Platyfish are prone to thermal stress and can suffer a weak immune system when it gets too cold. Reproductive problems, infections, and increased mortality are occasioned by poor water heating.
What is the ideal temperature for platyfish?
Platies prefer a temperature range of 70-82°F. They do not need an aquarium heater where room temperature is maintained. However, heating may be necessary during the cold months and also when running an air conditioner in the house.
How cold can platies survive?
Platies originally come from tropical waters that are considered warm.
Although they’re hardy and can tolerate cold water, temperatures below 59°F are too cold for platies and can cause illness, reduced growth, and stress.
Freezing temperatures slow down the fish’s metabolism, which can lead to the death of your fish. If you’re worried that it is getting too cold, install an aquarium heater to warm the water in the tank to about 70°F.
Fish depend on the external environment to regulate their body temperature, activity, and metabolism. In their natural habitats, they can move and seek warmer waters, but in captivity, they rely on the water temperature in the aquarium.
Disadvantages of keeping platies in cold water
- Stress: Sudden changes in water conditions can be stressful for fish. Platies can adjust to sub-optimal water temperature but within limits.
- Breeding and fertility problems: Platies do not require a lot of encouragement to breed. By stocking an optimum female-to-male platy ratio of 3:1, expect constant breeding. However, extremely low temperatures affect their fertility.
- Stunted growth: Male platies can grow to about 1.5 inches while females can reach around 3 inches. A cold water environment reduces metabolism and leads to stunted growth.
- Reduced activity in the tank: A cold tank means reduced metabolism and low energy levels.
What temperature is too hot for platies?
Any temperature above 82°F is too hot for platyfish and can lead to suffocation and stress. When the water conditions are satisfactory, your platies rely on the water for drawing out oxygen. If the water is too hot, it can not only burn your platies but also contain less oxygen.
Ammonia buildup is also ocassioned by extremely high temperatures. Your platies will start to hide or show unusual behavior.
Here’s how to fix high temperatures and save your fish:
- Air-condition the aquarium.
- Use frozen water bottles, which act as ice cubes in the tank or aquarium. Unlike ice cubes, using frozen water bottles is preferred since it does not melt fast to cause damage inside the tank.
- Alternatively, use small glass tubes with icy water to cool the aquarium.
- Expose the water surface in your tank to a fan positioned directly above to help discourage water from remaining stagnant.
In general, reduce the exposure of the aquarium to natural or artificial lights, known to be capable of increasing the water temperature.
Artificial light also promotes algae bloom, reducing or eliminating oxygen in the aquarium due to the high bacterial or algae respiration rate.
Does temperature affect the lifespan of platyfish?
Temperatures can affect the lifespan of platyfish if not maintained between 72°F-80°F. Generally, platyfish are not known for their longevity. The lifespan of platyfish in captivity ranges from 2 to 3 years. But, in the wild, the fish can live for about five years or more.
Extreme water temperatures, either too cold or too hot, will lead to a host of health complications, which cause early death.
Temperature and the color of a platyfish
The coloration of your fish is affected by water temperature. Platyfish appear colorful when the water temperature is ideal due to the improved mobility of the color pigment in the chromatophore.
Poorly colored platies may be living in unsuitable water conditions so you want to check on the aquarium conditions.
Apart from the aquarium’s temperature, other factors also affect the color of platies, like genes. Platies without excellent genes often do not have vibrant colors.
Conclusion
Platies will thrive well at room temperature but if you stay in areas that experience colder months, install an aquarium heater for platyfish. It’ll let you control the temperature and avoid rapid fluctuations that may cause health problems, poor coloration, lethargy, and even death.
References:
- NSW Government: Platyfish temperatures
- Montana’s Official State Website: variable Platyfish
