Can Any Tropical Fish Live In Cold Water?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Tropical fish, for example, do best between 75° and 80°F

, goldfish and other “cold-water” species prefer temperatures below 70°F, and temperate fish can be found in habitats that overlap tropical and cold-water realms.

Can you put tropical fish with cold-water fish?

Yes, a goldfish can stand warmer temperatures temporarily (when they’re kept in a pond during summer months). But they won’t feel comfortable kept in warm water all the time. And

if you try keeping tropical fish in cold water, they’ll just become lethargic and refuse to eat

.

How cold is too cold for tropical fish?

Cold-water fish: Below 68°F (20°C) Tropical fish:

75-80°F (24-27°C)

Can tropical fish survive without a heater?


Tropical fish survive in the wild without a heater

, so keeping fish in an unheated tank is possible. If you live in a warmer climate, use sunlight and ambient heat to maintain this temperature.

Can mollies live in cold water?


No, Black Mollies can not live in cold water

. Black Mollies are a tropical species of fish and as such need to be kept in water which is between 76°F and 80°:F (24°C to 26°C). For most aquarium setups, Black Mollies will require an aquarium heater to raise the temperature to a sufficient level.

Are platys cold-water fish?

What is this? Though typically found in Freshwater aquariums,

Platy fish can also thrive in coldwater tanks, as long as the water parameters are kept consistent

. Plenty of water changes and a consistent temperature will keep your Platy fish happy.

Are guppies cold water fish?

Keeping Guppies in Cold Water

If you research guppy fish, you’ll quickly find out that

they are tropical fish

, which means they have a marked preference for warmer waters. Their ideal temperature range is set between 72-82 °F (22-28 °C).

What’s the difference between tropical and cold water fish?


Tropical fish come from tropical waters all around the world, so these temperatures are perfect for them. In contrast, cold water fish usually come from colder areas

. Although they don’t always prefer low temperatures, they can thrive in them too.

Do cold water fish need a pump?

Coldwater holds more oxygen than warm water, and coldwater fish like goldfish have a high oxygen demand. That’s all ok if they are living outdoors but the average UK room temperature means that goldfish in aquariums have a high oxygen demand, so

an additional airpump is a good idea

.

What temperature should my tropical tank be?

A good range is

76° to 80°F (25° to 27°C)

. A few species need to be kept several degrees warmer, and some species require temperatures a few degrees cooler. A thermometer is vital. A stick-on type enables you to check the temperature whenever you look at the aquarium.

How warm should a tropical tank be?

As an average, a tropical fish tank should be kept at around

26-27 degrees Celsius (79-81 degrees Fahrenheit)

. This is NOT by any means set in stone though however this temperature range covers the most tropical fish at a comfortable temperature.

Are guppies tropical fish?


Guppies are a species of freshwater, tropical fish

native to South America. There are nearly 300 different types of guppy throughout rivers in the Amazon, as well as in Barbados, Brazil, Guyana, Trinidad and Tobago and Venezuela.

Can cold water fish survive without a filter?


A fish live without a filter for a maximum of seven days and a minimum of three days

. A filter helps clean the water over and over again, so the toxins in it don’t settle down. But that doesn’t make the filter a necessity for fish survival.

How can I keep my tank warm without a heater?

  1. Cover the tank with a lid/ hood/canopy.
  2. Use a thermometer to monitor the water temperature regularly.
  3. Use stronger lights.
  4. Add insulation layers.
  5. Use a filter that’s not energy-efficient.
  6. Use a heating mat (only for small fishbowl).
  7. Blankets/thick towels if it’s an emergency situation.

Should I leave my aquarium heater on all the time?

Do You Leave the Aquarium Heater on All the Time?

Yes, you can leave the heater on 24/7

. Aquarium heaters have an internal thermostat that turns off the heat when it reaches a specific temperature, thus keeping the water temperature within a few degrees of the desired setting.

Can tetras live in cold water?

Bloodfin Tetra

Like most types of tetras, these fish aren’t very large and can be kept in a pretty small tank. When it comes to setting up their habitat there’s not much to worry about as well.

They can thrive in cold water

, a range of pH levels, and a variety of decorations and layouts.

Are Swordtails cold water fish?

Swordtail fish are sturdy tropical fish that

can tolerate a wide range of water temperatures

. Since they come from Belize, Guatemala, and Mexico, where the water is filled with vegetation and low salinities, you also need to mimic the same environment in the home tank.

What temperature do tetras like?

For most tetras, pH should be between 6.8 and 7.8, alkalinity between 3° and 8° dkH (50 ppm to 140 ppm) and temperature

between 75° and 80° F

. If the aquarium is kept in rooms below 75°, use an Aqueon Aquarium Heater to maintain the correct temperature. Exceptions like the Buenos Aires tetra do better in cooler water.

Can barbs live in cold water?

Barbs.

Many barbs are great in cooler waters

but often have the reputation for being fin nippers, so keep them in groups of six or more to minimize their aggression.

What is considered cold water fish?

Cold water fish include

salmon, tuna, mackerel, herring, trout, anchovies

and other species.

Can Plecos live in cold water?

Most plecos are tolerant of waters ranging from 65 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit (18-30°C), though they prefer temperatures between about 75 and 82°F (24-28°C). With that being said, there are some pleco species that are hardier than others, and may be able to withstand some cooler waters.

Are Bettas cold-water fish?

The reason is simple: they’re tropical fish that prefer warm water.

Keeping bettas in cold water is like you’re trying to freeze them

. If you place them in cold water, your betta will become considerably slow or even stationary.

Can guppies live in cold water with goldfish?

If you plan to keep guppy with goldfish in the same tank,

you need to keep the temperature between 70° and 78° F

, which is ideal for both fish.

Can you put temperate fish in a tropical tank?

Temperate fish types

Temperate fish have evolved to live in water at a temperature of 14–24°C, they are not coldwater fish, nor are they strictly tropical. These fish are quite happy in a filtered, unheated aquarium located in a centrally heated room but

they are unsuitable for a pond or an aquarium in a cold room

.

Is it easier to keep tropical fish or goldfish?


Tropical fish are not difficult to look after and can actually be easier to care for than goldfish

. Goldfish need to be kept in large tanks to accommodate their potential growth but even then, they can still easily need more space than this.

Do cold water fish need a heater?

Unlike tropical aquariums,

you don’t need to provide a heater for your cold water fish tank

, however, it’s a good idea to use a thermometer, so you can ensure it’s kept at a nice comfortable, constant temperature for your fish.

Can goldfish live in tropical tank?


Yes, we know goldfish can tolerate tropical climates

. It will make them voraciously hungry and active. Just because you can mix goldfish in tropical tanks, does NOT mean you should.

Emily Lee
Author
Emily Lee
Emily Lee is a freelance writer and artist based in New York City. She’s an accomplished writer with a deep passion for the arts, and brings a unique perspective to the world of entertainment. Emily has written about art, entertainment, and pop culture.