Can you mix cold water fish and tropical in same tank?

Mixing cold water fish and tropical fish in the same tank is generally not recommended. Cold water fish and tropical fish have different temperature requirements, and mixing them can cause health problems for one or both types of fish. Cold water fish prefer temperatures between 55 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit, while tropical fish prefer temperatures between 75 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. If you mix cold water fish and tropical fish in the same tank, the tropical fish may become too cold and stressed, while the cold water fish may become too hot and stressed.

In addition to the temperature difference, cold water fish and tropical fish also have different pH requirements. Cold water fish prefer a pH between 6.5 and 7.5, while tropical fish prefer a pH between 7.0 and 8.0. Mixing cold water fish and tropical fish in the same tank can cause the pH of the water to fluctuate, which can stress both types of fish.

Finally, cold water fish and tropical fish often have different dietary requirements. Cold water fish typically eat live food, such as brine shrimp and bloodworms, while tropical fish typically eat prepared food, such as flakes and pellets. Mixing cold water fish and tropical fish in the same tank can make it difficult to feed both types of fish properly.

For these reasons, it is generally not recommended to mix cold water fish and tropical fish in the same tank. If you want to keep both cold water fish and tropical fish, it is best to keep them in separate tanks.