The Complete Guppy Water Temperature Guide
Here’s what you’ll learn today:
- What is the correct guppy water temperature
- Guppies’ minimum and maximum water temperatures
- Guppy water temperature chart
Guppy Water Temperature
The ideal water temperature for guppies is between 78-82 F (or 25-28C). To achieve that temperature in your home tank- use a heater.
Guppies can survive in much lower temperatures, as low as 72 and as high as 84. Outside of those temperatures, you’d be opening the door for diseases and illnesses.
Guppy Water Temps- Introduction
Guppies made their way into home tanks all the way from the Amazon rivers of South America.
Since in the wild, they are used to warm temperatures year-round, they require the same climate in your tank to thrive.
Minimum Guppy Water Temperature
Do Guppies Need a Heater?
The minimum water temperature for guppies is 72 °F (22 °C).
While guppies can tolerate temperatures as low as 65°F (18 °C) for a short period of 1-2 days, they become susceptible to diseases under such conditions. It also induces street and stress-related diseases.
To ensure the health of your guppies, maintain a stable water temperature.
Maximum Guppy Water Temperature
The maximum guppy water temperature is 90 °F (32 °C).
However, this should only be for a limited time, and the water must be well-aerated.
Warmer water has lower oxygen levels, so it is important to provide adequate aeration so the fish, well… don’t drown (yep, thats a real thing).
Why Would Your Guppy Water Temp Go That High?
Pretty much the only reason your water temperature goes that high is because the tank is placed by a window or a hot pipe.
Lucky for you- this is an easy fix. You’d need to move the tank. If you are worried about your aquarium plants not getting enough light- consider getting an external light source.
Do Guppies Need a Heater?
The short answer is yes.
If you reside in an area where temperatures drop below 68 °F (20 °C) during winter, you need to use a heater if you want your fish to be healthy.
Remember that guppies are tropical fish that thrive in warmer temperatures. Lower temps pose a health risk to the fish and make them more susceptible to disease and death. And since you are a responsible pet owner- a heater is a smart choice.
Heaters are pretty cheap you can find a good for anywhere between
Pro Tip
Guppies need a constant temp, so don’t adjust it by more than 1 degree (F) in 24 hours.
FAQ's
Can Guppies Live In Room Temperature Water
The short answer is no.
Room temperature water ranges around 70-72 °F (21-22 °C). Are your guppies going to freeze to death? no.
But they are not going to be happy.
Think about this like an office that’s too cold to be in wearing just a T-shirt, but not cold enough to put a hoodie on.
If you plan on just skipping on a heater altogether, maybe because you live in a warm climate or for other reasons, it’s best to just get one and not need it rather than need it and not have it.
At the end of the day, you’re caring for animals. If the situation was filled, would you want someone else to put you in discomfort for your entire life?
Can You Keep Guppies In Cold Water?
Guppies are typically best suited for warm water conditions, ideally around 78-82°F (25-28°C). They’re not well-suited for cold water environments, as they’re tropical fish and thrive in warmer temperatures.
Trying to keep them in cold water could lead to health problems and a shortened lifespan for these colorful little swimmers.
At What Temperature Do Guppies Die?
While I’ve never tested this question per se, I will tell you from personal experience that anything under 70 will spell trouble.
When I had to lower the temperature of the tank because I was going on vacation (and needed to keep my guppies long without food) I could see that they were having trouble swimming in the cold water.
While there are stories of people keeping guppies at degrees as low as 65– this isn’t long term.