The swordtail fish is an exciting species of fish that many aquarists love to keep as pets. Although they are pretty easy to maintain, they need a lot of attention to living to their fullest. Swordtail fish tank needs equipment like a heater and filters to keep the water warm and clean, respectively. You might sometimes find your swordtail fish sitting close to the heater. The common question that troubles fish keepers are, “Why are my swordtail fish hanging out by the heater?”
You will find your swordtail fish hanging out by the heater when they need warmth when the tank water temperature has been compromised. If your tank has a strong water current or is too low a temperature, your swordtail fish will swim near the heater where the water is comparatively warmer.
Another reason your swordtail fish might be hanging out by the heater is the new addition of the fish with other fish in the tank.
Read this article to find out all you need to know why swordtails isolate themselves near the heater and what you can do about it.
Do Swordtail Fish Need A Heater?
Because swordtail fish are tropical fish, they require a heater. These fish need a lot of heat to survive. Only water temperatures between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit are suitable for swordtail fish (22 Celsius – 26 Celsius).
Cold stress can occur in swordtail fish if the water temperature falls below 68° F (20° C). They are mainly native to Central North America and thus lack the modifications necessary to survive in calmer waters.
Why Do Swordtail Fish Need A Heater?
Because swordtail fish have a high metabolic rate, they demand a lot of oxygen. As a result, you should maintain swordtail fish at a temperature range of 72 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
Furthermore, the usefulness of a heater in a swordtail fish tank is as follows:
- Swordtail fish require a consistent temperature to remain healthy.
- The heater keeps the water in the fish tank at a constant temperature.
- Swordtails are tropical fish that require water that is consistently 78 degrees Fahrenheit.
- They can go into shock or hibernate if the temperature drops.
Therefore, install a swordtail fish tank with a heater or two as a backup to guarantee that swordtails stay healthy.
Reasons Why Your Swordtail Fish Is Hanging Around The Heater
Your swordtail fish may be circling the heater for a variety of reasons. It could be due to various factors, including comfort, a blank tank, cold water, a strong current, or a dirty tank with a newly introduced swordtail and pregnancy.
Comfort
They are at ease with the heater because it gives them a sense of security. As a result, they would rather be near the heater than anywhere else in the tank.
Blank Tank
If your swordtail fish is constantly near or at the heater, there may be a problem with their surroundings, and you should inspect their habitat for any issues, such as a blank tank.
Low Ambient Temperature
If the temperature in your fish tank is low, they may prefer to be in a warmer place, such as near the heater, rather than remain in a too chilly environment for them. As a result, ensure that the water temperature is acceptable and that you check on it frequently to ensure that certain kinds of swordtail fish and their offspring are not impacted.
Strong Water Currents
If the water current is too strong for your swordtail fish and they are uncomfortable in it, they may avoid areas of the tank with more robust water flow, such as those near or around the heater. As a result, make careful to adjust your filter to avoid creating a powerful current in your fish tank.
Filthy Tank
If your fish tank is dirty, with uneaten food and other wastes, they may feel more at ease remaining away from areas of the tank that are very clean, such as near the heater. As a result, be sure to keep their tank clean and use a good water conditioner regularly to maintain a healthy habitat.
Newly Introduced Swordtail Fish Hanging Out By The Heater
If you recently added a new swordtail fish to your tank, it may be feeling uneasy, and the heater is likely to be their first option for refuge because it is more comfortable for them. As a result, avoid overcrowding your tank with various fish species, as some will eventually become predators of others.
Pregnancy
If your female swordtail fish is pregnant, she may feel more secure in a warmer area, such as by the heater, which is why they spend the most time near or at it in the tank. As a result, make sure you give her a safe and comfortable place to stay during this time.
How To Keep Swordtail Fish From Hanging Around The Heater?
Suppose your swordtail fish is spending too much time near the heater. In that case, there are several ways to get them away without harming or scaring them, including improving water quality, using a heater guard, decorating the tank appropriately, adjusting the current, maintaining temperature, and, if all else fails, providing them with a comfortable shelter.
Improving Water Quality
Your swordtail fish may be staying close to the heater owing to low water quality. Since a result, make sure to keep an eye on the water temperature and check it frequently, as certain tropical fish species, such as swordtail, can become more susceptible to a sudden change in temperature.
Use A Heater Guard
You can use a heater guard to protect your swordtail fish from being burned by the heater’s hot surface. They won’t be able to touch it, and they’ll feel more at ease around or about it as a result.
Make Your Tank Look Nice
If your tank is empty, you’ll need to decorate it to make it appealing to the fish, who will feel more at ease near the heater.
Adjust Current
If you want to bring your swordtail fish close to or around the heater, you can regulate the water current accordingly by reducing it if there is too much strong flow in that area, which could disrupt them. As a result, be sure that the water conditions are suitable for their health.
Maintain Constant Temperature
If you have a tank heater, it’s essential to keep the temperature consistent or appropriate because tropical fish, such as swordtails, will become uncomfortable if the water temperature drops below 70 degrees Fahrenheit (21 degrees Celsius). On the other hand, they may feel more secure around the heater where there’s warmth and heat.
Thus, these are some ways in which you can pull your swordtails away from the heater.
FAQs
Do Swordtail Fish Like Water Current?
Swordtail fish require at least three water flow changes each hour on average. On the other hand, Swordtails are delicate creatures, so don’t overheat your tank with too much water flow.
To be comfortable and healthy, a swordtail fish requires around an inch per second of water flow.
If you give your swordtail too much current, it will become stressed, which can cause skin flaking and even death from osmotic shock.
Can Swordtails Live In Cold Water?
Swordtails are not able to survive in cold water. Swordtails are tropical fish with a water temperature preference of 65-820F. (18-280). This will harm your fish’s performance if the temperature falls below 18 degrees. They will live to see another day, but they will not be able to live a long, happy, and healthy life.
Conclusion
Finally, notice your swordtail fish congregating near the heater. There could be various reasons for this, including poor water quality, which causes them to become ill and hence seek the warmth of or surrounding it. You can also see if they are pregnant because if they are, you can anticipate them spending most of their time in the warmer sections of the tank to avoid feeling ill.