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Neon Tetra Temperature Guide 2024: Ideal Temperature & More Vet-Approved Info

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By Lindsey Stanton

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Neon tetras are undoubtedly some of the most beautiful freshwater tropical fish that you could have in an aquarium. They love to be in groups, so their shiny coats definitely make for an awesome visual display when they swim as a school. Simply put, their awesome neon coloring makes them a sight to behold.

Of course, just like with all other fish, neon tetras need to have the right conditions in order to not only survive, but to thrive as well. Today we’re here to discuss the best temperature for neon tetras, as well as some other general aspects of the water in which your little pets live.

Here is the quick and short answer:
  • Water Temperature: 68–82 °F (20–28 °C)
  • pH Level: 5–7.5
  • Water Hardness: 1–15 dH, with softer water preferred

The Ideal Neon Tetra Temperature

Glass thermometer in aquarium
Image Credit: Lapis2380, Shutterstock

One of the most important things when housing neon tetras is to keep the water temperature fairly constant. These guys are tropical freshwater fish, so obviously salt is a no-go. What you need to remember here is that neon tetras like the water to be a constant value between 68–82 °F (20–28 °C).

Now, this is slightly above room temperature, or more like a slightly warm bath for you. They are tropical fish so you do need to mimic that water temperature very well.

If the water is below their acceptable range, neon tetras will become sluggish, they will lose their appetite, their metabolism will drop through the floor, and they can develop some pretty nasty life-threatening conditions.

The same thing can be said for when neon tetras are in waters above their acceptable range. The biggest problem with water that is too warm is that it will speed up the metabolism of your neon tetras, which results in a much shorter life expectancy. Warmer water also holds less oxygen than colder water does, and therefore, having a faster metabolism but lower oxygen can lead to health complications for your tetras.

There is also the fact that waters that are too warm are just not comfortable to be in. Remember people, you want to keep your neon tetras, not cook them alive!

Do Neon Tetras Need a Heater?

Yes, your best bet is to get a water heater with a good thermometer so you can closely monitor the temperature of the water to ensure you have the perfect neon tetra water temp at all times.

It’s important to keep your fish in a room that’s colder than the setting on your water heater. This is to ensure that your water heater works to heat up the water to the appropriate temperature. If the room is too warm, the heater will not work properly, as water heaters don’t come with a chiller function (unless, of course, you opt to purchase a chiller, which is a very expensive piece of aquarium equipment).

aquarium-heater
Image By: Flups, Shutterstock

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Neon Tetras & The Water – Other Things to Keep in Mind

There are some other important factors to consider other than the temperature. Neon tetras are pretty hardy, but they do still need fairly specific water conditions to survive and thrive.

  • Neon tetras are fairly strong swimmers, but not the strongest. So, when you get a filter, make sure that it has an adjustable output. You don’t want the current to be too strong or else the fish will get swept all over the tank.
  • Neon tetras like slightly acidic water, which is because they often live in areas where the water is resupplied by rain water. A pH level anywhere between 5.5 and 7.5 is ideal, but they do best in slightly acidic waters. The main thing to remember is to keep the pH consistent (at an acceptable level for your fish).
  • Neon tetras are very adaptable to various amounts of water hardness levels, and any consistent value from 1-15 dH is acceptable to these fish. While their true preference is slightly soft water, they do much better in a consistent hardness rather than a fluctuating hardness.
  • Neon tetras like black water, which is not to be confused with dirty water. Black water is a term used for tannin-rich water. Tannins are natural compounds, which give the water a tea-like appearance, and they are found in peats, almond leaves, and driftwood. Again, it’s important to not transition them to soft water suddenly, as this can shock your fish.

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Final Thoughts

You obviously want to take good care of your neon tetras and one of the first places to start is with the water. As with all fish, neon tetras do have a preference when it comes to water temperature, acidity, hardness, and the current. If you’re in doubt about setting up your fish tank properly, it’s best to seek the input of an experienced aquatic veterinarian or a fishery expert.

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Featured Image Credit: yoshi0511, Shutterstock

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