Creating a thriving aquatic environment in your home can be both a rewarding and calming experience, and one of the most popular ways to do this is by setting up a temperate fish tank. Unlike tropical aquariums that require consistently warm water or coldwater setups designed for species like koi and goldfish, temperate fish tanks occupy a comfortable middle ground, housing species that flourish in moderate water temperatures.
Whether you are an experienced fish keeper looking to explore new fish varieties or a beginner curious about the joys of home aquatics, in this blog, we’re going to take you through everything you need to know about what temperate fish are and how to set up the ideal tank for them.
What is a temperate fish tank?
A temperate fish tank is an aquarium designed to house freshwater fish species that thrive in moderate water temperatures, typically between 17°C and to 24°C. Unlike tropical tanks that require consistently warm water or coldwater setups, temperate tanks create a balanced environment for fish that prefer neither extreme heat nor cold.
These aquariums often feature a mix of hardy fish and plants that can tolerate gentle seasonal variations, making them an ideal choice for beginners and experienced hobbyists alike.
Are temperate fish tanks good for beginners?
Yes, temperate fish tanks are good for beginners as they typically house species that are hardy and adaptable, meaning they can tolerate minor fluctuations in water temperature, pH, and other water conditions better than many tropical or delicate fish. This makes them easier to maintain for someone just starting out. Additionally, temperate aquariums often require less expensive or complicated equipment compared to tropical tanks, since you don’t need powerful heaters or elaborate lighting systems.
What are some examples of temperate fish?
There are many aquatics out there that are suited to a temperate fish tank. Below you can find a list of the best (and most beginner-friendly) types of fish you can have in a temperate tank:
- White Cloud Mountain Minnow - Small, peaceful, and hardy, these fish are perfect for a community temperate tank. They prefer schools, so keep at least 6 together.
- Zebra Danio - Active and resilient, zebra danios are excellent for beginners. They adapt well to a range of temperatures and are fun to watch as they dart around the tank.
- Rosy Barb - Colourful and relatively easy to care for, rosy barbs are hardy fish that enjoy swimming in schools.
- Weather Loach (Dojo Loach) - Bottom-dwelling and interesting to observe, they are very tolerant of cooler water and can even handle slight seasonal temperature changes.
- Golden or Comet Goldfish - Classic coldwater favourites that do well in temperate tanks; however, they require a larger tank due to their size and heavy waste production.
- Paradise Fish - these colourful fish are adaptable and can tolerate a range of temperate conditions.
Other types of temperate fish include:
- Amano shrimp
- Red spotted snail
- Variatus Platy
- Chinese Algae Eater
- Rainbow Shiner
- Hillstream Loach
- bronze cory cats
- Buenos Aires Tetra
- Orange Finned Danio
- Moustached Danio
- Red Shiner
How to set up a temperate fish tank?
Temperate fish tanks are easy and affordable to set up. As with most fish tanks, setting up a temperate fish tank starts with choosing a suitably sized aquarium, usually 20 gallons or more, to provide stable, moderate water conditions. Add a good filter, a layer of gravel or sand, and decorations like plants, rocks, and driftwood to create a natural environment.
Fill the tank with treated, dechlorinated water and ensure the temperature stays between 17-24 °C. These tanks usually don’t require a heater unless your room gets very cold. Before adding fish, let the tank cycle for several weeks so beneficial bacteria can establish and keep the water safe. Once the tank is stable, introduce your temperate fish gradually and maintain the environment with regular water changes and monitoring.
If you’d like to learn more about setting up a tank, read through our step-by-step guide on how to cycle a fish tank, where you can discover how to set up and create a balanced environment.
Do temperate fish need a light?
Temperate fish will thrive best in a day-night cycle, but this can’t be achieved by putting them by a window, as this can affect the temperature of your tank. Using aquarium lights that can be put on a timer, such as this Fluval Aquasky 3.0 LED Light Unit, can be used to mimic the day-night cycle without affecting the water temperature, and without any extra effort on your part.
