Can Guppy Live In Cold Water?

“Can guppy live in cold water?” I see this question being asked many times on social media.

You will be surprised to know the answer, guppy cannot live in cold water.

Now the question is what temperature should guppies be kept at? Guppies are tropical fish and prefer to live in warm water temperatures ranging from 72°F to 82°F (22°C to 28°C).

Similarly, you might be interested in knowing the answers to other related questions like –

– what water temperature is best for guppies

– will guppies die in cold water

– how to keep guppies in cold water without a heater

– why you should use a heater with guppies

Let’s get started.

Can You Keep Guppies In Cold Water?

No, you cannot keep guppies in cold water.

There are numerous reasons why you should not keep guppies in cold water temperatures because guppies become less active, breeding capacity decreases, lazy, stressed, slow physical growth, weakened immunity, and other health problems in cold temperatures.

While in warm water, guppies are more comfortable, full of energy, breed well, and are in good health.

It is always better to keep guppy fish in the ideal water temperature that they can tolerate.

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What Is A Good Water Temperature For Guppies?

The best water temperatures for guppies are 72°F to 82°F (22°C to 28°C).

The lowest temperature guppies can survive is 68°F (20°C). It is important to understand that at this temperature guppies are only alive but they don’t do well.

So guppy fish keeper must maintain an ideal water temperature for guppies health and happiness.

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What Happens When You Keep Guppies In Cold Water?

Guppies quickly adapt to new water environments which makes them popular among fishkeepers. Hence, it becomes easy to take care of guppies.

Guppies do well in warm water tanks, but when you keep guppies in cold water they find it difficult to survive for longer periods.

I have listed some major issues when you put guppies in cold water.

1. Lethargic

Guppies are active swimmers and they keep on exploring the aquarium. This is possible only when tank water is warm.

As guppies are cold-blooded fish, so they need heat to remain active and move around in tank as well as be social with other fish.

If water is cold, then guppy fish will become lazy and stop doing activity.

2. Problem in Breeding

Most often, people ask on public forums why are my guppies not breeding or can guppies breed in cold water?

As guppies are easy breeders, they breed rapidly in a well-maintained tank with correct water temperature.

One of the reasons why guppies are not breeding is cold water in aquarium. Guppies breeding ability is adversely affected by cold water. In case, they breed in cold water, then there is very less chance of guppy fry survival rate.

Hence, if you are breeding guppies, then it is suggested to keep warm tank water which makes the breeding process easy and smooth.

3. Slow Physical Growth

Just like other fish, guppies require ideal water conditions for their physical growth and development.

Guppy fish rely on humid temperatures for their complete growth. When you keep guppies in cold water, this will negatively influence fish development.

4. Stress, Sickness and Risk of Diseases

Keeping guppies in cold water weakens their immune system which results in stress.

The chances of guppies getting sick are increased when guppies are kept in cold water for a long time. This may turn into getting diseases and eventually die.

These are the reasons why many fish-keepers suggest adding a heater in guppy fish tank.

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Do Guppies Die In Cold Water?

Yes, guppies die in cold water because they survive in humid water conditions.

Guppies are cold blooded fish and to remain active, they require heat.

The lowest temperature guppies can live at 68°F (20°C) after that they frequently fall sick which weakens their immunity.

Fluctuating water temperature makes guppies stressed and increases the risk of diseases also your pet fish may even die.

If guppies minimum water temperature of 72°F (22°C) is not maintained, it becomes difficult for guppy to survive in cold water. So, now I will answer should heater be used in a guppy tank?

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Do Guppies Need A Heater?

Yes, guppies need a heater when there is constant fluctuation in tank water temperature.

Normally, beginners are confused about do guppies need a heater and some fish-keepers may not install a heater in the guppy fish tank as they find it costly.

Earlier, guppies were popularly called hardy fish but now no longer remain the same, and one of the reasons why you should use a heater with guppies.

A frequent change in water temperature gives guppies shock and they come under stress. So you need to check water does not get too cold or too hot.

When there is a constant variation in water conditions then guppies fall sick easily and are even likely to get diseases.

