If you are thinking about getting Neon Tetras, you should follow different ways for better care. Among the many ways, monitoring the proper water temperature is at the top of the list for them. But there is some doubt about the exact water temperature required for this. Therefore, in this article I will explain the exact maximum and minimum water temperature for Neon Tetras.
How will you know if your Betta fish is...
To start, "What is the minimum water temperature for neon tetras?", the minimum water temperature for neon tetras is 72 degrees Fahrenheit (22 degrees Celsius).
So what exactly is the maximum water temperature for Neon Tetras? The maximum water temperature for Neon Tetras is 78 degrees Fahrenheit (25 degrees Celsius).
Therefore, the ideal water temperature for Neon Tetra is between 72 and 78 degrees Fahrenheit, ie 22 to 25 degrees Celsius.Neon tetras also need water acidity or a pH level of no higher than 6.2.
It is extremely important to give Neon Tetras a certain minimum water temperature. Otherwise, it can go through many life-threatening conditions. So a water condition of at least 72 degrees Fahrenheit is absolutely necessary for Neon Tetras to glow and live a healthy life.
However, for the better care of Neon Tetra, people often confuse the absolute temperature of the water they need.
Therefore, in this article I will define the water temperature for Neon Tetras not only to survive but also to thrive better.
Ideal minimum water temperature for neon tetras
If you are one of the beginner fish keepers then this is not to be missed. Consideration of water temperature and pH levels for each type of fish is most important.
Likewise, as you consider keeping Neon Tetras in your tank, one of the most important things you need to know is the right water temperature for them.
Therefore, the ideal minimum water temperature for Neon Tetras is 72 degrees Fahrenheit (22 degrees Celsius) with a minimum water pH of 5.5.
However, the required minimum water temperature is unlikely at average room temperature.
But since neon tetras are tropical fish, they definitely need a higher water temperature compared to room temperature.
Additionally, if the water temperature for Neon Tetras is below 72 degrees Fahrenheit, it is not safe for them. Therefore, it is important to maintain the ideal minimum water temperature for Neon Tetras.
If you want to know more aboutWater parameters for Tetra Fish: stable water condition, click here.
What happens if the water temperature is lower than the ideal minimum temperature?
For Neon Tetra to live healthy, a minimum water temperature of 72 degrees Fahrenheit (22 degrees Celsius) is ideali If not, your Neon Tetras are not safe.
Neon Tetras will experience problems at water temperatures below 72 degrees Fahrenheit. They will become very inactive. And there will be a decrease in their appetite.
Not only that, but the metabolism in their body will also become extremely low. These changes in the neon tetra later develop into numerous critical life-threatening situations.
Therefore, maintaining the ideal water temperature for Neon Tetras is essential for their healthy life.
IYour Neon Tetra not eating? - Here's what you can do.You can find reasons and solutions in the same article.
Absolute maximum water temperature for neon tetras
Neon tetras are tropical freshwater fish. Therefore, in order to place them in the aquarium, the absolute maximum water temperature is required. The most important thing is that the Neon Tetras are safe and healthy.
Especially if you are new to fish farming, this is not to be missed. And more specifically, learn the exact maximum water temperature for Neon Tetras.
Read more about neon tetras in our article 'Neon Tetra: The Complete Care Guide for Beginners.'
The absolute maximum water temperature for Neon Tetras is 78 degrees Fahrenheit (25 degrees Celsius). Also, a maximum of 6.2 pH values is ideal.
Being tropical fish, neon tetras require a higher water temperature to grow and glow better. This is compared to the average room temperature in the aquarium.
But remember that the water temperature should not exceed 78 degrees Fahrenheit. Neon Tetras really need a slightly higher water temperature. But more than the required temperature will be risky for them.
What happens if the water temperature is higher than the absolute maximum temperature?
Neon Tetras perfectly tolerate water temperatures up to 78 degrees Fahrenheit.
But if the temperature rises above the maximum level, Neon Tetras could be in danger. And of course you don't want that.
If the water temperature is higher than the absolute maximum temperature, the water will become too hot. Such water is not safe for Neon Tetras. They will start to feel uneasy and become very bored.
The metabolism in the Neon Tetra's body will also accelerate faster. This further leads to a shortening of their life expectancy or they may die sooner.
In addition, there will be a high probability of developing a life-threatening disease. This is because Neon Tetras have no appetite, which can later affect their body badly.
Therefore, maintaining the absolute water temperature for Neon Tetras is essential for their healthy growth.
