Aquarium fish die in winter because of low water temperature, low oxygen level, and poor water quality. These factors can stress the fish and make them more susceptible to diseases and parasites. In this article, we will explain how to prevent these problems and keep your aquarium fish healthy and happy during the cold season.
Water temperature is one of the most important factors for the well-being of aquarium fish. Different fish species have different preferences and tolerances for water temperature. Tropical fish, for example, need warm water between 72°F and 82°F, while cold-water fish can survive in water as low as 50°F.
If the water temperature drops below the optimal range for your fish, they will become less active, have slower metabolism, and have weaker immune system. This can make them more vulnerable to infections and diseases, such as ich, fin rot, and fungal infections. Some fish may even die from hypothermia if the water temperature is too low for too long.
To prevent low water temperature from harming your fish, you need to monitor the water temperature regularly and use a heater to maintain a stable and suitable temperature for your fish. You also need to avoid sudden changes in water temperature, which can shock the fish and cause stress. You can do this by placing the aquarium away from windows, doors, vents, and other sources of cold drafts. You can also insulate the aquarium with a cover or a blanket to retain heat.
Oxygen is essential for the respiration and metabolism of aquarium fish. The oxygen level in the water depends on several factors, such as water temperature, water movement, surface area, and biological load. In general, colder water can hold more oxygen than warmer water, but water movement and surface area can also increase oxygen exchange. Biological load refers to the amount of living organisms in the water, such as fish, plants, and bacteria, which consume and produce oxygen.
If the oxygen level in the water is too low, the fish will have difficulty breathing and may gasp at the surface, become lethargic, lose appetite, and show signs of stress. Low oxygen level can also affect the beneficial bacteria in the filter, which can reduce the water quality and increase the ammonia and nitrite levels. These toxins can further harm the fish and cause ammonia poisoning or nitrite poisoning, which can be fatal.
To prevent low oxygen level from harming your fish, you need to ensure adequate water movement and surface agitation, which can increase oxygen exchange. You can do this by using an air pump, an airstone, a powerhead, or a filter that creates bubbles or splashes. You also need to avoid overstocking the aquarium, overfeeding the fish, and over-fertilizing the plants, which can increase the biological load and reduce the oxygen level. You can also add live plants to the aquarium, which can produce oxygen during photosynthesis and absorb carbon dioxide and ammonia.
How Poor Water Quality Affects Aquarium Fish
Water quality is another crucial factor for the health of aquarium fish. Water quality refers to the chemical and physical parameters of the water, such as pH, hardness, ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, and other pollutants. These parameters can affect the fish’s physiology, behavior, and immunity. If the water quality is poor, the fish will suffer from stress, disease, and death.
One of the main causes of poor water quality is the accumulation of organic waste, such as fish waste, uneaten food, dead plants, and algae. These organic waste can decompose and produce ammonia, which is highly toxic to fish. Ammonia can burn the fish’s gills, damage their organs, and impair their nervous system. Ammonia can also lower the pH of the water, which can affect the fish’s acid-base balance and enzyme activity.
To prevent ammonia from harming your fish, you need to have a biological filter that can convert ammonia to nitrite and then to nitrate, which are less toxic to fish. This process is called the nitrogen cycle, and it involves beneficial bacteria that colonize the filter media and the substrate. You also need to perform regular water changes, which can dilute the ammonia and other pollutants and replenish the minerals and trace elements. You can also use ammonia-removing products, such as zeolite, activated carbon, or ammonia-neutralizing chemicals, to reduce the ammonia level.
Nitrite and nitrate are also harmful to fish, but at higher concentrations than ammonia. Nitrite can interfere with the fish’s oxygen transport and cause brown blood disease, which can suffocate the fish. Nitrate can cause nitrate poisoning, which can affect the fish’s growth, reproduction, and immunity. Nitrate can also stimulate the growth of algae, which can reduce the water clarity and oxygen level.
To prevent nitrite and nitrate from harming your fish, you need to maintain a stable and healthy biological filter, which can keep the nitrite and nitrate levels low. You also need to perform regular water changes, which can dilute the nitrite and nitrate and remove the excess nutrients. You can also use nitrite-removing and nitrate-removing products, such as nitrate-reducing bacteria, nitrate-absorbing resins, or nitrate-reducing chemicals, to lower the nitrite and nitrate levels.
Aquarium fish die in winter because of low water temperature, low oxygen level, and poor water quality. These factors can stress the fish and make them more susceptible to diseases and parasites. To prevent these problems and keep your aquarium fish healthy and happy during the cold season, you need to monitor and adjust the water temperature, ensure adequate oxygen exchange, and maintain good water quality. By following these tips, you can enjoy your aquarium fish all year round.
