What is the most relaxing way to do on a weekend? Some would probably say spending time with family as tops on their list. Some would say playing games on the computer, while others would say just playing with their pets can give them that peaceful feeling. The same thing is true for me. Watching my fishes in my aquarium as they swim and eat gives me that feeling of serenity.
However, that feeling came to pass when, one day, I saw one of my goldfishes swimming (wobbling actually) awkwardly in the tank. It was leaning more on the right side and looks like it has not digested its food by the way it was acting. Based on research, I found out that what my fish was experiencing is called Swimbladder condition – that is, a fish having difficulty swimming in upright position, thus, it’s either leaning to the left or to the right, or is wobbling in water.
I found out that this disorder is commonly associated with goldfish and usually, is caused by abrupt changes in water conditions or infections.
How do you know your fish is sick?
Look for signs. Most of the time, we take it for granted that the fish is developing its color or is growing bigger and bigger, while we dismiss other indications of illness. Following are some warning signs that your fish is sick:
- White or red spots on fins or tails
- Lesions on the body
- Refuses to eat
- Pale colored gills
- Scales sticking out
- Swollen reddish eyes
- Is swimming upside down
- Wobbling
There are times when we spend time and money for our fishes and yet, in the end, some fishes still end up contracting diseases. This cannot be helped, as like humans and other pets, fishes also get sick. However, no matter what “tender loving care” we extend to our fishes, other factors also come into play like:
- Microbial or bacterial infection
- Fish fights
- Ratio of size of aquarium against the number of fishes (the more fishes you have in a small aquarium, the lesser oxygen levels to share among the fishes)
- Diet and nutrition problems
Knowing the root cause of the disease helps a lot in determining the proper care for the fish. You just cannot feed your fish with medicated food if you’re not even sure about the reason for the disease. Thus, in general, here are some tips that you can follow:
- Baths. Bathe your fish in a pail with medication or simply with a salt and water solution.
- Prevention is key here, thus, you need to be extra alert when observing your fishes
- You may opt to apply antibacterial medicines to prevent the spread of the disease to other fishes
- Separate the sick fish from the healthy ones
- Use heat therapy to kill some parasites. Take note, however, that some fishes prefer to be in cold water environment.
However, that feeling came to pass when, one day, I saw one of my goldfishes swimming (wobbling actually) awkwardly in the tank. It was leaning more on the right side and looks like it has not digested its food by the way it was acting. Based on research, I found out that what my fish was experiencing is called Swimbladder condition – that is, a fish having difficulty swimming in upright position, thus, it’s either leaning to the left or to the right, or is wobbling in water.
I found out that this disorder is commonly associated with goldfish and usually, is caused by abrupt changes in water conditions or infections.
How do you know your fish is sick?
Look for signs. Most of the time, we take it for granted that the fish is developing its color or is growing bigger and bigger, while we dismiss other indications of illness. Following are some warning signs that your fish is sick:
- White or red spots on fins or tails
- Lesions on the body
- Refuses to eat
- Pale colored gills
- Scales sticking out
- Swollen reddish eyes
- Is swimming upside down
- Wobbling
There are times when we spend time and money for our fishes and yet, in the end, some fishes still end up contracting diseases. This cannot be helped, as like humans and other pets, fishes also get sick. However, no matter what “tender loving care” we extend to our fishes, other factors also come into play like:
- Microbial or bacterial infection
- Fish fights
- Ratio of size of aquarium against the number of fishes (the more fishes you have in a small aquarium, the lesser oxygen levels to share among the fishes)
- Diet and nutrition problems
Knowing the root cause of the disease helps a lot in determining the proper care for the fish. You just cannot feed your fish with medicated food if you’re not even sure about the reason for the disease. Thus, in general, here are some tips that you can follow:
- Baths. Bathe your fish in a pail with medication or simply with a salt and water solution.
- Prevention is key here, thus, you need to be extra alert when observing your fishes
- You may opt to apply antibacterial medicines to prevent the spread of the disease to other fishes
- Separate the sick fish from the healthy ones
- Use heat therapy to kill some parasites. Take note, however, that some fishes prefer to be in cold water environment.
