How To Keep Your Aquarium’s Temperature Just Right

Our warm-blooded nature enables our body temperature to adjust
to our environment. Fish and invertebrates are not as fortunate.
The body temperatures of these cold-blooded creatures are
harmonious to their environment. It is, therefore, the fish
owners’ responsibility to maintain the appropriate aquarium
temperature.

98.6 degrees is our optimal body temperature. Anything venturing
too far above or below this invariably results in a trip to the
emergency room. There is no across the board temperature for
fish as this depends on their origin. A fluctuation of just one
or two degrees can be fatal. To avoid losing your aquatic
friends, determine whether your fish is a temperate or tropical
one. Temperate fish originate from cooler waters and require a
coldwater aquarium. You will find that most fish are tropical
and need warm water set to between 75 and 79 degrees. This is a
job for an aquarium heater.

There are numerous heaters options on the market. Most of them
fall into three major categories.

Hanging Tank Heaters

Hanging tank heaters have been around the longest and are the
least expensive. They hang upon the rim of the tank while the
glass portion of the heater is submerged in the water. This
partial submersion, consequently, results in less than adequate
heat exchange. The heater’s placement on the tank’s rim also
increases the risk of damage.

Submersible Heaters

As the name suggests, submersible heaters are fully immersed
making them better for heat exchange. They can be placed
anywhere, although areas of high circulation such as the
filtration system or sump pump are recommended. Owners of
submersible heaters also enjoy advanced thermostat controls.

Heating Cable Heaters

Heating cable systems are most commonly found in freshwater
aquariums, but they do exist in some saltwater tanks. The
heaters rest below the aquarium’s substrate and are manipulated
by a separate electronic controlling unit. There is one caveat.
When these systems need to be replaced, the entire substrate
must be dug up in order to remove it.

Selecting the correct heater tube length for your aquarium is
critical. Because heat rises, skilled aquarist stay clear of
shorter units that under perform. Heaters also offer varying
levels of power. The general rule of thumb is to select 5 watts
of heater per gallon of water.

Most heaters come equipped with a thermometer, but you will want
to purchase an external one so you can monitor it for yourself.
Thermometers that attach to the outside of the tank are
influenced by air temperature. Avoid them along with those made
of metal and use mercury. Floating bulb thermometers and LCD
strip thermometers that stick to the side of the tank are the
most common. If you have a larger tank, consider purchasing two
thermometers and placing them on opposite sides of the aquarium.
They will work in tandem to provide accurate readings for the
entire tank.

Sustaining your aquarium’s optimal temperature is necessary for
your pets’ survival. Purchasing the right equipment and
regularly monitoring your aquarium will keep you and your fish
out of hot water.

Copyright 2006 Reef Saltwateraquarium