Tips for Aquarium Maintenance during Winters

When it starts getting cold we start pulling out our sweaters and blankets from storage.
But how about our little friends in the aquarium?

Cold can be disastrous for most tropical fish if proper care is not taken. This page presents some tips that will help you keep your fish healthy.

Water Temperature

Maintain the aquarium water temperature between 24° C and 27° C.
Install an aquarium thermometer to keep a regular check on the temperature.
Several types of thermometer are available, from stick-on to traditional glass thermometers.

Heating

Various models of submersible aquarium heaters are available to choose from.
It is always better to use automatic heaters that have built-in thermostats. These can be set to work at specific temperatures. These are very useful to prevent the tank from overheating and also save on electricity consumption.
Even if you use a thermostat heater, do keep a thermometer handy to check occasionally that the thermostat setting is correct.
When using a thermostat heater, make sure that the heating portion is at a higher level than the thermostat, as this will help ensure even heating in the tank.

Aquarium Placement

Make sure the aquarium is not exposed to direct cold wind from open windows and doors, as this will adversely affect the water temperature.

Feeding

Fish require less energy during the winter and hence they tend to eat less.
Reduce the amount of feed given by about 25%. This will prevent uneaten food from dirtying the water.

Medications

Fluctuations in the water temperature may cause White Spot disease in the fish.
Use a good quality ‘Blue Remedy’ (Methylene Blue) every week to prevent White Spot.

Gold Fish Bowls

Do not try to heat your gold fish bowl.
Gold fish and its cousins (Red Cap, Black Moore, Shubunkins) are cold water tropical fish and can survive low temperatures.
Keep a check on feeding.
Use Blue remedy regularly.