HOW TO CARE FOR COLD-WATER FISH

Aquariums are very beautiful; in addition to contemplating them is very relaxing and pleasant, and that is why many people choose them for their homes, either indoors and also in gardens and terraces.

HOW TO CARE FOR COLD-WATER FISH

Cold-water fish have a huge advantage; they can be kept at room temperature and serve to give life to ponds in gardens and other outdoor environments.

The ideal water temperature for these fish is 20°C, but it can range from 18°C to 26°C.

If you are interested in the world of aquariums and want to know how to take care of cold water fish, in this post we bring you all the information, keep reading.

How should the cold water aquarium be?

Cold-water fish are simpler to care for, but they need a greater amount of water, that is why it is recommended to acquire an aquarium as large as the budget and space allow.

An aquarium, to start breeding cold-water fish, should be at least 50 liters. Let’s see what we should include:

  • Substrate. It is a material placed at the bottom of the aquarium, serves as a decorative element, and has an important function in the cleaning of the aquarium. The ideal is to choose one with medium to small pebbles.
  • Decoration. It is important to include some natural plant and some other special element for aquariums, in specialized stores there are many options.
  • Water conditioner. It is a special product to add to the aquarium water and put it in conditions to receive the fish. For example, for 50 liters of water 12 ml of conditioner is added.
  • Water filter. Choose a compact model, so that it subtracts as little space as possible from the fish and also that is silent.
  • Lighting. It is desirable to choose an aquarium with built-in lighting, this allows to enjoy the beauty of the aquarium further.
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Installation of the cold water aquarium

To install a cold water aquarium you have to have a lot of patience, since it takes 2 weeks for the water to be ready to receive the fish. See:

  • Place the elements inside the aquarium. Aquariums usually come with the built-in filter, so you just have to add the substrate to the bottom, distribute it evenly and place the decoration to your liking.
  • Filling the aquarium. Water can be tap water, it must be added little by little so as not to move the decoration or substrate.
  • Conditioning the water. Place the water conditioner inside the aquarium, use a measuring cup to make sure it is the right amount. This product takes 2 weeks to leave the perfect water.
  • Water test. Once the 2 weeks have elapsed, it should be checked that the water is in optimal condition. For this, the special tapes that are available in the stores of the branch must be used.

Incorporate the fish

This step is the most important, since it must be done carefully and avoiding that the change is very abrupt. We must use a special plastic bag for transporting fish and a mesh:

  • Take the fish out of the aquarium where it is and place it in the transparent bag.
  • Place the bag inside the new aquarium, floating, for about 20 minutes. The idea is that the fish gradually gets used to the temperature of its new home.
  • Then open the bag and fasten it to the side of the aquarium with a tong, take a small amount of water from the aquarium, about 20 cc, and place it inside the bag. Do this every 2 minutes for 20 minutes.
  • After this, lower the bag to allow the fish to leave it and remain in its new aquarium.
  • Place granulated feed so that the fish begins to feed.
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Recommended species for cold water aquariums

The choice of species to be placed in the cold water aquarium is very important and it is necessary to seek professional advice since some species are incompatible with others. In addition, all fish in the aquarium must have the same requirements. Let’s look at some examples of cold-water fish species:

  • Goldfish. It is a very popular species because it is easy to care for and has a very bright color that looks very beautiful. The disadvantage of goldfish, as it is also called, is that it is incompatible with other species, so it is not recommended to mix it. Another thing is that it should not be kept in small groups, there are 2 options: alone or in groups of more than 4 specimens, which merits a large aquarium.
  • Galaxy. It is a very striking and beautiful fish, they are tiny, measuring up to 1.5 cm. Your colors change with your mood, in addition to other factors. The ideal is to have a school of fish, so that they are more comfortable, for which you need an aquarium of about 100 liters.
  • Paradise. It is a very colorful fish that also has a fin movement that everyone loves, so it is chosen for many cold water aquariums. However, the Paradise Fish is very territorial and can be aggressive with other males of its species, so it is recommended to have only one male per aquarium and not mix it with other species with fins similar to his.
  • Rainbow barbel. It is a species very resistant to changes in aquarium conditions, so it is recommended for beginners. They are peaceful fish that like to live in shoals. The ideal is to place more than 8 specimens in an aquarium that does not need to be very large, about 60 liters is enough.
  • Tetra of Buenos Aires. This species is very easy to keep, only it does not have a very striking appearance. The tetra of Buenos Aires are silver with red fins, the males have them of a more intense color, the females have rather pink fins.