Although you may have favorite tropical fish for your indoor aquarium, when it comes to setting up an outdoor pond you may have to adjust your selections a bit. What works inside may not work outside where the environmental conditions can be harder to keep under control. Let’s take a look at some of the more popular pond fish for outdoor habitats.
* First, before you even think about putting fish into your pond you should make sure that you turn on the pump and filtration device and let it circulate for at least 5-7 days. This allows for everything in the pond to neutralize out and also lets you test your equipment. Better to find out before you put your expensive fish in the pond that something isn’t right! Don’t forget to test the pH as well at the end of the 5-7 days.
* Next, the golden rule of thumb is you should allow 24 square inches of pond for every 1 inch of fish. Goldfish and Koi Carp are two of the more popular outdoor fish that people place in ponds. However, if you want to spend a little bit more money you can also look into getting Japanese Koi and Israel Koi which can add some welcome variety to the pond.
* Once you’ve made your selection it’s time to introduce them to the pond. This is a multi-step process, and a bit more involved than adding them to an aquarium. First, float the sealed bag for at least 2-3 hours. This allows the temperatures to come up and match in both the bag and the pond. Next, open the bag and add some pond water to the bag and reseal. Re-float the bag for another 2-3 hours or overnight. Finally, after checking the overall health of the fish, you can release it into the pond.
* Based on what fish you chose, be sure to introduce some aquatic plants to your pond to help them feel more at home. An added benefit is the plants will also help to balance out your pond ecosystem. Again, don’t crowd the pond out with plants but make sure that you have enough to help reduce algae and provide a habitat for the fish. You may also find that over time Mother Nature may also add some of her own plants to the environment!
* Finally, with your new pond up and running and stocked, be sure to monitor how your fish are reacting. Some will take to their new home with ease, while others will require a longer getting acquainted period. The simple truth is some fish just don’t do well outdoors, and you may find that you have to change your plans as you learn what species work well outside and what don’t.
Friday 10 August 2007
Aquarium Plants: More than Just Decoration
Have you ever seen a pond or lake without plants in it? Probably not. That’s why most aquarium setups have some types of aquatic plants in them. They not only add to the visual pleasantness of the aquarium, they also provide a valuable service in keeping algae down and your water aerated – not to mention providing a place for the fish to “hide” and escape too.
* All aquatic plants need a good base to grow from – just the same way your tomato plants in your garden need good soil to grow. Most people make the mistake of thinking just any type of gravel will suffice only to find their plants dieing out in a few short months. A good base for your plants should include about one-quarter to a half inch of low-calcium gravel that should be available at your local pet shop. This helps the plants to take root and anchors them to the bottom of your tank
.
* You may also want to add a bit of iron to your gravel mixture as well. You should be able to pick up some pellet-formed iron clays at your pet supply center and mix it in with the regular gravel. The good news is not only does it help the plants but also controls algae breakouts!
* All plants need nutrients to survive, even under water. The good news is that most of the nutrients your plants need will come from the water itself. Most aquariums have nitrates in the water from waste and other breakdown of plant and animal matter. Plants just love this stuff – yet another benefit of adding some aquatic plants to your tank!
* Remember in science class you studied how if a plant is deprived of light it will die? Well, the same is true in your aquarium. Now don’t go placing your tank in direct sunlight where it will boil the water, but do consider adding some extra bulbs to your aquarium lighting if you have a lot of aquatic plants. The second part of the light equation is Carbon Dioxide, but the good news is fish give this off the same as humans do. Unless you have a heavily planted tank the Carbon Dioxide from your fish will be more than enough to help your plants do their best.
* When purchasing plants for your tank it is important to read about what type of environment they need in terms of pH and temperature. You want to match up your plants to the environment that your tropical fish thrive in. There are a number of handbooks that guide you through the different requirements of plants, as well as tell you what plants are more suitable for specific species of tropical fish.