You can expand the horizon of your knowledgeDiseases and treatment of tetra fishhere.
How exactly to control the water temperature?
As mentioned earlier, Neon Tetras need to be in an aquarium with absolute water temperature to live nicely.
If you don't give them the correct water temperature, they can suffer from serious, life-threatening conditions. Therefore, it is crucial to control the water temperature accurately and without errors.
To that end, here are a few ways you can control the water temperature more precisely:
Does the Neon Tetra Tank need an aquarium heater?
Being tropical freshwater fish, Neon Tetras require the exact temperature of the water in the aquarium. An aquarium heater is suitable for this, to control the temperature of the frequently changing water.
There is a mark on the aquarium heater that shows how high the water temperature should be or specifically limited. You can then set a temperature limit in the heater.
Later, if the water temperature varies, the heater will work and reach the set point. It also manages the water temperature without exceeding the temperature mark.
But remember, only set the water temperature to the maximum level required by the Neon Tetras.
In this way, an aquarium heater can help control the fluctuating water temperature. Here's how you can get an aquarium heater to give your Neon Tetras a comfortable environment.
I suggest you get itAQQA Mini Dump pump aquarium heater.It is the best on the market at an affordable price.
Using an aquarium thermometer
An aquarium thermometer is just as important as an aquarium heater. The thermometer helps to measure the exact water temperature at any time.
If the thermometer shows fluctuations, you can know the change in water temperature.
Later, the heating is also switched on, so that the temperature remains under control. Therefore, an aquarium thermometer is necessary to control the temperature of the water in the aquarium.
Aquarium thermometer, digital aquarium thermometer with touch screen and LCD display, self-adhesive temperature sensorensures the optimal temperature in your aquarium for neon tetras.
You can see how to do it"Maintain Tetra Aquarium Temperature Without Heating During Power Outages".
The need for temperature during water changes
It is necessary to change the water in any aquarium that contains your neon tetras. If you don't know, learn that neon tetras are quite sensitive to water changes.
Therefore, you must carefully carry out the entire process of changing the water in the tank without damaging the Tetra.
However, changes in the water conditions in the aquarium are vital. Note that a 20 to 25% water change each week is key.
Also, do not forget to adjust the temperature of the fresh water, which you will additionally add to the aquarium.
Here, the minimum tank water temperature is 72 degrees Fahrenheit and the maximum water temperature required for Neon Tetras is 78 degrees Fahrenheit.
When doing water changes, make sure the fresh water is at least 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
Do not pour in all 20 to 25% of fresh water at once. Gradually add them to the tank. It will help the neon tetras stay strong.
And the replaced water can slowly rise to the minimum water temperature. When doing water changes, do not use more than 25% fresh water. Because too much change can be upsetting for Neon Tetras.
Some points of attention for water temperature
Apart from the water temperature, there are some things you should not miss:
- A medium level of water hardness is suitable for Neon Tetras. This means that there should not be too many dissolved minerals in it.
- Neon tetras usually prefer clean water. Therefore, changes in the water in the tank are significant. However, this procedure should not harm or deter the Neon Tetras in any way.
- While maintaining the ideal minimum water temperature for neon tetras, maintain a pH level of at least 5.5 for them. These water temperatures and pH levels are specific and necessary for their strong and healthy life.
Here's a little more about it"How to raise the pH in your freshwater aquarium?"
Conclusion
Basically, neon tetras are the most popular tropical freshwater fish that add their glow and beauty to the aquarium. In order to properly care for these attractive fish, you will first of all have to take care of maintaining the water temperature for them.
They can suffer from various life-threatening situations, which of course you would not want to happen. Therefore, it is better to take care and maintain the ideal water temperature between 72-78 degrees Fahrenheit (22-25 degrees Celsius) to keep Neon Tetras safe. You can get a boiler and a thermometer for that.
I hope you found this article helpful in learning about the ideal water temperature needed for your Neon Tetras.
Related article:
- Can Neon Tetra survive in a pond?
- Can a neon tetra eat goldfish flakes?
- What do neon tetras need in their tank?
- Can Neon Tetra survive in cold water?
- How to prevent Neon Tetra curved/crooked spine or Neon Tetra disease
FAQs
What is the best water temperature for your neon tetras - Tetra Fish Care? ›
For most tetras, pH should be between 6.8 and 7.8, alkalinity between 3° and 8°
level between 4 and 7.5, the temperature between 68 degrees Fahrenheit and 82 degrees Fahrenheit, and the water hardness between 1 and 2 indicators of DH. Tetras are also susceptible to pH shock, so make sure you acclimate them slowly.
