If you are planning on getting Neon Tetras for your aquarium, here’s some essential information that will help them survive.
The first thing to know is how a heater can benefit Neon Tetra in their home!
They thrive best when the temperature of their environment resembles tropical conditions (around 25 degrees Celsius), and they need very little light since these fish come from dark waters.
So, do Neon Tetras need a heater in their aquarium? The short answer is – yes!
What Is The Temperature That Neon Tetra Need To Survive?
Neon Tetras originate from South America, so it is not surprising that they require a warmer aquarium temperature than most other tropical fish.
Neon Tetras prefer their water to be between 72 and 78 degrees Fahrenheit (22.2 – 25.5 degrees Celsius), but for breeding, the ideal temperatures are closer to 75 – 78˚ F (~25° C).
What Is An Aquarium Heater?
A simple device added to an aquarium is a heater. It helps maintain the water’s temperature.
The regulator helps keep the temperature just right for different types of fish, depending on what they need.
Do Neon Tetras Need A Heater?
Keeping your Neon tetras in aquariums is a fine choice, but you need to be careful of the temperature.
Neon Tetras are tropical fish that can’t handle cold water, so it’s a good idea to keep them slightly warmer than room temperature.
A heater consistently maintains optimal temperatures within the ideal range, which ultimately helps increase Neon Tetra’s lifespan in captivity.
Survival Of Neon Tetras Without Heater: Is It Possible?
Neon Tetras develop diseases like Fin Rot (and other fungal/bacterial infections) at lower temperatures, leading to death if not appropriately treated.
So, Neon Tetras will constantly be struggling to survive in the room temperature water.
If we talked about coldwater fish instead of warm-water fish (like Neon Tetras), it would be easier for them to live happily without an aquarium heater. However, this is just not possible with these particular species because they thrive in warmer waters.
What Will Happen To Neon Tetras When It’s Too Cold?
Temperatures anywhere between 60 – 70 degrees Fahrenheit (15.5 – 21.1 degrees Celsius) are considered too cold for Neon Tetras. Exposure to these temperatures may result in a slowed metabolism, which could affect digestion & cause breathing difficulties for them.
And further below this range is deadly – your Neon Tetra will be put into shock and die or become permanently weakened if the water is colder than 60 degrees Fahrenheit.
Neon tetras living in cool water are especially susceptible to the following diseases:
Fin Rot: An ailment that can be fatal to your fish is called Fin Rot. It’s when their fins start turning colors and will begin to fall off entirely if left untreated for too long.
Ich: Also called white spot disease in fish tanks, malignant ich is more likely to spread under cold temperatures. This infectious disease shows up on fins and then the whole fish’s body until it eventually becomes deadly if not treated timely.
Neon Tetra Disease: Neon Tetra Disease is another parasitic disease that affects a large number of tetra fish. While not directly from cool water, the parasite attacks capitalize on a weakened immune system by living in cold waters. This becomes increasingly more potent over time as it weakens the muscles of fish.
How Does Sudden Temperature Change Affect Neon Tetras
The Neon Tetra’s preferred temperature is critical to consider when caring for your fish. If you need to change the water, make sure that it happens gradually so as not to shock or stress out your tetras!
Sudden temperature changes can cause serious health issues for neon tetras, such as digestive damage and a weakened immune system.
When the Neon Tetra’s temperature drops suddenly, even if only for a short amount of time, they are likely to go into shock. The tetras might not be killed by this experience, but it is highly probable that their life span will significantly decrease by the aftereffect!
The right temperature and warmth are necessary for a healthy, thriving Neon Tetra.
How Can You Make Sure Your Neon Tetras Tank Is Warm Enough?
By just simply getting a thermometer for your fish tank, you can avoid serious issues from arising. A slight temperature change will be notified, and you will be able to respond before anything significant happens.
Stick-On Thermometers (LCD): LCD thermometers are an inexpensive, user-friendly option for those looking to purchase a reliable aquarium thermometer. However, if you prefer accuracy over price and ease of use, stick-on LCDs may not be the best choice due to their inaccuracy compared with other options available.
Floating Thermometers: These thermometers are intended to be fully immersed in the aquarium. As a result, they provide an accurate water temperature reading but not as much accuracy as digital alternatives do. They can also be inexpensive, depending on which brand you buy.
Digital Thermometers: Digital thermometers are definitely the most expensive option, but they may be worth it for some benefits. The most significant advantage is that these devices will usually alert you if your water temperature starts to rise or drop. So it will warn you before any catastrophe happens!
No matter which thermometer you choose, it is important to know that there are options available. Of course, it’s up to your preference and budget for what kind of option you select; however, having an accurate way of measuring the temperature in a fish tank is crucial, so make sure not to skimp when choosing one!
What Are The Different Types Of Heater Used In A Tank?
Hanging/Immersible Heaters:
They hang from the top of an aquarium and sit on the water, enclosing a heating element in glass tubing. Unfortunately, these are among the least efficient types of fish tank heaters.
Submersible Heaters
Submersible heaters are the most reliable and efficient heating option for an aquarium. These long slender tubes attach to the inner wall of a tank with suction cups, which makes them easy to use too!
Substrate Heaters
These heaters, however, are commonly used in aquaponics as they do the job of heating water and soil simultaneously by using an adjustable cable and are placed underneath gravel or sand at the bottom of the tank.
In-line Heaters
An in-line heater is the most expensive type of aquarium heater. The components remain outside the tank. It’s placed between a sump and filter to heat up water as it passes through. It heats for immediate use in an aquarium, though!
Filter Heaters
They have combined the function of a filter and heater, although this can’t efficiently heat water properly because it is just one device instead of two separate ones for two different tasks.
How To Select The Heater Wattage For Neon Tetras
It depends on the size of your aquarium and how cold it gets in that particular room where you have placed it.
A simple rule of thumb is to use 2.5-5 watts per gallon for the heater wattage.
If you are looking at a 10-gallon tank, make sure you purchase a 25-50 watt heater. But if you live in a colder area, I suggest buying a slightly larger heater.
What Type Of Heater Is Suitable For Neon Tetras?
Submersible heaters are suitable for the aquarium with Neon Tetras because usually, aquarists keep them in a small or medium-sized aquarium.
Submersible heaters have a built-in low voltage thermostat that automatically maintains the ideal temperature of an aquarium.
These submersible heaters show indicator lights to let you know whether it is on or off.
But one drawback is that – these heaters cannot be easily concealed behind various ornaments or decors.
Are Two Heaters Essential For Neon Tetras?
Despite the choice being yours, it would be best to keep two heaters in an aquarium. This is because you can have constant temperature control, and also your Neon Tetras will always stay safe even when one heater fails.
How Can You Keep Your Tank Warm Without A Heater In An Emergency?
- In the event of a heater failure, you should cover both the outside and inside of your fish tank. This will prevent heat from escaping as it has a blanket covering over its exterior.
- Use a lid on top, which helps trap the warmth that would otherwise escape when not present.
- Utilize your household heaters by keeping them near the fish tank.
- You can also turn all aquarium lights on to provide some extra warmth for your pets!
No matter what, always be prepared for the worst by having an emergency power supply and backup heater.
Wrapping Up
If you’re looking for fun and exciting aquarium fish to keep, Neon Tetras are perfect. They make the most beautiful addition to any home tank if adequately cared for.
They need an environment that is warmer to thrive. To do so will require you have both the right heater as well as knowledge of how these little guys stay happy underwater.
I hope this article will help you.
Feel free to leave us a comment below with anything else you might want to know, and we’ll be happy to answer your questions!