You will find that aquatic plants will make your aquarium look better and also provide a better habitat for your fish to live in. They not only provide decoration but also provide several necessary functions to help keep your tank ecosystem performing well.
* All aquatic plants need a good base to grow from – just the same way your tomato plants in your garden need good soil to grow. Most people make the mistake of thinking just any type of gravel will suffice only to find their plants dieing out in a few short months. A good base for your plants should include about one-quarter to a half inch of low-calcium gravel that should be available at your local pet shop. This helps the plants to take root and anchors them to the bottom of your tank
.
* You may also want to add a bit of iron to your gravel mixture as well. You should be able to pick up some pellet-formed iron clays at your pet supply center and mix it in with the regular gravel. The good news is not only does it help the plants but also controls algae breakouts!
* All plants need nutrients to survive, even under water. The good news is that most of the nutrients your plants need will come from the water itself. Most aquariums have nitrates in the water from waste and other breakdown of plant and animal matter. Plants just love this stuff – yet another benefit of adding some aquatic plants to your tank!
* Remember in science class you studied how if a plant is deprived of light it will die? Well, the same is true in your aquarium. Now don’t go placing your tank in direct sunlight where it will boil the water, but do consider adding some extra bulbs to your aquarium lighting if you have a lot of aquatic plants. The second part of the light equation is Carbon Dioxide, but the good news is fish give this off the same as humans do. Unless you have a heavily planted tank the Carbon Dioxide from your fish will be more than enough to help your plants do their best.
* When purchasing plants for your tank it is important to read about what type of environment they need in terms of pH and temperature. You want to match up your plants to the environment that your tropical fish thrive in. There are a number of handbooks that guide you through the different requirements of plants, as well as tell you what plants are more suitable for specific species of tropical fish.
You will find that aquatic plants will make your aquarium look better and also provide a better habitat for your fish to live in. They not only provide decoration but also provide several necessary functions to help keep your tank ecosystem performing well.
An Introduction to Tropical Fish
Chances are, sometime in your childhood, you had a gold fish or other colorful fish in an aquarium or a fishbowl. Tropical fish, or those types of fish that primarily exist in fresh water environments, are a popular home and pond variety that millions of people keep for their color and their beauty. Let’s take a few minutes to talk more about tropical fish in the home environment.
The term tropical fish actually covers many different species of fish, but is often used as general term that encompasses any freshwater fish that have bright coloration. They are often found in aquariums or ponds and many species require very little care outside of normal feeding and water maintenance.
* Aquariums can be found almost anywhere – homes, offices, even at the mall. They can be small as a few gallons or hold thousands of gallons of water. They usually include an aeration device that pumps air into the water as well as a filter that cleans the water to remove dead planet material, waste and other debris. Often, small aquariums have neither a filter nor air pump because they contain only one or two fish and the water is changed manually.
* Artificial ponds are another venue where you will find tropical fish. These can be indoor or outdoor ponds and contain many of the same elements as an aquarium only on a larger scale. Outdoor ponds usually incorporate a heating device to keep the temperature of the water at a suitable level for fish.
* Care and feeding of tropical fish is extremely easy and one of the reasons that people tend to have fish in their home. Many fish only need to be fed once or twice a week, and with a properly working filtration device the water in the tank may need only to be changed every 6 months to a year. Most tropical fish can be mixed in the aquarium or pond together as long as they are non-aggressive. Popular combinations may include goldfish, clown fish and Koi fish.
* If you enjoy seeing large exhibits of tropical fish you may find yourself at one of many public aquariums where tanks can hold as much as 8 million gallons of water! These large aquariums bring together tropical fish from around the world in a setting that lets people observe some of the rarer species that would not be possible to keep at home because of special needs or equipment. Many public aquariums are also a great place to find out information about keeping tropical fish as a hobby.
From a fishbowl on the desk with a single goldfish to tanks that hold millions of gallons of water, tropical fish are a hobby that is enjoyed around the world. Many people find them relaxing and therapeutic to watch and enjoy the low maintenance they require.
