The We Are Pets Blog

Differences Between Coldwater & Tropical Aquarium Fishkeeping

Posted on 12 September 2009

When you're first bitten by the fish keeping bug, it's easy to get confused by all the new terminology and types of equipment. Aquarium fish keeping comes in three main types: coldwater, tropical and marine. These areas relate to the specific water conditions, equipment and types of fish you can keep in an aquarium.

Coldwater is probably the most popular and familiar kind of fish keeping, and many of us will have kept goldfish at some point! It's a common misconception that goldfish can be kept in a tank without the filtration necessary in a tropical aquarium. Filtration is a must in any aquarium for removing waste, breaking down harmful chemicals and for aeration. Getting a good filter will keep your fish healthy and happy as well as making your aquarium much easier to maintain. We recommend the Fluval range for if you want a really efficient, reliable system.

If you'd like to try your hand at tropical fish keeping, then you'll need a heater to recreate the warm lakes and rivers these fish evolved to thrive in. Modern aquarium heaters use an adjustable thermostat to maintain a specified water temperature. To ensure that your water is the correct temperature you'll also need a thermometer, which must be submerged fully. Most tropical fish will be content at around 25 degrees Centigrade (75 Fahrenheit). However, different tropical fish species will have their own temperature preferences, so you should always check whether different species can share a tank comfortably.

Aquarium heaters are not designed to be turned on without being fully submerged in water as they will overheat. While changing the water in your fish tank, ensure your heater is off to prevent damage or malfunction. It's important to check the water temperature at least every day as aquarium heater thermostats can occasionally malfunction and stick in the ‘On' position, heating water to a lethal temperature. Check your thermometer as often as possible to catch any problems early. For heaters you can rely on, we always recommend the Visitherm and Fluval models; they're tried and tested designs.

With some careful planning and research, anyone can keep fish and find the hobby truly rewarding.