Why does the water in a fish tank need to be same temperature as you brought it home in?

This is a common misconception. While it's true that sudden changes in water temperature can be stressful for fish, you don't need to match the exact temperature you brought them home in. In fact, it's often beneficial to slowly acclimate fish to a new water temperature by gradually raising or lowering the water temperature by a few degrees every hour. This will help to minimize stress on the fish and reduce the risk of shock.

Here are some tips for acclimating fish to a new water temperature:

- Float the sealed bag containing your fish in the new tank for about 15 minutes. This allows the fish to gradually adjust to the new water temperature.

- After 15 minutes, open the bag and add some of the new tank water to the bag. Do this slowly, over the course of a few minutes.

- After another 15 minutes, carefully net the fish out of the bag and release them into the tank.

- Monitor the fish for signs of stress, such as swimming erratically, gasping for air, or hiding. If you notice any of these signs, you may need to adjust the water temperature more slowly.