The term tropical fish actually covers many different species of fish, but is often used as general term that encompasses any freshwater fish that have bright coloration. They are often found in aquariums or ponds and many species require very little care outside of normal feeding and water maintenance.
* Aquariums can be found almost anywhere – homes, offices, even at the mall. They can be small as a few gallons or hold thousands of gallons of water. They usually include an aeration device that pumps air into the water as well as a filter that cleans the water to remove dead planet material, waste and other debris. Often, small aquariums have neither a filter nor air pump because they contain only one or two fish and the water is changed manually.
* Artificial ponds are another venue where you will find tropical fish. These can be indoor or outdoor ponds and contain many of the same elements as an aquarium only on a larger scale. Outdoor ponds usually incorporate a heating device to keep the temperature of the water at a suitable level for fish.
* Care and feeding of tropical fish is extremely easy and one of the reasons that people tend to have fish in their home. Many fish only need to be fed once or twice a week, and with a properly working filtration device the water in the tank may need only to be changed every 6 months to a year. Most tropical fish can be mixed in the aquarium or pond together as long as they are non-aggressive. Popular combinations may include goldfish, clown fish and Koi fish.
* If you enjoy seeing large exhibits of tropical fish you may find yourself at one of many public aquariums where tanks can hold as much as 8 million gallons of water! These large aquariums bring together tropical fish from around the world in a setting that lets people observe some of the rarer species that would not be possible to keep at home because of special needs or equipment. Many public aquariums are also a great place to find out information about keeping tropical fish as a hobby.
From a fishbowl on the desk with a single goldfish to tanks that hold millions of gallons of water, tropical fish are a hobby that is enjoyed around the world. Many people find them relaxing and therapeutic to watch and enjoy the low maintenance they require.
5 Pieces of Advice for Taking Care of Tropical Fish in an Outside Pond
When you have an outside pond or other aquatic setting some of the methods that worked well in taking care of an indoor aquarium don’t work well in an outdoors setting. From feeding, to heating the water to adding plants you need to make allowances for the different environment in which your tropical fish are in.
* Let’s start out by talking about feeding. Chances are, you are used to feeding your tropical fish about once or twice a week in your indoor aquarium. However, when they move to an outside setting this requirement can change. Bugs and other insects will make their home in and near your pond which will provide the fish for a natural source of food. In addition, you may have more fish in your pond than you had inside because of the increased space. This may mean you need to feed your tropical fish more than you are used too.
* Next, keep in mind that the environment outside is a lot less regulated than that inside your home. If you live in a climate that has extreme hot or cold temperatures you will need to take this into account when designing and stocking your pond. A heavy-duty heater may be necessary for the pond water during cold weather – or you may have to drain the pond and bring the fish inside during the winter. Usually most fish can handle hot weather, but some are sensitive to wide temperature swings. Just as there are heaters for tanks and ponds there are also devices made to help keep water temperatures regulated at a certain level by cooling it when necessary.
* You enjoy your tropical fish, and there are a lot of creatures in nature that will enjoy them as well. Cats, squirrels, raccoons and other creatures of the outside world may want to visit your pond for less than honorable purposes. Keep this in mind when deciding to move your fish outside – and above all, make sure you give them places to hide and get away from nature’s creatures. They’ll appreciate it!
* Do you like to fertilize your lawn? Well you may have to rethink that if there is a concern about runoff into the pond. Most tropical fish like highly regulated waters to keep them healthy, and fertilizer or other chemical runoff can be fatal. It might be time to start going natural with your landscaping!
* If you are looking for a fish that can survive in hardy conditions, and any type of pond, check into Beta Fish. These hardy little guys can survive in low-oxygen environments – in fact, they are often found in drainage ditches in some areas!
* Let’s start out by talking about feeding. Chances are, you are used to feeding your tropical fish about once or twice a week in your indoor aquarium. However, when they move to an outside setting this requirement can change. Bugs and other insects will make their home in and near your pond which will provide the fish for a natural source of food. In addition, you may have more fish in your pond than you had inside because of the increased space. This may mean you need to feed your tropical fish more than you are used too.
