When Is A Fish A "tropical" Fish?

[desam90]

im really wondering because im confused about it...
when is a fish a tropical fish??
thx!

 

[techen]

Tropical fish live in tropical water temps.
 
Coldwater fish live in cold water temps. 
 
Etc etc..

 

[Chad]

Tropical fish are quite simply those living in tropical environments all over the world. Freshwater and salt water species can be tropical. Commonly it's those fish that live in temps averaging between 76-80 degrees. Since it's much easier and affordable to heat a tank than it is to cool it tropical fish have become the most popular to keep.

 

[NeonBlueLeon]

Tropical fish are quite simply those living in tropical environments all over the world. Freshwater and salt water species can be tropical. Commonly it's those fish that live in temps averaging between 76-80 degrees. Since it's much easier and affordable to heat a tank than it is to cool it tropical fish have become the most popular to keep.

Unless you live in a cold climate, such as San Francisco!  Then those big tank heaters really jack up the electric bill.

 

[Chad]

Do you mean if you live in a cold climate?
 
Of course both do cost money. Chillers are like little AC units. Not only do they cost quite a bit to purchase (usually around $400) but when forced to run they suck the energy.
 
No matter how we slice it though...pumps, heaters, chillers, lights...the hobby is going to cost us.

 

[Sophie]

Do you mean if you live in a cold climate?
 
Of course both do cost money. Chillers are like little AC units. Not only do they cost quite a bit to purchase (usually around $400) but when forced to run they suck the energy.
 
No matter how we slice it though...pumps, heaters, chillers, lights...the hobby is going to cost us.

 
I've spent just under £3,000 in a year.
 
I was trying to find a hobby that wouldn't cost me anything!
 
 
 
More so on the note of this topic, Marine temperatures are the same as Tropical? Yes/No?

 

[fluttermoth]

More so on the note of this topic, Marine temperatures are the same as Tropical? Yes/No?

No, there are tropical, temperate and coldwater marines

The main thing about coldwater marines are that they do need to be kept really cold; they can't tolerate any raising of temperatures, and chillers are really expensive to both buy and run. It's also the tropical marines that have the best colours, so that's two reasons why most marine systems are tropical ones.

 

[Chad]

True enough but most people do keep tropical marine. Cold water marine tanks are super costly and in a state like Arizona produce massive amounts of condensation which requires the acrylic to be super thick. We have a local club member who made one himself. It's a beauty, but thick!
 
Here it is with the lid off.
Tank measures 22"x15"x12" with 1" thick acrylic.
 

 

[Sophie]

Ahh.. I know nothing about Marine so I thought it was worth asking!

 

[Chad]

I love marine and enjoy my reef tank but I will always also have a planted tank. Both have enjoyable qualities. Even a marine heavy with macro algae will never match a planted tank in my eyes. Not better, just different, so there's a need in my life for both.