How cold is too cold for Neon Tetras? ›Neon tetras need their temperatures between 72 and 78 degrees. 72 degrees F is the minimum water temperature a neon tetra can tolerate. Anything lower than this will harm your neon tetras. Temperature between 60 and 70 degrees is considered cool for neon tetras.
Do Neon Tetras need warm water? ›The temperature requirements of similar variations may vary slightly, but warm water is always a must. The species require a heater in their tanks to maintain the optimal temperature. This is especially true during the winter months. Neon Tetras can face health concerns when aquarium temperatures get too hot or cold.
Is 10 neon tetras enough? ›To exhibit active schooling behavior, neon tetra fish must be kept in groups of 10 or more in a tank with plenty of free-swimming space. A 20-gallon tank is a minimum size for them to do this, and it also opens up the possibility of giving them some tank mates.
Do neon tetras get sick easily? ›In our experience, these tetras are just as hardy as other danios and rasboras, but there are several factors that may weaken their immunity and make them more inclined to catch illnesses. Let's discuss why neon tetras get sick, what is neon tetra disease, and how to prevent it.
How often do you feed neon tetras? ›How Often Should I Be Feeding Neon Tetras? When feeding Neon Tetras, simply follow the same feeding schedule that you do for other tropical fish in your aquarium. Once per day is generally sufficient but if you want to feed them once in the morning and once at night, that's fine.
How many neon tetras should be together? ›How many neon tetras should be kept together? You should always have at least six Neon Tetras in a group, otherwise, they can become stressed and aggressive towards one another. Around 8 to 12 fish in one group is usually when they are happiest.
What is the lifespan of a neon tetra? ›In the wild they inhabit very soft, acidic waters (pH 4.0 to 4.8) Ideal pH for aquarium is 7.0, but a range of 6.0 to 8.0 is tolerable. They can have a lifespan of as long as ten years, but normally just two to three years in an aquarium.
Can I put neon tetras in tap water? ›It is suitable for all freshwater and marine aquariums and is recommended whenever setting up a new aquarium or carrying out a water change. Tetra AquaSafe instantly makes tap water safe for fish and provides the ideal basis for a healthy life in an aquarium.
How many gallons do neon tetras need? ›
Tank Size. You shouldn't consider a minimum tank size of anything less than 10 gallons. However, we're strong advocates for 20 gallon tanks being the better size to shoot for.
How many flakes to feed neon tetra? ›A few flakes per fish is sufficient. The fish should eat all the food in two minutes or less. Overfeeding can cloud your water and harm your fish.
Do neon tetras need light at night? ›Like other tropical fish, tetras require the lights to be on in their tanks for 12 to 14 hours each day. This will help them to maintain a proper circadian rhythm. It's best to put your lights on a timer so that your fish can settle into a routine.
What food do neon tetras eat? ›As omnivores, neon tetras eat both plant and animal matter. In the wild, neon tetras eat a diet that consists of both animal and plant material, such as algae, larvae, and other foods. They are predominately omnivores.
Can I get 2 Neon Tetras? ›The absolute bare minimum you could have is 6, but it is best advised that you add even more to your tank within a few weeks. For the Tetras to thrive, they need to be able to follow the crowd. As well, both the Cardinal and Neon Tetra like plants.
How big of a tank do 2 Neon Tetras need? ›Most tetras can be kept in aquariums of 10 to 20 gallons, but larger tanks are easier to take care of and give them more room to swim. They do best in schools of 6 or more and will be less stressed and show their best colors in a well-decorated aquarium.
Can Neon Tetras live with bettas? ›Generally speaking, you can keep neon tetras and betta fish together, given that a few conditions are met. For one, the aquarium should be no less than 20 gallons in size. Also, you should have no fewer than ten neon tetras, as they're schooling fish.
What does a stressed neon tetra look like? ›Strange Swimming: When fish are stressed, they often develop odd swimming patterns. If your fish is swimming frantically without going anywhere, crashing at the bottom of his tank, rubbing himself on gravel or rocks, or locking his fins at his side, he may be experiencing significant stress.
Do neon tetras need sinking food? ›Neons Need Small Foods
It's vital to make sure you're giving your fish food that can fit through their mouth-holes, or else the food ends up being floating pollution in your aquarium. Therefore, the food needs to be small enough for them to eat, and you may need to crush up pellets and flakes.
