Are you confused as to how to read a fish tank thermometer strip? In this article, we reveal how.
Despite the fact that it’s a tiny piece of equipment, don’t underestimate the importance of an aquarium thermometer strip. Temperature is an important factor that greatly affects the well-being of your fish. All fish are extremely sensitive to fluctuations in water temperature and require stability in order to thrive. In their natural habitat, temperature changes are slow and moderate; but in a small, closed-off aquarium environment, they can happen quite quickly and suddenly. An aquarium thermometer strip allows you to quickly and accurately assess the situation in your aquarium and react accordingly.
You may not have any trouble installing your aquarium thermometer sticker, but how to read it is another matter. These thermometers usually have one side in Fahrenheit and the other in Celsius. While some strips operate similar to a traditional mercury thermometer with a red line going up the middle, most have a rainbow of colors that will move up and down the thermometer based on the temperature and give you a range of temperatures.
Step 1: Wipe down the outer glass of your fish tank, especially the section where you’ll adhere the strip. Make sure that the surface is dry as well.
Step 2: Remove the strip from its packaging, and peel off the plastic from the back. You will discover that the back of the strip is sticky. That sticky part is what goes on the outer glass of your tank.
Step 3: Place the strip onto the outer glass. Make sure that it’s even and smooth. Wait for around 30 minutes for the best results. Most strips have the following color markers – blue/violet, and green/red/orange. These markers will be right next to certain degrees of temperature. The blue/violet color displays temperature that is below the exact temperature. The green/orange/red color displays temperature that is above the exact temperature.
The blue/violet part of the rainbow reflects a temperature below the tank's actual temperature. The red/orange colors show a temperature above the exact temperature. The real temperature of the tank will be right around the middle of the rainbow, usually in the green area. For example, if the blues and purples are at 84 degrees, the green is at 86 degrees, and the red is at 90 degrees, then the temperature is probably closest to 86 degrees.
