Can Marine fish and Tropical fish be kept in the same tank?

**Samgari** · 06-06-2012, 07:56 AM

I currently have a tropical tank, but I am looking to invest in a marine tank as marine fish look stunning, especially with the coral and sand in the tank, it gives you that ocean feel. I was just wondering if marine fish could reside alongside my tropical fish in the same tank? If not then I will have to look to sell my tank, along with my fish that currently reside inside it. Could someone please tell me if they can or cannot reside together. Thank you

**ScottishFish** · 06-06-2012, 08:39 AM

Are you seriously asking that question? That's like asking if you can keep you goldfish with your hamster.

There are some (very few though) species that can bridge some of the gap between freshwater and saltwater - salmon, tarpon, bull sharks. In the aquaria trade some fish start off life in freshwater then move to saltwater like some species of eels.

On the whole though your angelfish or plecos CANNOT be housed with you bangaii cardinal fish or whatever you keep.

**imma24** · 06-06-2012, 03:36 PM

Originally Posted by Samgari

I currently have a tropical tank, but I am looking to invest in a marine tank as marine fish look stunning, especially with the coral and sand in the tank, it gives you that ocean feel. I was just wondering if marine fish could reside alongside my tropical fish in the same tank? If not then I will have to look to sell my tank, along with my fish that currently reside inside it. Could someone please tell me if they can or cannot reside together. Thank you

Marine fish are called that because that's the kind of environment they do the best in and the type of water they are found in - you can't just think "It's a fish - why should it matter?"

**smaug** · 06-06-2012, 04:29 PM

Oh dear.

**Indian Woods Angels** · 06-06-2012, 06:37 PM

Hey you guys would be surprised by how often this question is asked.

If you had a shop you must know your clients or ask them what type of tank they have.

Why do you think a forum like this is so popular? It's because the people working in fish shops don't exist any more.

So to answer the question, no. They are completely different situations. Marine fish live in water that has salinity range of between .019 and .022 salinity reading as registered with a hydrometer. Fresh water fish have zero to trace salinity in their water. Most brackish fish tend to be able to tolerate either yet never really thrive when placed into one or the other. The transitions are what really keeps them in good condition.

Never be afraid to ask.

**smaug** · 06-06-2012, 08:29 PM

Originally Posted by Indian Woods Angels

Hey you guys would be surprised by how often this question is asked.

If you had a shop you must know your clients or ask them what type of tank they have.

Why do you think a forum like this is so popular? It's because the people working in fish shops don't exist any more.

So to answer the question, no. They are completely different situations. Marine fish live in water that has salinity range of between .019 and .022 salinity reading as registered with a hydrometer. Fresh water fish have zero to trace salinity in their water. Most brackish fish tend to be able to tolerate either yet never really thrive when placed into one or the other. The transitions are what really keeps them in good condition.

Never be afraid to ask.

Its a troll! Never be afraid to stomp one.

**ScottishFish** · 06-06-2012, 08:38 PM

+1 to smaug, seen it a mile off.

Only time that question is understandable is when people buy eels, puffer fish and sorts that can be kept in freshwater for a short while but then require a brackish environment later in their life cycle.

The OP's question was just . . . . . . . . well im keeping it polite so I shall leave it there