* Next, keep in mind that the environment outside is a lot less regulated than that inside your home. If you live in a climate that has extreme hot or cold temperatures you will need to take this into account when designing and stocking your pond. A heavy-duty heater may be necessary for the pond water during cold weather – or you may have to drain the pond and bring the fish inside during the winter. Usually most fish can handle hot weather, but some are sensitive to wide temperature swings. Just as there are heaters for tanks and ponds there are also devices made to help keep water temperatures regulated at a certain level by cooling it when necessary.
* You enjoy your tropical fish, and there are a lot of creatures in nature that will enjoy them as well. Cats, squirrels, raccoons and other creatures of the outside world may want to visit your pond for less than honorable purposes. Keep this in mind when deciding to move your fish outside – and above all, make sure you give them places to hide and get away from nature’s creatures. They’ll appreciate it!
* Do you like to fertilize your lawn? Well you may have to rethink that if there is a concern about runoff into the pond. Most tropical fish like highly regulated waters to keep them healthy, and fertilizer or other chemical runoff can be fatal. It might be time to start going natural with your landscaping!
* If you are looking for a fish that can survive in hardy conditions, and any type of pond, check into Beta Fish. These hardy little guys can survive in low-oxygen environments – in fact, they are often found in drainage ditches in some areas!
What Kind, What Size and How-To for Starting a Pond
So you want to start an outside pond for your tropical fish friends? There are a lot of things to consider when creating an outdoor aquatic setting. Some of the things that worked well inside just won’t work in the great outdoors. However, once you get things up and going you will wonder how you ever did without that pond in your yard!
* First of all, what kind of pond? You can get fancy and buy a kit from many stores complete with design plans and all the materials you need. Or you could do as countless others have – take an old barrel, cut it in half and cover it with a plastic liner and presto – instant pond! You might add dirt or soil to the bottom of the pond to keep it organic, or maybe you want to go for the gusto and keep an assortment of color gravels and nutrient mixes in it. There are a lot of ways to design your pond on a shoestring budget or with a huge budget, whatever your wallet allows.
* Next, no matter if you are using a kit or doing it yourself make sure you don’t just throw the hose in there, fill it up and throw in the fish! You will need to neutralize the pH in the water and de-chlorinate it before you can add your tropical fish. There are a number of ways of doing this, from chemicals you can add to the water to using plants and other natural ways. You will want to run your ponds filter for a minimum of 5 days depending on the size of the pond to get all the chlorination out of the water.
* Don’t forget the food! There are a number of automatic fish feeders you can add to your pond as well as “floating” food devices. If you have a large pond then these may make sense as feeding them the old fashioned way just simply won’t work well on a large scale.
* Before you dig the hole, choose where you want to dig it. Try to keep your pond away from areas that have a lot of runoff, falling leaves and other debris. You don’t want leaves getting into the water in large quantities as it could contaminate it as they break down. Likewise, you don’t want it near runoff as fertilizers and other lawn chemicals may pollute the water leading to premature death of your tropical buddies.
* Choose the right fish for your new outdoor pond. Good choices include Fantails and Orandas, Betas, Koi and Comets. Of course, a lot of people like standard goldfish – which are fine – but many people like to add a little variety and spice to their outdoor aquatic masterpiece.
* First of all, what kind of pond? You can get fancy and buy a kit from many stores complete with design plans and all the materials you need. Or you could do as countless others have – take an old barrel, cut it in half and cover it with a plastic liner and presto – instant pond! You might add dirt or soil to the bottom of the pond to keep it organic, or maybe you want to go for the gusto and keep an assortment of color gravels and nutrient mixes in it. There are a lot of ways to design your pond on a shoestring budget or with a huge budget, whatever your wallet allows.
