Fish Guide And Aquarium

Observing Your Fish.

October 22nd, 2007 Subscribe To Our Feed

Observing Your Fish.

Take every opportunity to watch your fish and get to know the behaviour patterns of each species. A regular observation
routine will help you in two ways: you will spot immediately if any fish are sick, and you will be aware of any tasks that
need to be done to keep your aquarium in good condition.

* Begin by checking regularly that all your fish are present. Don’t panic, however, the first time you can’t see all your
fish. Timid species can hide themselves very effectively.

* Watch out for aggressive traits, such as fin-nipping, but remember that some fishes will behave this way out of loneliness
if deprived of the companionship of their own species.

Introducing New Specimens.

Stress, which can lead to disease or death, is caused by bad handling or inconsiderate treatment, so it is very important
to develop a gentle but effective technique when handling your fish. When you purchase new fishes, add them to your tank
very carefully. There will probably be a notable difference in temperature between the water in the fishes’ bag and that in
the tank, and any such sudden change may stress the fishes. When introducing marine fishes into a new tank, you should
switch the aquarium lights off, but leave the room light on.

Catching fish.

Netting can be a terrifying experience for fish, so it is crucial to develop a gentle netting technique. When using a single
net, keep it constantly on the move. Using two nets will help speed up the process. Keep one net moving, and hold the other,
which must be large than the fish you are catching, stationary in the fish’s path. If you do not have a net, you can use a
transparent plastic bag to catch your fish.

Cleaning Tips For Your Aquarium.

For your fishes to thrive and your aquarium tank to look attractive, it is vital you carry out certain routine cleaning
tasks. You must keep the condensation tray clean to allow light to reach the plants. Remove dead leaves and scrape away
excess algae. Clean the filter as necessary.

Changing The Water For Your Aquarium.

Although an efficient filter will do much to maintain the water quality, help keep your aquarium clean by carrying out
regular, partial water changes. In a freshwater system, replacement of about 20 per cent of the water every 3-4 weeks is
recommended; in a marine aquarium you should change 25 per cent of the water every 2-3 weeks. Always use “sea-mix” when
changing water in marine tanks.

Ailments & Disorders.

It is crucial to detect disease in your fishes as early as possible. Prompt treatment may save the afflicted fish, and,
perhaps even more importantly prevent the disease from spreading to your other fishes, look out for any physical changes,
such as the appearance of abnormal growths, changes to the body shape or scales, or damage to the fins.

* Check if any fish are having trouble swimming. Swimming difficulties may indicate a swim-bladder disorder.

* Check for the presence of parasites.

Hospital Tank.

Keep a small tank for the treatment of sick fishes and for quarantining new arrivals. Try to create a reassuring
environment in the tank using plastic plants – real ones are killed by fish medications – and a hideaway. Always
thoroughly disinfect the tank and any equipment used in it between treatments.

Clubs & Societies.

If you wish to take your hobby further, enquire at your local aquarist or consult one of the many specialist aquarist’s
magazines available to find the details of your nearest aquarist society. These clubs will inform you – usually via a
quarterly new sheet – of regional shows and exhibitions, and can also provide you with up – to – the – minute specialist
advice on every aspect of modern fishkeeping.