Temperate fish usually originate from tropical areas of the world but are able to live and thrive at temperatures lower than those used for most tropical fish. These species should not be kept below 17C. This means that in a normal centrally heated home they may not require a heater (but you must always monitor the temperature to ensure it is appropriate).
The White Cloud Mountain Minnow (including the Gold White Cloud Mountain Minnow) usually grows to about 2 centimetres in length. These fish thrive on a diet of flake food, as well as frozen and live foods. They prefer to live in small groups and are best kept with other small-sized fish.
The Zebra Danio and Leopard Danio typically reach a size of around 3 centimetres. They enjoy flake food, frozen and live foods, and even vegetable matter. Like the White Cloud Mountain Minnow, they also do well living in small groups. They can be kept with both small- and medium-sized fish.
The Variatus Platy generally grows up to 4 centimetres. Their diet includes flake food, frozen foods, live foods, and vegetable matter. Variatus Platies are social fish that should be kept in small groups, and they are best housed with other small-sized fish.
Our range of temperate fish food offers specially formulated options to meet the nutritional needs of a variety of species.
| Species | Usually Grows To | Diet | Lives | Keep With |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amano Shrimp | 4 cm | Algae foods, Pellets | In small groups | Small and Medium sized fish |
| Red Spotted Snail | 3 cm | Algae foods, Pellets | In small groups | Small and Medium sized fish |
These fish do need a day-night cycle and this must not be achieved by putting them in direct natural sunlight (for example on windowsills). This would affect the temperature of the aquarium and also encourage more algae to grow. Using aquarium lights on a timer will bring out the colours in your fish, encourage the growth of aquatic plants and allow you to enjoy watching the activity in your temperate aquarium.
Our fish tank lights and accessories are designed to meet the needs of both you and your fish.
Your fish may be a bit nervous and hide for a while, let them settle down for a few hours before feeding them. There are a number of fish foods available eg. Live food, flake pellets, algae wafers and frozen foods. Feed your fish once or twice a day, offering just enough food so that it is eaten within 2 minutes. Start with a small amount and then add a little more if it is eaten quickly. Too much food will pollute the water so make sure any leftover food is scooped from the tank after feeding.
Air pumps are a great addition to your set up, they help to circulate water around your tank, allowing CO2 to be released from the waters surface and oxygenating your aquarium to help fish and plant life thrive. Not only are they ideal for the health of your fish and your aquarium, they are perfect for adding depth and creating a decorative effect.
Our air pump and accessories range includes everything you’ll need.
Temperate fish require an aquarium that is over 17°C and most species can live at the normal tropical aquarium temperature range too. Coldwater aquariums are often cooler than this and this will cause health problems for your fish. It is not recommended to keep temperate fish in a coldwater aquarium.
We recommend using an aquarium thermometer in your aquarium to ensure you can monitor the temperature. It is important to keep the aquarium over 17°C and within the appropriate range for your aquarium inhabitants.
Yes, it is important to allow a period of darkness within your aquarium at night. This allows your fish to rest. Rest is necessary to maintain good health.
A suitable glass or acrylic aquarium
A filter & compatible filter media*
Aquarium lighting*
Fish safe gravel or sand
Aquarium decorations and/or live plants
Tap water conditioner/dechlorinator and filter boost
Water testing kits (ideally ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, pH)
Gravel cleaner/siphon cleaning device (recommended)
Bucket for water changes
Algae pad or magnet for cleaning
*May be included in branded aquarium sets but can be purchased separately.
All of our fish tanks are given a ‘Fish Points’ value, Fish points are an easy to use guide to help you determine which and how many fish are suitable for your tank. All fish are scored based on a number of factors such as size, how much waste they produce and whether they prefer to shoal in small or large groups. Did you know? Your aquarium needs to be big enough for the size your fish could grow to.