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Various Methods To Remove Aquarium Snails 05/13/2011
Here is a hypothetical scenario for you: One day you found a single snail in your aquarium. You were not bothered by it because it was just a single snail. Then the following weeks, you discover that snails have infested your fish tank! Now, you wonder how did they reproduce that fast and how will you get rid of those snails.
Below are different methods in removing aquarium snails.
Minimize Food Supply
Snails multiply so fast because the more they eat, the more they rapidly reproduce. So, decreasing their food source controls the duplication of their species. Overfeeding your fish is one way of giving the snails food to consume. This is one of the reasons why you should never overfeed your fish. In order to prevent leftover foods for the snails, observe your fish after 3-5 minutes. If there is excessive food left, then you are overfeeding your fish. You can also remove uneaten foods to prevent snails from consuming them, thus, preventing their speedy procreation.
Predators
Predators are carnivorous animals that hunt and kill other animals for survival. Place some snail-hunters in your aquarium, such as the Clown Loaches. These predators adeptly snatch the snail’s unprotected soft part and suck the snail out from its shell. Other predators, like Putterfish, use their jaws to break down the shell before getting through the soft part of the snail.
Manual Extraction
In order for the snails to go to the surface of the fish tank, stop the aeration. Snails need air to breath. So, if there is low oxygen in the tank, they will climb up to the surface to grasp air. Once they are on the surface, it will be easy for you to remove them.
Chemicals
The use of chemical is very helpful in eliminating snails in your aquarium. Different specifically made chemicals are available in every fish store. Although they are very reliable in eliminating snails, they also are capable of killing all types of bacteria, good or bad. This destruction of beneficial bacteria can affect the growth of your fish as well as the plants present in your fish tank. So, using these chemicals will be your last alternative in killing the snails.
Clean the Plants and Gravels
Prevention is better than cure. Every time you buy plants and gravels from any fish store, you are not aware if snail eggs are present because they are usually unseen. To prevent any introduction of snail in your aquarium, it is best to clean all the plants and gravel before putting them into your fish tank. Snails are very sensitive to salt water, thus, you can try soaking them in warm salt water for 10 minutes.
Below are different methods in removing aquarium snails.
Minimize Food Supply
Snails multiply so fast because the more they eat, the more they rapidly reproduce. So, decreasing their food source controls the duplication of their species. Overfeeding your fish is one way of giving the snails food to consume. This is one of the reasons why you should never overfeed your fish. In order to prevent leftover foods for the snails, observe your fish after 3-5 minutes. If there is excessive food left, then you are overfeeding your fish. You can also remove uneaten foods to prevent snails from consuming them, thus, preventing their speedy procreation.
Predators
Predators are carnivorous animals that hunt and kill other animals for survival. Place some snail-hunters in your aquarium, such as the Clown Loaches. These predators adeptly snatch the snail’s unprotected soft part and suck the snail out from its shell. Other predators, like Putterfish, use their jaws to break down the shell before getting through the soft part of the snail.
Manual Extraction
In order for the snails to go to the surface of the fish tank, stop the aeration. Snails need air to breath. So, if there is low oxygen in the tank, they will climb up to the surface to grasp air. Once they are on the surface, it will be easy for you to remove them.
Chemicals
The use of chemical is very helpful in eliminating snails in your aquarium. Different specifically made chemicals are available in every fish store. Although they are very reliable in eliminating snails, they also are capable of killing all types of bacteria, good or bad. This destruction of beneficial bacteria can affect the growth of your fish as well as the plants present in your fish tank. So, using these chemicals will be your last alternative in killing the snails.
Clean the Plants and Gravels
Prevention is better than cure. Every time you buy plants and gravels from any fish store, you are not aware if snail eggs are present because they are usually unseen. To prevent any introduction of snail in your aquarium, it is best to clean all the plants and gravel before putting them into your fish tank. Snails are very sensitive to salt water, thus, you can try soaking them in warm salt water for 10 minutes.
