Heat Waves
This summer, North America and parts of Europe has been hit by higher than usual temperatures, with heat waves up to 40°C.
I will share how I manage my tanks, and get my cherry shrimps to successfully survive heat waves and hot summers.
Common Mistakes
Do NOT mess with tank temperatures by adding ice cubes, ice bottles, or other things.
These will cause more issues and often harm your shrimps rather than help them.
Address your tank setup and surroundings, do not actively change your tank temperatures.
Tank Surroundings
First, check the room, is it ventilated, is it shaded?.
A ventilated room in the shade, is already a big step in the right direction (Even if room temperature get above 30°C)
Ensure the room is livable for humans and the aquarium will likely be fine.
Tank Changes
Knowing 30°C+ heat waves are coming...
Disconnect heaters
Add airstone
Lift up lid to allow plenty of access to air
Curtains/shade to block direct sunlight
Maintenance
Do not feed more.
Water change can be done as usual. See HERE for a guide on water changes.
Fans and chillers are often not necessary for tropical livestock.
Overall
That's it!.
Heat waves are not active problems to panic over.
With the right setup we do not need to do much.
Reminder: keep the room ventilated and in the shade.
My Tanks
My rooms are not air conditioned, and can go above 32°C in the summer.
In the picture is my tank temperature after a 37°C heat wave.
After several years of 30°C+ summers, no shrimp losses or issues that I've noticed.
Hot Temperatures and Asia
Tropics, deserts, areas that are consistently hot, may require different approaches to the aquarium hobby.
Water evaporation can be severe and oxygen depletion becomes an issue at 40°C+
I may write another guide for those setups.