The aquarium is, for many, an ideal way to get started in the world of pets. A controlled and simple way, with the necessary guidelines, to be able to enjoy a small aquatic ecosystem that can be, for example, a perfect starting point so that the smallest of the house begin to know the responsibility and commitment that supposes to have an animal.
Precisely if the recipient of this first aquarium is a child, it is important to choose the right type of aquarium (we recommend you take a look at this other post on how to choose an aquarium). One that not only serves to introduce you to the aquarium but also has a simple and accessible maintenance for those who are beginning to become familiar with the world of fish.
Thinking about them, today we want to help you know how to choose cold water fish for an aquarium. A choice that is due to certain reasons that it is also important to know.
Why choose cold water fish?
Unlike hot water fish, cold water fish are much more resilient and require less demanding care. This is mainly because they can live with water at room temperature and do not suffer when there are fluctuations (between 16 and 24 degrees) in temperature.
In addition and also related to this, cold water fish are those who suffer least with the adaptation to a new aquarium (which may well be that of our home). In order to do this correctly, the ideal is to have a pH7 in the water and a temperature of 18 degrees (although the ideal is always to ask when buying their specific adaptation needs).
An initial warmth that may oscillate slightly over the course of days and that, despite not having so much need for heat, we can also control with a thermometer (but without the need for a heater).
Finally, despite the rustic nature of this type of fish, it is important to bear two aspects in mind. On the one hand, when choosing cold water fish it is important to select species that are not belligerent to each other with a view to living together in a peaceful way (and save ourselves a lot of trouble). An important factor for us to have the advice of an expert before making the final choice of our fish.
In the same vein, it will also be important to consider which plants are ideal for our selection of fish. Unlike tropical fish, some cold-water fish tend to eat the plants that are part of the aquarium and this gesture can be harmful to them. Good reason, again, to consult with an aquatics specialist in our centers which plants are best for our fish.
Cold water fish perfect for an aquarium
Contrary to what is believed, cold water fish do not detract from hot water fish in terms of beauty and attractiveness. It is possible to enjoy the same intensity of colors and exoticism even if they are not tropical fish.
We are going to discover some of the most common and, not for that reason, less beautiful.
Goldfish
It is a descendant of the carp and, despite apparent prejudice, there are many types of Goldfish although it is often generalized by its orange character and similarities of appearance.
Unlike what is believed and what happens in many homes, the Goldfish needs an aquarium of good dimensions because they require a lot of oxygen (a good reason to escape from the typical round fish tanks).
They are not complicated fish when it comes to feeding and, with proper care, can live between 6 and 8 years. What is important is that they have at least one partner in the aquarium, as they are social fish.
Chinese neon
An ideal companion for Goldfish. Like the latter, Chinese Neons are social fish so it is recommended that, if you decide to have them in our aquarium, consider having at least a group of seven.
Eye-catching and cheerful, the Chinese Neons are also simple to take care of and not very demanding in their needs (they can withstand temperatures between 15 and 20 degrees).
The only precaution that we will have to have with them is that they are jumping, reason why the most advisable thing is that our aquarium has cover to avoid annoyances.
Betta Spledens
Despite their tropical character, Betta Spledens fish adapt perfectly to cold water. Unlike the fish we have seen before, the Betta (also called “Siam fighters”) are aggressive in character and therefore live badly with other fish species.
If we want to have them in our aquarium, it is important to know that the ideal is to have one male and a maximum of three females. We will have to be careful because they reproduce easily.
Telescope Fish
It is, perhaps, one of the most unique cold water fish. Because of its body (with the eyes protruding from the body), it is important to check that the decoration of our aquarium does not have sharp edges that could damage your eyes.
It is simple to take care of and it is not demanding with its feeding, but we will have to bear in mind that it needs to eat several times at the end of the day and that, from time to time, we will have to change its feeding (they are prone to bladder problems). With the necessary care, they can live up to 10 years.
