Summer not only affects people, but also our aquatic pets, especially cold water fish. Maintain a suitable setting during this season it is crucial to avoid problems such as Stress and enfermedadesIn this article, we will cover in depth how to properly care for coldwater fish during the hot summer months, using all the tools and tips available.
The importance of oxygenation in summer
The aquarium water becomes the main environment of your fish, and its quality is directly related to their well-being. Coldwater fish require higher oxygen concentrations in water compared to tropical fish. However, during the summer, the increase in temperature reduces the oxygen levels available, which can cause respiratory problems in fish.
To guarantee a good oxygenation:
- Use additional aerators, especially on hotter days. These devices help increase the gas exchange and maintain oxygen levels in the water.
- Consider installing circulation pumps to improve water movement. This not only facilitates oxygenation, but also helps maintain a more homogeneous temperature.
Maintain a suitable temperature in the aquarium
The increase in temperature during the summer can be harmful to cold water fish, since their metabolism accelerates, which increases oxygen demand and can cause stress.
Some essential tips To keep the water within safe temperature ranges (usually between 18-22°C) are:
- Removing the aquarium lid: If you don't have species that can jump, removing the lid helps dissipate the accumulated heatHowever, this may increase the evaporation, so you will need to replenish the water more frequently.
- Use of fans: Fans designed specifically for aquariums are an effective solution for reducing water temperature. These devices blow air across the surface of the water, promoting heat dissipation through evaporation.
- Sealed ice packs: In extreme cases, you can use sealed ice packs to cool the water temporarily. Be sure not to put the ice directly into the water, as the water will freeze. sudden temperature changes can be harmful to fish.
Adequate aquarium space and volume
The volume of water in the aquarium also plays a crucial role during the summer. As a general rule, during this season it is recommended to double or even triple the water amount per centimeter of fish to avoid problems related to oxygenation and water quality.
Additionally, consider the following:
- A larger aquarium allows for a greater volume of water, which helps maintain a more stable temperature and to better dilute the waste.
- Avoid the overpopulationToo many fish in a small space accelerate oxygen depletion and generate more waste, which affects water quality.
Protect the aquarium from direct sunlight
The direct impact of the sunlight over the aquarium can quickly and significantly raise the water temperature. To prevent this:
- Place the aquarium in a place cool and shady, away from windows or doors with direct exposure to the sun.
- Use curtains, blinds or blackout panels to block direct sunlight in the room where the aquarium is located.
Also, check the internal lighting of the aquarium. Turn it off during the hottest hours of the day or reduce the use time can be useful to keep the temperature under control.
Additional care to maintain the well-being of fish
In addition to the points mentioned, there are others essential care that you should take into account to ensure the health of your fish during the summer:
- Avoid overfeeding: During the summer, fish metabolism speeds up and they produce more waste. Overfeeding them only worsens water quality, increasing the buildup of ammonia and nitrites.
- Clean the aquarium regularly: Perform partial water changes (about 20-30%) every week to maintain water quality and remove accumulated waste.
- Efficient filtration: A good filtration system is essential to eliminate impurities and keep the water in optimal conditions.
In planted aquariums, make sure that the Facilities They are healthy, as they help oxygenate the water and maintain a balanced ecosystem.
With these precautions, you can ensure that your fish have a healthy and peaceful summer. The stability of the aquatic environment will not only ensure their well-being, but also the longevity y vitality of your pets.