* Next, no matter if you are using a kit or doing it yourself make sure you don’t just throw the hose in there, fill it up and throw in the fish! You will need to neutralize the pH in the water and de-chlorinate it before you can add your tropical fish. There are a number of ways of doing this, from chemicals you can add to the water to using plants and other natural ways. You will want to run your ponds filter for a minimum of 5 days depending on the size of the pond to get all the chlorination out of the water.
* Don’t forget the food! There are a number of automatic fish feeders you can add to your pond as well as “floating” food devices. If you have a large pond then these may make sense as feeding them the old fashioned way just simply won’t work well on a large scale.
* Before you dig the hole, choose where you want to dig it. Try to keep your pond away from areas that have a lot of runoff, falling leaves and other debris. You don’t want leaves getting into the water in large quantities as it could contaminate it as they break down. Likewise, you don’t want it near runoff as fertilizers and other lawn chemicals may pollute the water leading to premature death of your tropical buddies.
* Choose the right fish for your new outdoor pond. Good choices include Fantails and Orandas, Betas, Koi and Comets. Of course, a lot of people like standard goldfish – which are fine – but many people like to add a little variety and spice to their outdoor aquatic masterpiece.
3 Important Tips for Taking Care of Your Tropical Fish
If you are one of the millions of Americans with a tropical fish aquarium or pond then chances are you are looking for ways to make sure your fish enjoy a long, healthy life. For the most part, tropical fish are easy to take care of and require very little additional care outside the basics. However, there are a few things you should know that can dramatically extend the lifespan of your tropical fish, no matter if they enjoy a small 3-gallon fishbowl or a 1,000-gallon aquarium.
* The most important thing for freshwater fish is that you keep their habitat clean. Under normal circumstances, a filter will do the job just well. However, there are times when it can seem as though the tank or pond gets filled with algae or waste faster than you can keep it clean. This is often caused by a filtration device that is not sized correctly for the capacity of the tank. In most situations, you want your filter to completely clean the water every 4-6 hours. This represents the equivalent of up to 4 complete cycles of the water in a 24-hour period.
While you are checking out filters at your local store, be sure to also look into slugs and other creatures that can co-exist with your tropical fish and help clear out the algae. This is especially important in outdoor ponds or tanks where algae tend to grow faster due to direct exposure to sunlight. They are relatively cheap and do a great job that otherwise would be a manual task for you to complete!
* Next, let’s talk about food. Now, you and I, well we tend to eat a lot – we are a society that loves our food! However, the same isn’t the same for most tropical fish. In fact, in normal circumstances most varieties of tropical fish only need to be fed once or twice a week. The most common cause of death in household fish is over-feeding. Keep in mind that if you keep your fish in an outdoor pond that you may need to adjust the feeding schedule as the fish will also obtain food from nature – bugs and other flying insects that may make their way into the pond.
* Finally, keep in mind that most fish enjoy a warm environment. If you live in a cold climate you should make sure that your tank or pond is equipped with a heating device so that during colder weather you can keep it at a steady temperature. The ideal temperature will vary for your particular variety of fish, but rarely should you let the temperature of the water dip below 75 degrees in most circumstances.
* The most important thing for freshwater fish is that you keep their habitat clean. Under normal circumstances, a filter will do the job just well. However, there are times when it can seem as though the tank or pond gets filled with algae or waste faster than you can keep it clean. This is often caused by a filtration device that is not sized correctly for the capacity of the tank. In most situations, you want your filter to completely clean the water every 4-6 hours. This represents the equivalent of up to 4 complete cycles of the water in a 24-hour period.
While you are checking out filters at your local store, be sure to also look into slugs and other creatures that can co-exist with your tropical fish and help clear out the algae. This is especially important in outdoor ponds or tanks where algae tend to grow faster due to direct exposure to sunlight. They are relatively cheap and do a great job that otherwise would be a manual task for you to complete!
