Do Goldfish Need a Heater?
Many goldfish owners are not sure if they want to install a heater in their aquarium.
The confusion stems from the fact that goldfish can withstand a wide range of temperatures.
Some people believe that they don’t necessarily need a heater for their goldfish tank.
Do goldfish need a heater?
In theory, goldfish are coldwater fish, meaning a heater isn’t necessary for them.
However, experts advise against keeping goldfish in too cold water.
If your water temperature often falls below 65 degrees Fahrenheit.
You probably need a heater to keep the water warm.
What is too cold a temperature for goldfish?
In the wild, goldfish live and thrive in the cold water environment of streams, rivers,
and lakes.
People often see goldfish as a coldwater fish.
However, that does not mean they can survive frigid temperatures.
In fact, goldfish may begin hibernating and consequently stop eating in freezing cold.
You should keep your goldfish slightly below the normal room temperature.
Goldfish could go into a state of inactivity
when the temperature is too high or too low.
Ideally, the water temperature of your goldfish tank should be anywhere between 60 and 65
degrees Fahrenheit.
Anything below 60 degrees and your goldfish could become lethargic.
It may even stop eating.
Also, at temperatures below 50 to 55 degrees.
They could start hovering at the bottom of the aquarium.
In fact, that could be a sign of hibernation.
What temperature is too high for a goldfish?
Typically, anything above 80 degrees Fahrenheit (or 27°C) is too high for your goldfish.
A high temperature often lowers the oxygen levels in the tank water.
Resulting in stress to the goldfish.
You should avoid placing your goldfish tank in direct sunlight.
In addition, consider using a tank with a large surface area.
Oxygen from the air enters the tank water at the surface.
A large surface area means your tank water would soak in more oxygen.
Also, definitely use an air pump in your goldfish aquarium.
Do goldfish behave differently in different water temperatures?
Yes, temperature changes often trigger behavioral changes in goldfish.
For instance, your goldfish could become totally inactive in temperatures lower than 50 degrees
Fahrenheit.
On the other hand, keeping your fish in hot water may make them stressed.
When the temperature is above 85 degrees,
your fish may start gulping at the surface.
That way, they’d try to intake oxygen from the air.
Evidently, this means the tank water has low oxygen levels.
If you keep your fish in warm water
It’ll benefit them in many ways.
For instance, their digestive and immune systems will improve.
Plus, you’ll also notice them swimming faster in warmer water.
How to choose the right type of aquarium heater
Typically, you’ll find four main types of goldfish tank heaters.
The right type for you depends on your individual needs and preferences.
Submersible heaters are a great choice for small tanks.
You can submerge them fully into the tank water.
All the produced heat will transmit to the water with no losses.
Plus, submersible heaters are safer than most other heater types.
In comparison, immersible heaters are more affordable.
But they don’t sink fully into the water.
Instead, only the heating element will remain inside the water.
On the other hand, in-line heaters are ideal for large tanks.
In this case, the heating element remains outside
while the heat passes through a pipe or filter to the inside water.
Also, you’ll find other types, such as substrate heaters and in-sump heaters.