Cherry barbs do not necessarily need a heater, depending on the natural temperature of the tank water and whether this remains stable. Cherry barbs are robust fish that can adapt to a range of water temperatures; however, this should be kept at all times at 73-82⁰F (23-27⁰C).
Cherry barbs are beautiful, flashy little fish. They are hardy, too, and make for great first tropical fish or members of a community tank. If you are considering buying cherry barbs for the first time, read on for everything about whether they need a heater, their ideal water temperatures, the temperatures they can tolerate, and the temperatures they cannot.
Do Cherry Barbs Need A Heater?
If you are thinking of buying your first cherry barbs, one thing you must be wondering is whether they need a heater.
Cherry barbs do not necessarily need a heater. They are, however, tropical fish and, as such, require consistently warm water. These little fish can, therefore, only be kept without a heater if your room temperature is naturally warm enough.
Cherry barbs are extremely sensitive to temperature change. They may become sick or even die if their water temperature drops or increases suddenly – which is the risk of not having a heater.
This sensitivity means that if you keep your cherry barbs without a heater, you need to ensure that your room temperature is warm and stable. Many areas, for instance, experience a big dip in temperatures at night, which could be dangerous to your cherry barbs.
What Is The Best Water Temperature For Cherry Barbs?
The most important thing when knowing whether or not you need a heater for your cherry barbs is, of course, the difference between your room temperature water and the ideal water temperature for cherry barbs. So, what is the best water temperature for these fiery little fish?
As tropical fish, cherry barbs thrive in warmer tanks where the water temperature ranges between 77 and 82⁰F (25-27⁰C). This mimics the stable warm temperatures of their shallow home rivers in Sri Lanka.
What Water Temperature Is Too Cold For Cherry Barbs?
While tank water of between 77 and 82⁰F (25 and 27⁰C) is preferred by cherry barbs, these tough little fish can handle slightly colder water, provided that there is not too much fluctuation in temperature.
The lowest water temperature that cherry barbs can successfully live in is approximately 73⁰F (23⁰C). Provided this temperature does not fluctuate too much, either up or down, cherry barbs should soon grow accustomed to the water temperature.
How To Tell If Your Tank Water Is Too Cold For Cherry Barbs?
If you are anxious to get the right water temperature for your cherry barbs, you may also wonder how to tell when the tank water is too cold for them.
Water that is too cold will slow down your cherry barb’s metabolism and thus its functioning. If your cherry barbs are all acting slowly and drowsily, it may be a sign that they are too cold.
If you spot this behavior, you know it might be time to get a heater for your cherry barbs!
What Water Temperature Is Too Warm For Cherry Barbs?
While cherry barbs are tropical fish and thus like warm water, they cannot survive water much warmer than their temperature range.
This means that the warmest water temperature that cherry barbs can tolerate is 82⁰F (27⁰C), and water of any higher temperature is too warm for them.
How To Tell If Your Tank Water Is Too Warm For Cherry Barbs?
Similarly to if the tank water is too cold, you can use your cherry barb’s behavior to identify if the tank water is too warm.
Cherry barbs that live in a tank that is too warm for them may exhibit faster, darting behavior.
This behavior is because water that is too warm speeds up cherry barbs’ metabolisms and thus their functioning. Living at this pace, however, will burn your cherry barbs out, leaving them exhausted.
So, if your cherry barbs are exhibiting manic behavior, it might be time to turn down the heater!
Do Cherry Barbs Need An Air Pump?
If you are thinking about buying cherry barbs for the first time, another piece of equipment you will need to consider is an air pump. So, do cherry barbs need an air pump, or can they manage without one?
Like all barbs, cherry barbs need a steady flow of oxygen in the water. The streams that they are endemic to are usually shallow, meaning that they are well-oxygenated.
To ensure that your cherry barbs thrive, experts and breeders recommend including an air pump and filter in your tank set-up.
The air pump and filter keep your cherry barb’s water oxygenated and clean. Tank cleanliness is particularly necessary during breeding and spawning times.
Having an air pump and a filter will also ensure that food waste doesn’t become stagnant at the bottom of the tank, which can lead to infections and sickness in your cherry barbs.
Do Cherry Barbs Like Flow?
The final tank perimeter that you will need to consider when getting cherry barbs for the first time is the amount of water current in the tank. So, do cherry barbs like flow, and if so, how much?
The streams in Sri Lanka that cherry barbs are endemic to typically have a slow-to-moderate flow. Replicating these native conditions in your tank will ensure that your cherry barbs grow and thrive.
Therefore, your cherry barb tank should have a low to moderate flow – you want enough water movement that the tank does not stagnate but little enough that your cherry barbs can swim comfortably and freely.
Conclusion
Cherry barbs are robust little fish which can manage a range in water temperatures and therefore do great without a heater, provided the natural temperature is warm and consistent.
Their ideal temperature range is 77-82⁰F (23-27⁰C). They can handle slightly colder water, provided that there are no sudden changes in temperature.