If dissolved oxygen levels are low, fish hang at the surface and gasp, as the surface area has the highest oxygen level in the tank because its in contact with the air. If low oxygen levels are to blame and you don't remedy the situation many common species of fish like tetras will die.
Do neon tetras like being alone? ›
Tetras like to live in schools (be grouped with other fish), and may get stressed if they are alone, confirmed Lewbart. “I have seen tetra tanks with literally hundreds of fish,” he said.
Can tetras go 2 days without food? ›Neon tetras can last without food for 1–2 weeks if they are fed multiple times a day beforehand. Neon tetras can go a week without food in a standard tank and three weeks in a planted tank. Neon tetra fry and juveniles last less as they need more food.
Do neon tetras fade at night? ›Neon tetras may also exhibit a slight color fade when they spend a lot of time in darkness or at night. This color fade is normal and not usually cause for alarm.
How do you make neon tetras happy? ›Green neon tetras enjoy typical tropical temperatures between 74–82°F (23–28°C), so get an aquarium heater to keep them warm and cozy. Since they are used to slower flow, use a gentle sponge filter, or put a pre-filter sponge on your hang-on-back or canister filter to prevent them from being sucked up.
What is the best setup for neon tetras? ›Neons are most definitely tropical fish. You will absolutely need to add a heater to the tank so that you keep it at a steady 72°-76°F (22.2°-24.4°C). For breeding, it's better to keep the tanks at 75°-76°F (23.9°-24.4°C).
Can I keep only 4 neon tetras? ›Tetras generally are a very social aquarium fish, and Neons are no exception to the rule. They should be kept in a minimum group of four, allowing them to shoal providing them with safety in number. This is especially important, when keeping Neon tetras with other fish.
How long can neon tetra live without air pump? ›Fish can live for up to two days without an air pump. However, during this period, you should keep a close eye on them and ensure their tank is well-aerated.
Can you mix neon tetras with other fish? ›What Makes a Good Neon Tetra Tank Mate? Your best bet is to go with other small, peaceful community fish. Neons are a tiny little fish that can easily be bullied or even killed by larger fish. I really don't recommend adding fish that are over 3-4 inches (7.5-10 centimeters).
How many neon tetras can you put in a 2.5 gallon tank? ›Tetras. Small tetras are designed for small tanks, but you can only keep one or two in a 2.5-gallon tank.
Do neon tetras glow in the dark? ›Neon tetras don't actually glow in the dark, but that iridescent blue colouration has highly reflective scales, further contrasting the deep red on the tail. For a natural look fit a black background and decorate the tank with sand, leaves and wood.
Do neon tetras glow under blue light? ›
They are small fish with characteristic luminous stripes stretching along their body. Have you ever wondered how it is possible that these little ones glow in the dark? Well, to be honest... they do not, and the effect of seemingly emitting light is only an optical illusion.
Will neon tetras breed? ›Neon tetras are easy to breed, but the conditions have to be just right. Before you start breeding neon tetras, you will need to set up a specific breeding tank, prepare the water, and control the night and day cycle.
Do neon tetras need bubblers? ›Do neon tetras need an air pump? As with any tropical fish you need a heater and a filter of which there are many types. You can use an internal filter or an air pump connected to an air driven filter, an air stone is not sufficient on it's own as it does not filter.
Do neon tetras need salt? ›1 Tbsp Salt per 1 Gallon of Water
We personally have found rasboras, danios, tetras, silver dollars, livebearers, and most cichlids (as well as their fry) to be fairly salt tolerant.
Neon tetras are schooling fish, they need to be in a group to feel comfortable, the more the better. For best results you should have at least 12. For minimal requirements they should be at least 6. 3 is not enough and with such small numbers, often one of the neons will be bullied by another.
How big do neon tetra get? ›The neon tetra (Paracheirodon, or Hyphessobrycon, innesi) is a slender fish that is very popular with aquarium owners. It grows to a length of 4 cm, its hind parts are coloured a gleaming red, and its sides have a neonlike blue-green stripe.
How long does it take for tetras to get full size? ›Tetras fry is small and thin. Adult tetras can grow up to 1.5-2 inches. They grow slowly, and they may only reach 0.25 inches after the 2 months they are born. Generally speaking, tetra fry takes about 8-12 months to be matured.
How do you know if a tetra is hungry? ›Your Neon Tetras are likely hungry if they're rummaging about in the substrate looking for anything. Tetras that forage but don't usually forage or that investigate the bottom of the tank but don't typically check the bottom of the tank are both signs of hunger.