* Next, let’s talk about food. Now, you and I, well we tend to eat a lot – we are a society that loves our food! However, the same isn’t the same for most tropical fish. In fact, in normal circumstances most varieties of tropical fish only need to be fed once or twice a week. The most common cause of death in household fish is over-feeding. Keep in mind that if you keep your fish in an outdoor pond that you may need to adjust the feeding schedule as the fish will also obtain food from nature – bugs and other flying insects that may make their way into the pond.
* Finally, keep in mind that most fish enjoy a warm environment. If you live in a cold climate you should make sure that your tank or pond is equipped with a heating device so that during colder weather you can keep it at a steady temperature. The ideal temperature will vary for your particular variety of fish, but rarely should you let the temperature of the water dip below 75 degrees in most circumstances.
3 Tips for Setting up an Outside Pond
So you’ve enjoyed your indoor aquarium for years and want to expand. Or maybe you have decided the perfect way to landscape that backyard area is to add a pond for freshwater fish. Outdoor ponds are a great way to take your hobby and expand it to the great outdoors and add a beautiful area to your existing landscape. However, maintaining and setting up an outdoor pond for your tropical fish takes a lot more planning and work than setting up an indoor aquarium.
* The first thing necessary when installing an outdoor pond is to pick an area that is appropriately sized and environmentally correct for your pond. Remember, freshwater tropical fish have different requirements – so you need to make sure you choose an area that is sized appropriately for the species of fish you will be placing into the pond. You also need to make sure the environment where you place the pond will support it. If the species of tropical fish you select doesn’t like particularly bright light, then placing a pond in direct sunlight may not be the best idea.
* Next, you’ll want to design the pond to hold the appropriate amount of water and provide for the necessary filtration and, if necessary, heating apparatus. You will need to make sure that wherever you decide to place the pond you have access to electrical current. This usually means you may need to run wiring out to the pond and make sure that it is rated for outdoor applications. If possible, you may want to place your pond on a separate circuit to isolate it from potential breaker trips and overloading.
* When building the pond you will want to make sure the materials you use are friendly to the fish you are going to have in the pond. Many ponds are constructed out of plastics and other materials. Some of these materials may let chemicals into the water than can be harmful to your tropical fish. Make sure you inquire where you purchase your fish and the building material about the materials you are using – especially the liner. They should be able to steer you towards material more suited for fish habitats.
Keep in mind that you will probably want more than just a hole in the ground. When designing the pond be sure to add aquatic plants, rocks and other items that will turn the pond into a landscape masterpiece. Small waterfalls can be nice to look and listen to, but check to make sure that the fish you are thinking of putting in the pond can withstand the impact of the falling water. Some fish prefer a quiet environment without much disturbance in the water.
* The first thing necessary when installing an outdoor pond is to pick an area that is appropriately sized and environmentally correct for your pond. Remember, freshwater tropical fish have different requirements – so you need to make sure you choose an area that is sized appropriately for the species of fish you will be placing into the pond. You also need to make sure the environment where you place the pond will support it. If the species of tropical fish you select doesn’t like particularly bright light, then placing a pond in direct sunlight may not be the best idea.
* Next, you’ll want to design the pond to hold the appropriate amount of water and provide for the necessary filtration and, if necessary, heating apparatus. You will need to make sure that wherever you decide to place the pond you have access to electrical current. This usually means you may need to run wiring out to the pond and make sure that it is rated for outdoor applications. If possible, you may want to place your pond on a separate circuit to isolate it from potential breaker trips and overloading.
* When building the pond you will want to make sure the materials you use are friendly to the fish you are going to have in the pond. Many ponds are constructed out of plastics and other materials. Some of these materials may let chemicals into the water than can be harmful to your tropical fish. Make sure you inquire where you purchase your fish and the building material about the materials you are using – especially the liner. They should be able to steer you towards material more suited for fish habitats.
Keep in mind that you will probably want more than just a hole in the ground. When designing the pond be sure to add aquatic plants, rocks and other items that will turn the pond into a landscape masterpiece. Small waterfalls can be nice to look and listen to, but check to make sure that the fish you are thinking of putting in the pond can withstand the impact of the falling water. Some fish prefer a quiet environment without much disturbance in the water.
