It depends on the type of bacteria. Generally speaking, extreme temperatures are necessary to kill bacteria. For example, heat treatments that reach temperatures of 70 °C (158 °F) for a few minutes can kill most types of bacteria and, for some, the temperature has to be even higher.
However, for some resistant species, temperatures of 80 °C (176 °F) for 15 minutes may be necessary. Similarly, cold temperatures can also destroy some forms of bacteria. Low temperatures below -10°C (14°F) can also kill some bacteria, but it is important to keep in mind that other bacteria will survive in this environment.
Since food-borne bacteria tend to die off at a lower temperature than pathogenic species, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends rinsing the food and cooking it at a minimum temperature of 70 °C (158 °F) to kill off any potential dangerous bacteria.
Therefore, the exact temperature that kills bacteria in aquariums depends on the type of bacteria present.
What kills nitrifying bacteria?
Nitrifying bacteria are incredibly resistant to environmental changes, and it usually takes a drastic fluctuation to kill them off. In fact, these bacteria are so hardy that they can survive most water conditions and treatments.
However, there are a few conditions that can kill off these bacteria, including extremes of pH, chlorine, strong oxidizing agents, UV light, intense agitation, and freezing temperatures.
For instance, chlorine is commonly used to sanitize water, but it can also kill off beneficial bacteria. High levels of chlorine can be toxic to nitrifying bacteria, especially when used for extended periods of time, or when the chlorine doesn’t have time to dissipate before it reaches the beneficial bacteria.
Similarly, strong oxidizing agents, such as chlorine dioxide, hydrogen peroxide, and ozone, can have negative effects on nitrifying bacteria. Overdosing or prolonged treatments with oxidants can deplete the levels of nitrifying bacteria.
In addition, UV light can also kill nitrifying bacteria. Intense radiation can penetrate deep into the filter or substrate, destroying or inactivating the nitrifying bacteria. To minimize this, water should always be filtered to prevent the UV radiation from reaching the bacteria.
Lastly, too much agitation can have a negative effect on nitrifying bacteria. This can be particularly detrimental in saltwater aquariums, where strong currents can be created by the water pumps needed for the filtration system.
This can be counterproductive, since the intended purpose of the pumps is to filter and clean the water, but in the process, it can disrupt the beneficial bacteria colonies.
Can beneficial bacteria hurt fish?
Yes, beneficial bacteria can hurt fish if the conditions in a fish tank become unbalanced. Beneficial bacteria, such as Nitrosomonas, Nitrobacter, and Nitrospira, are used to help break down fish waste, uneaten food, and other organic matter in an aquarium.
The bacteria consume the ammonia and nitrites created by the waste, and convert them into nitrates, which are far less toxic for fish. When conditions within the tank become unbalanced and there is too much beneficial bacteria, however, it can have a negative impact on water and fish health.
When the beneficial bacteria overpopulate, they can cause oxygen depletion, stress on fish, and slow the growth rate of sensitive organisms. Having the proper amount of beneficial bacteria and the right levels of pH, oxygen, and other water parameters can help to keep fish healthy and prevent these issues.
Does vacuuming gravel remove beneficial bacteria?
Vacuuming gravel generally does not remove beneficial bacteria. Beneficial bacteria are necessary for healthy aquariums and can help to filter out toxins and maintain a balanced aquarium. Vacuuming gravel can remove some of the beneficial bacteria, but the majority will usually remain in the gravel.
To ensure that beneficial bacteria remain in the gravel, it is important to use a gravel vacuum that does not suck up the substrate. Instead, it should just move sediment around to stir up debris that has settled onto the gravel.
After vacuuming, any beneficial bacteria that were removed from the gravel can also be added back with a bacterial supplement or dosing with an appropriate amount of aquarium-safe beneficial bacteria.
What temperature is effective in destroying bacteria?
Most bacteria are destroyed at temperatures above 140°F (60°C). For food safety recommendations, the U. S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends that all food be heated to an internal temperature of at least 165°F (74°C).
This temperature is considered a “kill point,” and will effectively destroy most bacteria. At lower temperatures harmful bacteria can still multiply, which is why it is so important to make sure that food is thoroughly cooked before consuming.
Since bacteria will start to die at temperatures above 140°F (60°C), anything above that—such as boiling water—is effective in destroying them. In fact, boiling water is typically sufficient to kill most bacteria and make water safe to drink.
When grilling meat, the FDA recommends an internal temperature of at least 145°F (63°C) for whole cuts (like steaks or roasts), and at least 160°F (71°C) for ground beef, pork, and egg dishes (like burgers).
Both of these temperatures are above the “kill point,” effectively destroying any harmful bacteria.
It is important to keep in mind that various bacteria may have different temperature thresholds for destruction. For example, some bacteria, such as those present in O157:H7 may be resistant to temperatures up to 140°F (60°C) and will not be destroyed until the internal temperature reaches 155°F (68°C).
Therefore, it is important to pay close attention to temperatures when cooking and pay attention to the recommended temperature guidelines to ensure food safety.
Is 82 degrees too hot for tropical fish?
It depends on what kind of tropical fish you are keeping in your aquarium. Some tropical fish prefer hot water, which is higher than 82 degrees, while others thrive in water temperatures of around 72–78 degrees Fahrenheit.
If the species you are keeping prefers cooler temperatures, then 82 degrees might be too hot, as this can cause stress and can even be fatal in some cases. To make sure that your tropical fish are safe and healthy, it is important to research the species and identify the optimum temperature for that specific fish.
Moreover, you need to monitor the temperature in your aquarium and make sure it does not exceed the recommended levels.
Can fish live in 82 degree water?
Yes, fish can live in 82 degree water. In fact, many species of fish can live in water temperatures of 80-85 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. Many tropical fish, such as those popularly kept in aquariums, prefer warmer water temperatures.
Certain other species such as bluegill, largemouth bass and crappie tolerate warmer waters and can be found in waters as warm as 82 degrees. Warmer waters generally lead to increased fish activity, making these bodies of water great fishing spots.
However, it is important to note that the optimal temperature range for most fish species lies between 25-30 degrees Celsius, and that water temperatures above 82 degrees can be dangerous to fish as they can suffer from severe stress and oxygen deprivation, leading to eventual death.
Is 86 degrees hot enough to swim?
It really depends. If you are used to warmer temperatures and have a high tolerance for heat, then 86 degrees may seem warm enough to swim. However, if you do not spend a lot of time in hot environments and/or have a lower tolerance for heat, then 86 degrees may not seem hot enough to swim.
Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to swim in 86-degree weather is subjective and should be based on an individual’s preference and comfort level.
What fish can survive hot weather?
In general, tropical fish such as cichlids and tetras can survive hot weather better than more temperature-sensitive fish, such as goldfish. Many species of cichlids live in water temperatures as high as 90 °F (32 °C), while goldfish do best in water up to 75 °F (24 °C).
Other tropical fish that can survive hot weather include swordtails, budgetts, guppies, platies, mollies, and angelfish. Depending on the species, some of them can tolerate water temperatures as high as 95 °F (35 °C).
Tropical fish require a consistent temperature in order to thrive. If the temperature fluctuates too much, they may become stressed and more prone to illness. It’s important to provide them with clean, unheated water that isn’t suddenly changed in temperature.
To make sure your fish’s habitat is ideal for them, try using a reliable tank thermometer to monitor water temperature. Additionally, if you’re planning on introducing tropical fish to your tank, do your research beforehand so you can be sure to provide them with the correct environment to meet their needs.