Lighting is important as it helps to bring out the colours in your fish, encourages the growth of aquatic plants and allows you to enjoy watching the activity in your temperate aquarium. You can learn more about aquarium lighting with our complete lighting guide to keep your temperate fish happy and thriving.
Fluval Aquasky 3.0 LED Light Unit - £71.99
Does a temperate fish tank need heating?
Temperate fish require a tank that is no less than 17°C. If the room you keep your tank in is between 17°C and 24°C, which many homes naturally fall between, then you may not need a heater. However, anything below this could be considered a cold water aquarium, and temperate fish should not be kept in cold waters, as this can cause a variety of health issues.
So, if it’s close to winter and the temperature in your room drops, consider a heater as this Fluval T-Series Precise. This heater comes with precise temperature control - perfect for a temperate fish tank. Equipped with advanced electronic sensors, they offer accurate and consistent temperature regulation, crucial for the health of your aquatic life.
Fluval T-Series Precise Submersible Aquarium Heaters - £22.49
However, we highly recommend using a thermometer such as the Betta Aquarium Thermometer, as you should never leave it up to guesswork when it comes to the temperature of your tank. For a thriving environment, an aquarium thermometer can help you to easily monitor the temperature of your tank, offering peace of mind and a happy home for your underwater friends.
Betta Aquarium Thermometer - £3.99
We know that understanding aquarium heating can be a challenge, so if you want to learn how to keep your aquarium at a comfortable temperature, then you can read more in our guide to aquarium heaters.
What equipment does a temperate fish tank need?
While temperate fish tanks may need less equipment than other aquariums, there are still a few things you’ll need to ensure you’re creating a happy and thriving environment, and these include:
- A fish tank
- A reliable filter
- Aquarium lighting
- Substrate such as gravel or sand
- Aquarium decorations or live plants
- Dechlorinated water
- Water testing kits
- An air pump
- Substrate cleaner/siphon
- Buckets for water changes
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Algae cleaning mitt
What kinds of plants can you have in a temperate fish tank?
All kinds of live aquarium plants can be kept in a temperate fish tank, but they will do better in aquariums that have been set up with their needs in mind. For example, tanks that are set up with a nutritious substrate in which to put down roots, liquid fertiliser in the water, and plant-specific aquarium lighting will help live plants to thrive.
For a temperate fish tank, opt for low-light-loving plants like Java fern and Anubias, which is an easy-to-care-for option for beginners. It reaches around 10-15cm in height, making it a great green addition to your aquarium.
Tropica Anubias barteri nana - £8.95
What fish food do temperate fish need?
Temperate fish need a varied and balanced diet that matches their natural feeding habits, which can range from plant-based foods to protein-rich options. Because most temperate fish are basically cool-tolerant tropical fish, these species can be fed flake food, granules, and sinking foods suitable for tropical fish.
To keep them healthy and vibrant, it’s helpful to supplement their staple diet with treats like frozen or live foods, including bloodworms, daphnia, or brine shrimp, which provide extra protein and encourage natural hunting behaviours. If you’re looking for some nutritious fish food for your aquatics to help their growth and well-being, then browse our full collection, where there’s something for every species.
How many fish can you keep in a temperate fish tank?
How many fish you keep in a temperate fish tank depends on the size of your tank, the species of fish you want to keep, their adult size and their activity level. However, ensuring you’re not overcrowding your tank is a crucial step in building a balanced and happy underwater ecosystem. You can learn more about how many fish you can keep in your tank with our full guide, so you can have peace of mind that your fish are happy and your tank is balanced.
Set up your fish tank with Aquacadabra
A temperate fish tank offers a wonderful balance between the simplicity of coldwater setups and the vibrancy of tropical aquariums, making it an ideal choice for both beginners and experienced aquarists. By maintaining moderate water temperatures, adding hardy fish species, and incorporating live plants, you can create a dynamic, visually appealing ecosystem that’s both enjoyable to watch and relatively easy to care for.
If you want to make a start on creating your own temperate fish tank, you can browse our fish tanks, aquarium lighting, and decoration collections for reliable equipment. Or you can browse our blog page to learn more about the ins and outs of fishkeeping.