Common Diseases of Tropical Fish and What to Do About Them
While tropical fish can be a wonderful hobby that many people enjoy, they also can be susceptible to diseases that if not caught early on can lead to early death of the fish and also risk of it spreading to other fish in the same habitat. Although there are literally hundreds of diseases that tropical fish can acquire, there is usually only a handful that most owners have to be on the watch for. Let’s look at some of them and help you understand how to identify them.
* Sometimes, straight from the store, fish will die. This is usually caused by something that is termed “new tank syndrome” and while not a disease as we traditionally think of them, it can be a problem unless you learn how to avoid it. All new fish should be introduced gradually to any environment. A minimum of 24-48 hours of keeping the bag the fish is in from the store emerged in the new water will usually take care of this problem. However, if it persists it could be an indication that the water is not the right temperature for them to survive or that there are contaminants in the water that is causing the sudden death.
* If you see something that looks like wool or cotton on the fish that does not mean they are preparing for winter. It is a sign of an infection and if caught early enough can be treated with an anti-fungal and/or a salt bath. Most experts recommend the anti-fugal treatment, and many pet and fish stores can recommend what is best for your environment.
* White spots on tropical fish are a very common disease that has a habit of showing up in new aquariums. This is usually an indication that a parasite is making its home in your aquarium. Again, there are a number of treatments available for this and many stores recommend that new aquariums be treated before any fish are introduced.
* If your fish appear bloated this is a symptom of a bacterial infection. It may also be indicated by what appears to be raised fins. Most of the time the cause is poor water conditions. Check your filter and if necessary, upgrade the filter to handle your aquarium size. There are medications available but they rarely work unless the root cause (poor water) is resolved.
* If your fish appear to have flaking scales, or dull color this can also be a sign of poor water conditions or the presence of parasites. The parasites carry a disease known as slime disease and there are medications available for this. The poor water can be solved as noted above.
We’ve given you a quick overview of some of the more common conditions you may notice in your aquarium with your tropical fish. By making sure you keep on top of the general health of your fish you can ensure that they will provide years of enjoyment and beauty in your home or office.
* Sometimes, straight from the store, fish will die. This is usually caused by something that is termed “new tank syndrome” and while not a disease as we traditionally think of them, it can be a problem unless you learn how to avoid it. All new fish should be introduced gradually to any environment. A minimum of 24-48 hours of keeping the bag the fish is in from the store emerged in the new water will usually take care of this problem. However, if it persists it could be an indication that the water is not the right temperature for them to survive or that there are contaminants in the water that is causing the sudden death.
* If you see something that looks like wool or cotton on the fish that does not mean they are preparing for winter. It is a sign of an infection and if caught early enough can be treated with an anti-fungal and/or a salt bath. Most experts recommend the anti-fugal treatment, and many pet and fish stores can recommend what is best for your environment.
* White spots on tropical fish are a very common disease that has a habit of showing up in new aquariums. This is usually an indication that a parasite is making its home in your aquarium. Again, there are a number of treatments available for this and many stores recommend that new aquariums be treated before any fish are introduced.
* If your fish appear bloated this is a symptom of a bacterial infection. It may also be indicated by what appears to be raised fins. Most of the time the cause is poor water conditions. Check your filter and if necessary, upgrade the filter to handle your aquarium size. There are medications available but they rarely work unless the root cause (poor water) is resolved.
* If your fish appear to have flaking scales, or dull color this can also be a sign of poor water conditions or the presence of parasites. The parasites carry a disease known as slime disease and there are medications available for this. The poor water can be solved as noted above.
We’ve given you a quick overview of some of the more common conditions you may notice in your aquarium with your tropical fish. By making sure you keep on top of the general health of your fish you can ensure that they will provide years of enjoyment and beauty in your home or office.
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