Many people think that fish are one of the simpler pets to look after, but fish lovers will know that you have to put a lot of time and energy into making sure they remain happy and healthy. Unfortunately, there are no guarantees and sometimes fish die unexpectedly. However, there are a few things you can do to increase the chances of keeping your fish for longer.
Remember, different species of fish need different things. Always consult with your local pet shop before buying them to make sure you know the best methods of keeping them healthier.
Here are a few pieces of general advice which you can use as a guideline.
The Importance of Cycling the Aquarium
If you have a brand new aquarium, you need to develop a healthy level of beneficial bacteria through a process known as cycling. This helps to regulate the ammonia and nitrate cycle, as the tank initially starts off in an environment that is stale. Fish bodies help to generate this bacteria growth over time, helping with the aquarium’s natural life cycle.
Don’t Overfeed Your Fish
Obviously, this advice varies for each species of fish so check what is the best for you particular fish. Tropical fish vary from your average goldfish – browse online on Aquatics To Your Door if you are looking to add some to your tank. Many fish should be fed five days a week, while the remaining couple of days helps them metabolise the food. A tank that is fully cycled offers a range of edible microscopic particles that the fish can consume. Uneaten food should all be removed as it all rots very quickly inside the tank. This can cause spikes in the level of ammonia in the tank which has been found to be a major danger for fish.
Cleaning the Tank
When you are changing the water in the tank, don’t remove more than 25% of the water as this can disturb the natural water chemistry of the tank. Don’t empty and scrub out the tank with soap as this can kill the beneficial bacteria which has been encouraged through cycling. Remove any algae from the ornaments which can also have a negative impact. Use water conditioner when you add in new water as chlorine is highly dangerous for fish of all kind. Water conditioner is usually the best as it often contains elements that help maintain the health of your fish.
PH Levels and Aquarium Salt
Avoid tampering with the PH levels of the tank and add in aquarium salt which should help maintain the equilibrium of the internal organs of the fish. Always closely follow the directions on the packaging. Salt never evaporates so you will only need to add it when you are changing the water of your fish.
Hopefully this article will have given you some ideas of how to care for your fish a little bit better. Remember to consult with an expert if your are having any problems or need any more detailed advice.