The majority of tropical fish live happily in water with a temperature of between 24 and 26°C (75-79°F). The temperature of the water also effects it's oxygen holding capacity along with having an affect on the toxicity of some pollutants. 

The saturation point of water is lowered as the temperature rises. Fish need more oxygen to survive at increased temperatures. The metabolism of both animals and plants is altered by higher temperatures and this causes them to use up more oxygen, increasing the risk of an oxygen deficiency.

 

 

Ammonia is largely produced by the breakdown of organic matter i.e. fish wastes and decaying plants. It can be present as toxic ammonia also described as 'Free Ammonia', and the relatively non-toxic form ammonium  Both temperature and pH affect the ratio of free ammonia and ammonium. In water with both high pH levels and increased temperatures, ammonia will be of a higher concentration.

In certain species of fish, Discus for example, a slight drop in temperature can trigger spawning. Adjusting temperature can also help eradicate certain diseases as temperature increases will speed up the life cycle of the protozoan parasite, Ichthyophthirius multifiliis which is responsible for White Spot (see health).

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