Pet fish are fragile and require extra care as compared to some other pets. With most freshwater species, such as goldfish, reaching at least a 20-year long life expectancy can only be achieved by providing fresh water, a clean environment, and proper nutrition. Here are tips on how to keep your fish healthy.
- Research
Before committing to a certain breed of fish, do your due diligence and be sure that you have the adequate resources to give them the environment and care that they deserve. This will entail details about required water type and pH levels, the size of the tank, food types and frequency of feeding, cleaning, and filtration.
In-depth research is required regarding these factors because the wrong tank size, for example, can kill your fish. You can get such crucial information from resources like FishLab.com.
- Tank Set-Up and Maintenance
Fish tanks are advised to be set up in a place where there is direct access to power, no direct sunlight, and not close to any air filtration items such as air conditioners. Any environment alteration can have dire consequences for the sensitive pets.
It isn’t advised to use sand or gravel as the base of your fish tank as these may contain toxic particles and harm the fish. Ensure that you choose an adequate filter system that will assist in a clean environment for your fish and avoid the use of chlorine in the water.
Detergents aren’t recommended for cleaning the inside of the tank as these can contaminate the water. A wet cloth will suffice.
- Eradicate stress zones
Intense stress can kill your fish meaning you have to create a stress-free environment. For example, new tank syndrome induces stress because the fish aren’t used to the environment. They need time to acclimatize to a new environment, just as you may when you go visit or live in a foreign land. Hiding away is one way that the fish acclimatize the environment. You can create hiding zones as a part of your substrate and décor to promote health and wellness in a new environment.
It is also recommended to add a few fish at a time in the tank. Too many fish at once can cause stress for both the older and newer fish. Gradual addition makes for easier adaptation.
- Water Cycling
Tank water needs to be cleaned and replenished every other week as fish are one of the few species that pass waste in the same space as where they eat. Changing water regularly makes for a toxic-free environment and encourages the fish to get the nutrients that they require from fresh food.
Water change is also essential in ensuring the correct water pH levels are maintained. When doing a routine water change, no more than 25% of water content should be removed from the tank at all times. Adding fish salt at each water change is also advised and using recommended water conditioners all help in ensuring the best survival water conditions.
- Regulate Temperature
Water temperature must constantly be regulated to avoid temperature drops that can kill your fish. Water can be regulated by reading a thermometer and using an aquarium heater to set the ideal temperature for the fish. Most fish will do well in temperatures ranging from 75-80º F, or 23-27º C. If a reading is below the required threshold, you will have to increase the temperature to safeguard your fish.
- Consistent Feeding
Researching the fish you intend to take care of enables you to know the right food they require as well as how often they should be fed. Species of fish are different and demand different nutrition sources that need to be given at stated times. Experts advise on considering not feeding your fish daily but at least five days a week. Days of fasting are believed to be beneficial for most pet fish as they can then utilize nutrients that are readily present in the freshwater.
It is important not to overfeed the fish and to remove all the extra food that remains in the tank after feeds. Food residue easily gets contaminated and can lead to fish fatalities.
Conclusion
To keep your fishes healthy, you must do research on how to care for your pets. Research topics such as the right tank size for your water volume and fish type. You must make sure that the fish are in a stress-free environment, in regulated temperatures, in clean water, and consistently fed. Make sure that the location of your tank is away from direct sunlight and rely only on an aquarium heater.
