near the heater when they are cold or pregnant.
Remember, guppies can live in a wide range of water conditions and even withstand cold water for short periods.
Do Guppies Need a Heater to Survive?
Yes, guppies need a heater to survive as they are tropical fish that prefer a warmer climate. However, guppies can live in warm water between the ideal temperature of 72-82 degrees Fahrenheit without a heater.
If the water temperature in your guppy’s tank dips below 72 degrees Fahrenheit, they will start to experience stress and might even die.
A heater will not only help keep your guppy’s tank at a consistent temperature, but it will also provide them with a comfortable place to rest.
You should keep a few things in mind if you are thinking about adding a heater to your guppy’s tank.
Make sure you purchase a heater that is the appropriate size for your tank. And, always use a heater guard to protect your guppy from getting too close to the heat source.
How To Coax Your Guppy Fish From Staying Away From Heater?
If your guppy is spending more time near the heater than usual, there are a few things you can do to coax them away from the heat source.
Improve Water Quality
One of the best things you can do for your guppy is to improve the guppy tank’s water parameters and quality. You can do this by performing regular water changes and making sure that you are using a filter.
Use A Heater Guard
Use a heater guard if you have a heater in your guppy’s tank. A heater guard will protect your guppy from getting too close to the heat source and being injured.
Decorate Your Tank
Guppies are social creatures and prefer to live in tanks decorated with plants and hiding places. By adding some decorations to your guppy’s tank, you can provide them with a more comfortable environment.
Adjust Current
If your guppy’s tank has a strong current, you might want to consider adjusting it. A strong current can be stressful for guppies and make them more likely to stay near the heater.
Maintain Temperature
You need to maintain a consistent water temperature. Guppies are tropical fish and prefer water that is between 72-82 degrees Fahrenheit. So, it is best to take help from heating equipment like heaters.
You cannot use direct sunlight to heat the aquarium; remember that. Do not get ahead and place the tank where the sun hits first and last.
These guppies need consistent temperature all day and all night. So, the sun might not be the resort you should take here.
Can Guppy Fish Survive Without A Heater In The Tank?
As we have seen, guppies are tropical fish that prefers warmer water and need a heater to survive in cooler climates.
These fish need heaters to survive because the temperature of the water influences their metabolism.
A slower metabolism means these fish cannot digest their food quickly, leading to malnutrition. In addition, the cooler water can also make it harder for guppies to reproduce.
So, if you want to keep your guppy fish healthy and happy, you should definitely invest in a good aquarium heater.
However, they can live without a heater if you keep the water temperature between 72-82 degrees Fahrenheit in the tank.
While a heater is not required, keeping your guppy fish healthy and happy is recommended. If you decide to use a heater, monitor the temperature closely and use a thermometer to ensure the water does not get too hot or too cold.
If you are not comfortable using a heater, there are other options to keep your guppy fish warm such as keeping the tank in a warm room or using an aquarium lamp.
No matter what you decide, be sure to do your research and monitor your guppy fish closely to ensure they are healthy and happy.
Can Guppy Fish Live In Cold Water?
While guppies can technically survive in colder water, it is not recommended as they will not thrive. Their ideal water temperature is between 72-82 degrees Fahrenheit.
If the water gets too cold, the guppies will become sluggish, and their immune system will be weakened, making them more susceptible to disease. In extreme cases, cold water can even kill guppy fish.
As we have seen, the cooler water can impact their metabolism and make it harder for them to digest their food. In addition, the cold water can make it difficult for them to reproduce.
Conclusion
Summing up, guppy fish hanging out by the heater is not normal behavior and can be a sign of stress or illness. If you notice your guppy fish spending more time near the heater, try to coax them away from the heat source. If the heater is giving you a headache, you should keep the tank in a warm room or use an aquarium lamp to help keep the guppy fish warm. No matter what you decide, be sure to do your research and monitor your guppy fish closely to ensure they are healthy and happy.
Good Luck!!
Happy Fishkeeping!!