The heater helps in achieving a tropical climate for guppy fish which resembles nature. They feel more comfortable. So there are various types of heaters you can buy, I have listed some of them for your reference:

1. Hang-On Heater

2. Submersible Heater

3. Filter Heater

4. Substrate Heater

You will not require a heater for guppies only when the temperature in tank is stable, but this is hardly possible.

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How Long Can Guppies Live In Cold Water Without A Heater?

The length of guppies can survive in cold water without a heater depends on the room temperature where the guppy fish tank is located and also the season.

Guppies prefer to stay in humid environments and the ideal temperature ranges between 72°F to 82°F (22°C to 28°C).

Guppy fish are sensitive to temperature change, so if the water temperature is beyond their acceptable range will affect the fish a lot, and may feel sick soon. When the water is too cold, guppies will feel lazy and look like dead guppy fish.

The best way to monitor the water temperature is to measure with a thermometer.

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How To Keep Guppies In Cold Water Without A Heater?

For healthy and happy guppies you need to keep them in warm water.

Due to some circumstances, if you are not adding heater in your guppy fish tank, then you might be looking for how to keep guppies in cold water without a heater.

Don’t worry! You have are right place.

There are various ways in which you can keep guppies in cold water without a heater:

1. The artificial aquarium lighting releases heat that helps keep water warm and also enhances beauty of tank.

2. Place the guppy fish tank under sunlight because this is the best source of heat and a natural way to warm your aquarium.

3. During winter when you are warming up at home with the room heater or fireplace at that time it is a good idea to move guppies aquarium near fireside or room heater that will quickly warm up the tank water.

4. The warmest place in the home is the kitchen. Hence, move your guppy tank near the kitchen so your pet fish will feel warm and cozy in the water.

5. One of the best ways to keep guppies in cold water without a heater is to insulate the guppy fish aquarium. There are numerous ways to insulate your fish tank such as newspapers, blankets or towels.

Avoid keeping guppy fish tank near door or window during winter so aquarium doesn’t get cold easily.

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Can You Keep Guppies In An Outdoor Pond?

Yes, you can keep guppies in an outdoor pond but this depends on the weather where you stay.

Guppies enjoy being in an outside pond despite that you should remember guppies are tropical fish and stay healthy in tropical water temperature.

So some may have question: how long can you keep guppies outdoor?

If you are residing in a region where winters are not so cold and temperature don’t go lower than 68°F (20°C), then you can keep guppies in the outside pond for the whole year.

Conversely, if you are staying in a region where winters are extreme and freezing, then your guppies cannot enjoy outside pond throughout the year as the minimum water temperature for guppies is 60°F (15°C).

Now, you might think of installing a heater in a pond but it is too expensive and also does not serve the purpose.

Hence, it is recommended that you set up an indoor aquarium for your guppies during winter and autumn which will save your pet fish from extreme cold weather.

For spring and summer, you can move back your guppies to the outside pond to explore nature.

Things you should consider before setting up an outdoor guppy pond are pond size, adding live plants, no direct sunlight on pond, suitable pond mates, using filter and performing a partial water change.

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What Fish Can You Keep In Cold Water?

Most tropical pet fish require a warm water temperature. But there are some pet fish that do well in cold water and to your surprise they don’t require a heater.

If you are planning to set up a cold water fish tank, then this is a list of fish that you should consider.

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Conclusion

If you are thinking of keeping guppies in cold water, then you can keep fish in pond for summer, spring and till the temperature does not fall below lowest.

In guppy fish tank, you can keep guppies without a heater with the help of natural sunlight, artificial tank light, near kitchen or fireplace and go for insulation. These methods help in keeping tank water warm.

I recommend using heater in cold water to avoid unnecessary stress to your guppies.

If you have any query, please mention in comment box.

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FAQS

1. Can guppies live in cold water with goldfish?

No, guppies cannot live in cold water with goldfish. Guppies like warm water conditions while goldfish prefer cold water temperature. Hence, it becomes difficult to keep both together.

2. Which Other Fish Can Live In The Same Temperature Water As Guppies?

Dianos, mollies, swordfish, platies and angelfish are the other fish that can live in the same temperature water as guppies.

Happy Guppy Keeping!

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