Fish and Fish Tank: Facts To Know 05/13/2011
Many people are asking questions whenever they see various fish species and organisms in an aquarium. I can see smiles on their faces when they see different colors, appearance and sizes of every living thing they can find in my aquarium. I am a proprietor of a fish store in our place. And everytime people ask me question, I always answer back based on my knowledge and experience everything about fishes and their related issues. Maybe some of the questions here are the same questions in your mind. So let me give you the same answers I gave them.
Can I feed my fish any time I want?
No! Overfeeding causes foods that are left uneaten to rot, which may accidentally be consumed by your fish that could cause gastrointestinal problems. Likewise, increase in leftover foods cause your aquarium to become dirty and unhygienic. This would so mean more frequent cleaning of your fish tanks.
Do I have to remove everything whenever I clean my aquarium?
I suggest that you do not do that. Removing everything inside your aquarium is a waste of your time and energy. Ideally, you can change at least 10-15% of water every two weeks. This way, you do not have to remove your fish from your tank because the water left in your tank can accommodate the needs of your fish. Also, unwanted accidents might happen each time you try removing everything. Fish are slippery because of their scales, and they might fall off your hands resulting to physical injury.
Can I use tap water?
Yes, you can. But, you need to dechlorinate your tap water first before adding it to your aquarium. Your tap water contains elements that are considered dangerous and unsafe to your fish such as chlorine, chloramines, copper, phosphates and other minerals. Neutralizers and dechlorinating solutions are available in any local pet store.
What will I do in case of power failure?
In case of power failure, you cannot do anything, but to observe your fish and look for signs of stress. Gasping and rapidly expanding their gills is one way of knowing that your fish is under stress. During power cut, the temperature in your aquarium drops. To avoid further decrease in temperature, pour some hot water in soda bottles and let them float in your aquarium. In a worse case scenario, let’s say a 24-hour power shutdown, you can change at least 25% water. But the best thing to do is to turn on your generator, if you have one.
Can I mix two medicines at a time?
No, you can’t. Mixing two different kinds of medicine might harm your fish instead of making them well. But, if you really have to pour two different medications, then you have to ask the help of a professional. Combination of different medicines might counteract their effects which can harm your fish or any type of organism in your tank.
These are simple questions yet so important if you are planning to start your own fish tank. It is always best to ask questions than to always have doubts. Anyway, asking questions is free of charge!
Can I feed my fish any time I want?
No! Overfeeding causes foods that are left uneaten to rot, which may accidentally be consumed by your fish that could cause gastrointestinal problems. Likewise, increase in leftover foods cause your aquarium to become dirty and unhygienic. This would so mean more frequent cleaning of your fish tanks.
Do I have to remove everything whenever I clean my aquarium?
I suggest that you do not do that. Removing everything inside your aquarium is a waste of your time and energy. Ideally, you can change at least 10-15% of water every two weeks. This way, you do not have to remove your fish from your tank because the water left in your tank can accommodate the needs of your fish. Also, unwanted accidents might happen each time you try removing everything. Fish are slippery because of their scales, and they might fall off your hands resulting to physical injury.
Can I use tap water?
Yes, you can. But, you need to dechlorinate your tap water first before adding it to your aquarium. Your tap water contains elements that are considered dangerous and unsafe to your fish such as chlorine, chloramines, copper, phosphates and other minerals. Neutralizers and dechlorinating solutions are available in any local pet store.
What will I do in case of power failure?
In case of power failure, you cannot do anything, but to observe your fish and look for signs of stress. Gasping and rapidly expanding their gills is one way of knowing that your fish is under stress. During power cut, the temperature in your aquarium drops. To avoid further decrease in temperature, pour some hot water in soda bottles and let them float in your aquarium. In a worse case scenario, let’s say a 24-hour power shutdown, you can change at least 25% water. But the best thing to do is to turn on your generator, if you have one.
Can I mix two medicines at a time?
