Guppies live in tropical climate, they prefer warm water to live. They can survive and tolerate various range of water temperatures. So, what is the maximum temperature for guppies?
Guppies maximum water temperature is 90°F (32°C). They can tolerate this temperature for 2-3 days, and if kept for a long time may adversely affect guppy fish well-being.
It is suggested to keep the guppies temperature up to 82°F (28°C).
Hence, it is important to understand:
– optimum temperature for guppies
– risk of high water temperature
– how to lower high water temperature in guppy fish tank
– which disease can be treated with elevated water temperature
I will answer the related questions in this article.
Table of Contents
- 1 What is the Maximum Temperature for Guppies?
- 2 What Is A Good Water Temperature For Guppies
- 3 What Are The Effects Of High Water Temperature On Guppies?
- 4 How to Lower Water Temperature in An Aquariums For Guppies?
- 5 Which Guppy Diseases Can Be Treated With High Temperature?
- 6 Do Guppies Need a Water Heater? When?
- 7 Which are Guppy Tank Mates With Similar Water Temperature?
- 8 Conclusion
- 9 FAQS
What is the Maximum Temperature for Guppies?
There is always a question popping up on social media How warm should water be for guppies?
The maximum temperature for guppies should be 82°F (28°C), but they cannot bear any temperature above 90°F (32°C).
Too high water temperature leads to decrease in the oxygen level which creates stress in guppies.
Guppies suffocate in low level of oxygen and may even die.
The beneficial bacteria will not break down ammonia and prolonged high water temperature causes ammonia burns which rotten guppy fish fin and tail.
Some of the diseases can be cured by raising the water temperature, generally this treatment lasts for one week only.
By adding air stone in guppy fish tank will circulate oxygen properly in aquarium.
What Is A Good Water Temperature For Guppies
The guppy ideal water temperature is between 72-82°F (22-28°C). This range of water temperature increases activity of guppies and also their well-being.
If guppy tank water temp remains too hot or too cold for longer period then can cause stress and negative impact on guppies health.
Hence, use a thermometer to maintain appropriate temperature for guppies.
What Are The Effects Of High Water Temperature On Guppies?
The guppy temperature tolerance is 82°F (28°C), so if you keep guppy fish for longer time above this water temperature then it will adversely affect guppies health.
Guppies can live in maximum temperature for only short duration but this is not recommended at all.
Now, let see what are risk of prolonged elevated temperature for guppies:
1. When the water temperature is warmer, the level of oxygen decreases in water. Guppies will suffocate, beneficial bacteria will not break down ammonia, so now ammonia spike will burn guppies gills.
2. Due to high water temperature, guppy fish immune system weakens which increases chances of getting diseases.
3. Warmer water increases guppies metabolism and fast growth but shortens their lifespan.
4. Guppies will reproduce quickly and very often which increases stress.
How to Lower Water Temperature in An Aquariums For Guppies?
The water temperature plays important role in guppies health and growth.
You should use a thermometer to check the water temperature of guppy fish tank.
These tips will assist you in how to cool down aquarium water temperature quickly:
1. Disconnect all the aquarium equipment like heater and aquarium light.
2. If the guppy fish tank was exposed to sunlight then move to cooler place in house.
3. Open the aquarium lid to remove hot air.
4. You can put an ice bag in guppy tank but don’t put ice cubes directly. When you achieve optimal water temperature remove ice bag.
5. Aquarium fan helps in reducing high water temperature but evaporates water. Please add dechlorinated water in tank.
Pro-tip: There is low oxygen level in warm water, so add spray bar in filter to increase oxygen in tank. |
Which Guppy Diseases Can Be Treated With High Temperature?
To your surprise, heat treatment refers to curing some of guppy diseases by raising water temperature.
The guppy diseases, infection and parasites which can be treated by elevating water temperature are
– Gills Flukes
– Velvet (Oodinium)
– White Spots – Ich, Ick
Remember the treatment process speed up with high water temperature.
Do Guppies Need a Water Heater? When?
Yes, guppies need a water heater to maintain stability and ideal tank temperature for this tropical fish.
Guppies are fresh water fish and they require a humid climate to survive.
During winters, in colder region or where temperature falls under 68°F (20°C) and an outside pool is set up for guppies, then you should transfer them in home tank set up.
You should remember the air heats faster than water, so even you have home heater it will take time for guppy fish tank too warm and may not attain ideal parameters quickly.
Here, guppies need a heater to keep water warm.
If guppies stays in cold water temperature for longer time will have adverse effect such as stress, shock, sickness, diseases, lethargy, and breeding problem.
Now, question arises “Can guppies live in a tank without a heater?”
Yes, guppies can live in a tank without a heater if water temperature is steady.
You can bring out guppies in an outdoor pond only for summers and spring.
In tropical region, guppies do well even in unheated tank, but you should verify water temperature with the help of thermometer as there is chances of a temperature variation in night as well as winters.
Guppies require a stable water temperature to avoid unnecessary stress.
If there is constant fluctuation the guppies get sick faster and may cause diseases.
Hence, it is recommended to buy a heater for guppy fish tank whether in cold or hot region as it aids in reaching best water temperature for guppies.
There is a general rule to remember while buying a heater is 5 watts for one gallon of tank water to keep aquarium warm and cozy.
Which are Guppy Tank Mates With Similar Water Temperature?
When you are setting up warm water fish tank and are confused which are the other fish that prefer similar water temperature as guppies.
The right temperature for guppy fish is 72-82°F (22-28°C). So you should look for fish that can flourish in this range of water temperature.
Don’t worry!
I put together a list of guppy fish tank mates which are peaceful and with same aquarium set up:
1. Tetras
2. Corydoras Catfish
3. Platies
4. Mollies
5. Swordtails
Conclusion
Guppies like warm water temperature but not exceeding ideal range of 74°F to 82°F (22°C to 28°C).
A prolonged elevated temperature brings various health issue in guppies. So you should use above mentioned tips to lower high water temperature quickly.
Heat treatment used to treat infection, parasites and diseases.
Setting up tank with compatible tank mates ensures peaceful and stable environment in your aquarium.
FAQS
Is algae water good for guppy fish?
Yes, algae water good for guppy fish.
Will drinking water be okay for a guppy to live?
Yes, if it is not tap water. If using tap water than needs to dechlorinate it.
Happy Guppy Keeping!
I am Alexa with 5+ years of experience in fishkeeping industry with expertise in taking care of guppies, aquariums, and dealing with diseases. Moreover, I am lovely wife, dedicated mom, and passionate guppy fish keeper. If you are into guppy fish keeping like me, you are in the right place. Explore the blog, ask questions, and enjoy guppy fishkeeping journey with GuppyAdvisor.