Do fish go to sleep? ›While fish do not sleep in the same way that land mammals sleep, most fish do rest. Research shows that fish may reduce their activity and metabolism while remaining alert to danger. Some fish float in place, some wedge themselves into a secure spot in the mud or coral, and some even locate a suitable nest.
Do neon tetras eat vegetables? ›Yes, neon tetras can eat vegetables like strawberries, cucumber, potatoes, and cabbages, among other fruits and vegetables. However, these vegetables and fruits need to be chopped into smaller pieces, small enough that they will fit the mouth of the fish.
Can neon tetra live without plants? ›
Do Neon tetras need live plants? Live plants are not absolutely necessary to keep in a Neon tetra tank. However, there are a lot of benefits of keeping live aquarium plants in the tank.
Do neon tetras change color? ›Abstract. The fresh water fish neon tetra has the ability to change the structural color of its lateral stripe in response to a change in the light conditions, from blue-green in the light-adapted state to indigo in the dark-adapted state.
What is tetra fish Favourite food? ›Food For Tetra
Most tetras are omnivorous and will thrive on Aqueon Tropical Flakes, Color Flakes, Shrimp Pellets and Tropical Granules. Frozen and live foods can be used as treats to induce spawning.
pH, Temperature, and Salinity
A pH between 6.0 and 7.8 is acceptable for most tetras. As these guys are tropical fish they need warmer water: a temperature somewhere between 74 and 82 degrees Fahrenheit is recommended. Since these fish are freshwater you do not have to worry about the salinity of your tank.
Tropical fish – the kind you can buy at the store – are most comfortable between 75 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit (24 to 27 degrees Celsius). Cool water fish, like goldfish and koi, need water that's much cooler than that – between 60 and 75 degrees F (15 and 24 C) or even colder.
Can fish live in 82 degree water? ›Most tropical fish prefer a water temperature of 75 to 82 degrees Fahrenheit (24 to 28 degrees Celsius), but that may vary slightly by species. It is very important to maintain the correct temperature for your chosen species.
How hot is too hot for tetras? ›For most tetras, pH should be between 6.8 and 7.8, alkalinity between 3° and 8° dkH (50 ppm to 140 ppm) and temperature between 75° and 80° F. If the aquarium is kept in rooms below 75°, use an Aqueon Aquarium Heater to maintain the correct temperature. Exceptions like the Buenos Aires tetra do better in cooler water.
Is 80 degrees too hot for freshwater fish? ›A good range is 76° to 80°F (25° to 27°C). A few species need to be kept several degrees warmer, and some species require temperatures a few degrees cooler. A thermometer is vital.
Can I put ice cubes in my fish tank? ›Avoid putting ice cubes directly into your aquarium unless you make them with reverse osmosis or dechlorinated water. Perform small partial water changes with slightly cooler water, making sure not to drop the temperature of your aquarium too rapidly.
Does room temperature affect fish tank? ›If the ambient temperature of the aquarium's room is colder than normal, 3-5 watts per gallon may not be sufficient to maintain the temperature your fish need. In the summer, you may actually need to turn the heater down or off or even add a chiller.
How many fish can I put in a 10 gallon tank? ›
Two, you can use the area to provide a more comfortable environment for the existing fish. Going by the numbers, however, you can put up to 8 to 10 fish in a 10-gallon aquarium tank. However, we would not recommend adding 10 fish in a tank unless the fish are tiny and do not generate too much waste.
Can I add warm water to a fish tank? ›You can increase the water temperature in your tank by slowly adding a sealed bottle of hot water to your aquarium and letting it float. For example, if you're trying to heat the fish tank temperature to 80°F, the water inside the floating container should be 120°F.
How often should I feed my fish? ›How Often Should I Feed My Fish? For the most part, feeding your fish once or twice a day is sufficient. Some hobbyists even fast their fish one or two days a week to allow them to clear their digestive systems. Larger, more sedentary fish can go longer between meals than smaller, more active fish.
What temp should a 10 gallon fish tank be? ›Most tank fish do well at temperatures from 75-80 degrees Fahrenheit (23-27 degrees Celsius), but the needs of specific fish can vary.
How long can fish be in a bag? ›When it comes to survival, fish are pretty good at it. They can survive in a bag for 7 to 9 hours as long as the oxygen levels are high and the water temperature is stable. To ensure that the fish have enough air to breathe, some pet store owners add oxygen to the water in the bags.