Can Coldwater Fish Thrive In Heated Tanks?

[Mr Melt]

Allrite lads.

Basically I have been embroiled in a discussion with a friend of mine regarding fish compatability.

She has a tropical tank, heated between 24-26 degrees. In it she has a number of tropical fish (eg. White Skirt Tetras), but she also has an adult Black Moor goldfish.

Now, of course I asked what a coldwater is doing in a heated tank; surely it stresses them out etc

Her response was - not at all, provided the waters well oxygenated and its at least 30 gallons.

Now, after a bit of net browsing on the same discussion I have noticed that there is no definitive argument that concludes the matter.......

This has left me in a dilemna - I'm getting a new tropical tank soon, and I absolutely adore Black Moors...........

.......what do you lads think about this? Have any of you successfully kept a goldfish in a tropical tank (and was it happy enough)?

 

[nurglespuss]

Goldfish in general have quite a large range of temperatures in which they can happily live and breed (and of course a much larger range in which they can merely survive).

Fancy/short bodied goldfish do better in slightly warmer water, because the aren't as hardy as their less bred cousins.

Goldfish at this temperature will do fine, and will probably breed more too, and yes, provided the water is well oxygenated, they will do fine.

 

[Mr Melt]

Thanks for the reply.

If more people agree, then I know what I'm getting for my tank =D

 

[StandbySetting]

24-26oC is way too warm for fancy Goldfish, it will increase their metabolism and their life span will be shortened.

 

[james_fish]

Interesting topic, will be keeping my eye on this!

James.

 

[Mr Melt]

See, I'm starting to wonder myself.

If you consider the natural habitat of a Black Moor; its native to China/Japan isn't it? So that would mean that the fish has evolved in a sub-tropical environment (in terms of water temperature).

If that is the case, then why do we keep them in coldwater tanks? Surely, if they live in a sub-tropical environment then a slightly warmer environment would be just as natural to them as a coldwater tank =/

The only downside (if you consider it as such) would be increased activity and hungrier goldfish. And regarding its life span; does its longevity really matter as long as it is happy in the tank? That's an important question in itself.

 

[StandbySetting]

Fancy Golfish kept indoors are at sub tropical temperatures, as room temperature hovers around 18-19 degrees.

 

[Mr Melt]

Fancy Golfish kept indoors are at sub tropical temperatures, as room temperature hovers around 18-19 degrees.

You should try living over here mate - its always cold in Belfast =P

But back to the discussion - aren't Black Moors particularly hardy when it comes to water temperatures? After a bit more net browsing I've spotted the odd story about someone who's kept a bunch of mollies in with a Black Moor or so in a tank.

 

[StandbySetting]

It really isn't ideal, Fish can't regulate their body temperature like Mammals can, they rely on the body of water they live in for heat, the heat determines how their body functions, Black Moors will live in tropical temperatures, but their lives will be shortened as a result of it.

 

[Mr Melt]

It really isn't ideal, Fish can't regulate their body temperature like Mammals can, they rely on the body of water they live in for heat, the heat determines how their body functions, Black Moors will live in tropical temperatures, but their lives will be shortened as a result of it.

How severely is their lifespan affected by the water temperature?

As far as I know, they can live from anything between 5 - 20 years.

 

[StandbySetting]

That I can't tell you, it depends on the individual and other variables.

 

[Mr Melt]

That I can't tell you, it depends on the individual and other variables.

See, if it only affects its life by a factor of 20% or so then I would consider one. If it's worse though then I don't know =/

One things for certain - it would probably live much better than half of the poor fish that are kept in my LFS........

 

[StandbySetting]

That still doesn't make it OK though, if you want to keep Black Moors you're better off setting up a tank specifically for them.

 

[BigbruiserAl]

I agree playing god (in respect to make a effort in shorting it life) is wrong just so it can please the owner sorry

 

[Mr Melt]

So basically most people think that its bad to keep goldfish in a heated tank then?

Then I may decide against a black moor after all then....