Tropical Fish Archives - Seatech Aquariums

For those new to owning an aquarium, the concept of tropical fish may need to be explored. On the surface, the phrase may seem obvious, but there are still some basic facts new hobbyists may not realize.

What are Tropical Fish?

Tropical fish are defined as any number of fish found in aquatic tropical environments around the world, with tropical describing the area of the Earth that surrounds the equator. There are thousands of species of tropical fish.

Many new hobbyists may confuse them for saltwater fish, but that’s not the case at all. Tropical fish can be saltwater fish or freshwater fish. However, many are coral reef fish, which may explain their vibrant colors. Their bright colors and intriguing patterns make them popular among fish tank owners.

Many also tend to be on the small side, so as long as they have room to swim freely, you don’t need an oversized aquarium to give them a good home. The best news is that many breeds are strong, so as long as you properly maintain the tank, they should be easy to care for as well.

Tropical Aquariums

If you are planning to create a tropical aquarium, there are a few things you should know.

For one, tropical fish and similar livestock may be accustomed to warmer water than other types of fish. In fact, the aquarium should include a heater to keep the livestock comfortable. The ideal temperature to maintain in tropical fish tanks is 75 to 80 degrees.

The fish also may be more comfortable with plants and live rock in the aquarium with them.

Some of the most popular fish for tropical aquariums include:

Angelfish: Relatively inexpensive and easy to maintain, there are several breeds of angelfish with varying temperaments.
Barbs: Lively, strong, and colorful, they’re best kept in schools.
Bettas: Best known for their long, extravagant fins, bettas only grow to about 2 inches and can live alone.
Butterflyfish: There are more than 100 species of butterflyfish, including lemon butterflyfish and raccoon butterflyfish.
Dwarf Gouramis: They are peaceful and shy, and they need to be near the surface of the water in order to breathe air.
Guppies: Guppies are one of the most common pets for freshwater tropical aquariums.
Tetras: Tetras are peaceful fish, but ideally you should have six or more.
Rainbow Sharks: Sharks are wonderful additions to a tropical aquarium, and it’s fun to tell people you have a shark at home.
Several breeds of Catfish: Catfish provide a unique look in an aquarium, and the fact that many are algae eaters means they can help keep that fish tank clean.
Cichlids: Cichlids can be somewhat aggressive, so you will want to keep them separated from other fish. But they sure are pretty.
Mollies: Mollies can be found in freshwater and brackish water, and they require a larger tank.
Tropical Discus: Known as the kings of the aquarium, the flat, round shape of a discus fish adds an intriguing appeal to your fish tank.

If you’re new to owning an aquarium, you probably have a lot of questions about how to create the best environment for your wildlife. One question you may have is whether or not you need a heater for a fish tank.

The truth is, if you want to ensure a suitable environment for your wildlife, including a heater in your aquarium setup is a must – sometimes.

When You Need a Heater for a Fish Tank

You need a heater for a fish tank if you have tropical fish. Tropical fish can be either freshwater fish or saltwater fish.

One would think that fish and other wildlife adjust to their tanks, and in a sense they do. But they flourish more, are healthier, and are more comfortable when the fish tank environment mimics a natural environment.

A heater is therefore necessary to regulate the temperature inside the tank. A temperature of 78 degrees, or 76 to 82 degrees, Fahrenheit is ideal for many tropical fish, and you will need a thermometer to ensure that the temperature is just right.

You can choose either submersible heaters, which sit on the bottom of the tank, or heaters that are only partially submerged into the water. Both have their advantages and disadvantages; heaters that are fully submerged basically regulate themselves, while the controls are accessible with the heaters that are only partially submerged.

Both could possibly be dangerous when you’re doing water changes, especially the submersible heaters. If they’re left on when there’s less water in the tank, or when they are out of the tank, they could overheat and explode.

It’s also important to choose a heater of the right size, as a heater that is too large is more likely to overheat the tank. The ratio between aquarium size and heater wattage should be about 3 to 5 watts per gallon.

Ask for Help

If you’re unsure about whether or not you need a heater for a fish tank, or if you need help choosing and installing a heater, contact us for assistance. Obtaining help from an aquarium maintenance technician is especially important when you’re dealing with equipment that could endanger you or your wildlife or damage the tank itself.

In addition to installation services, Seatech offers a free consultation for beginners, so contact us with your questions. We’ll be happy to answer them.

Tag Archives: Tropical Fish

Tropical Fish: What Defines Them and Which Breeds are Popular for Aquariums

What are Tropical Fish?

Tropical Aquariums

Do You Need a Heater for a Fish Tank?

When You Need a Heater for a Fish Tank

Ask for Help