As the name suggests, “cold water fish” are fish that thrive in colder water temperatures. In fact, a lot of true cold water fish cannot tolerate the warm water that we generally keep tropical fish in . For that reason, many species of cold water aquarium fish should be kept in species-only tanks.
Can you keep temperate fish in a tropical tank?
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 .
Can cold water fish live in warm water?
When you have a variety of fish in your tank, it will be impossible to maintain optimal water temperature for every type. But most fish will survive living in slightly warmer temperatures than they require .
Can goldfish survive in a 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.
Should I get cold water or tropical fish?
Tropical Fish Are the Best Choice for Beginners
Yes, tropical fish will require that their water is kept somewhere between 20–25°C depending on the species, but tropical fish are almost certainly a better bet for the beginner.
What temperature is too cold for tropical fish?
Cold-water fish: Below 68°F (20°C) Tropical fish: 75-80°F (24-27°C)
Do you need a heater for cold water fish?
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.
How long can tropical fish survive without a heater?
Although not advised, tropical fish should survive in cold water for 1 or 2 days providing the temperature is only around 10°F to 15°F below their suggested temperature.
What temperature should my cold water fish tank be?
Cool water fish do better in temperatures below that, usually between 60° and 75°F (15-24°C) , but some of them enjoy water well below 70°F, which is not suitable for any tropical fish. Ultimately the best temperature will depend on the species of fish in the aquarium.
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.
What temperature should tropical fish be kept at?
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.
Do cold water fish tanks 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 .
Are goldfish cold-water fish?
The most common cold-water fish species is the goldfish , followed closely by its larger counterpart, the koi. And yet there are many other interesting fish species that do not require a heated tank.
What are the best tropical fish to keep?
- Guppy.
- Molly.
- Zebra danios.
- Dwarf Gouramis.
- Bettas.
- Catfish.
- Swordtails.
- Firemouth Cichlid.
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.
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).
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.
Are tropical fish easy to keep?
But in reality, tropical fish aren’t the easiest fish to keep , as they live in a fragile ecosystem and they require a lot of maintenance and care. The smallest of changes to their environment can cause huge issues.
How do I know if my fish tank is too cold?
- Resting At The Bottom Of The Tank. ...
- Slipping Into A Coma. ...
- Becoming Sick More Often. ...
- Breathing Rapidly. ...
- Staying At The Surface. ...
- Erratic Swimming. ...
- Let A Fan Blow Across The Surface. ...
- Turn Off Your Heater.
Can Mollies survive 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.
What do I need for a cold water fish tank?
Do cold-water fish need a light?
Light the tank with an artificial light source .
Keep your coldwater tank out of direct sunlight, which can warm the water too much and cause algae in the tank to grow out of control.
What cold-water fish can live together?
- Goldfish.
- Bloodfin tetras.
- Betta.
- Platies.
- Danios.
How long before you can put cold-water fish in a new tank?
Allow a couple of days to make sure that everything is running as it should be. 5 to 7 days after setting up your cold water aquarium, a small number of fish may be added. (Allow a 1 week interval before adding any more fish).
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 heat my fish tank without electricity?
How can I heat my tank without a heater?
- Cover the tank with a lid/ hood/canopy.
- Use a thermometer to monitor the water temperature regularly.
- Use stronger lights.
- Add insulation layers.
- Use a filter that’s not energy-efficient.
- Use a heating mat (only for small fishbowl).
- Blankets/thick towels if it’s an emergency situation.