No, you can’t. Mixing two different kinds of medicine might harm your fish instead of making them well. But, if you really have to pour two different medications, then you have to ask the help of a professional. Combination of different medicines might counteract their effects which can harm your fish or any type of organism in your tank.
These are simple questions yet so important if you are planning to start your own fish tank. It is always best to ask questions than to always have doubts. Anyway, asking questions is free of charge!
For beginner fish hobbyists, choosing which type of fish you want in your new aquarium is not like choosing a pair of shoes to match with your clothes. You need to know more than just pointing a finger and selecting which fish you want. You need to consider many things before you should purchase your first fish. Otherwise, you might end up frustrated and start thinking that this is not a worthwhile hobby.
Here are some guidelines for choosing the right fish for your aquarium:
Size of Your Aquarium
As a first timer, it is important to know how many fish you can put in your aquarium. Fish should have enough space to swim freely. Ideally, a fish tank can support an inch of a fish per one gallon of water. So, you cannot have a fish that grows 5 inches big if your aquarium can only hold 3 gallons of water.
Know The Fish
It is wise to know something about the fish you want before buying, such as the type of food it eats and the water condition it is acclimatized to. A sea water fish will never survive in a fresh water aquarium the same way a fresh water fish will die in sea water environment. A fish that is used to live in soft-acid environment will never be able stay alive in hard-alkaline water. So before making a final decision, try to learn more about the fish you intend to buy as well as the environment where it would most likely survive in.
Here are some guidelines for choosing the right fish for your aquarium:
Size of Your Aquarium
As a first timer, it is important to know how many fish you can put in your aquarium. Fish should have enough space to swim freely. Ideally, a fish tank can support an inch of a fish per one gallon of water. So, you cannot have a fish that grows 5 inches big if your aquarium can only hold 3 gallons of water.
Know The Fish
It is wise to know something about the fish you want before buying, such as the type of food it eats and the water condition it is acclimatized to. A sea water fish will never survive in a fresh water aquarium the same way a fresh water fish will die in sea water environment. A fish that is used to live in soft-acid environment will never be able stay alive in hard-alkaline water. So before making a final decision, try to learn more about the fish you intend to buy as well as the environment where it would most likely survive in.
Healthy Fish
In buying fish from a fish store, you had better think twice if you see the show tank of the store. If there are floating dead fish or weak fish in their tanks, then better visit another store. Do not buy fish with folded fins and dull scales because these indicate that the fish is not healthy. Gills should expand habitually but not quickly.
Compatibility
Compatibility should be considered when buying a new fish. You should know if it is acceptable to combine your new fish with your existing fish. Learn the behavior of your fish. Some fish are territorial in nature and have the predisposition to attack something that is within their territory. This might cause harm and injury to your fish and may cause fatality.
Behavior
Learn the different behavior of the fish you want. Some fish are slow swimmers, but it does not mean that they are sick. Aggressive fish should not be mixed with timid ones. They will only disturb and annoy the less aggressive ones and have the great advantage of growing more in size because they tend to consume more food than the tentative fish.
Most beginners base their fish purchase on color, size and appearance without getting themselves acquainted with the fish. Consequently, difficulties arise and fish fatality increases. So, better do your research prior to buying your fish.
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Recommended Reading: Here is a good site about tropical fishes that you can find here.
For additional information on how to choose fish for your aquarium, please view this video by Chris Simms, owner of Aquatic Central in San Francisco, California.
In buying fish from a fish store, you had better think twice if you see the show tank of the store. If there are floating dead fish or weak fish in their tanks, then better visit another store. Do not buy fish with folded fins and dull scales because these indicate that the fish is not healthy. Gills should expand habitually but not quickly.
Compatibility
Compatibility should be considered when buying a new fish. You should know if it is acceptable to combine your new fish with your existing fish. Learn the behavior of your fish. Some fish are territorial in nature and have the predisposition to attack something that is within their territory. This might cause harm and injury to your fish and may cause fatality.
Behavior
Learn the different behavior of the fish you want. Some fish are slow swimmers, but it does not mean that they are sick. Aggressive fish should not be mixed with timid ones. They will only disturb and annoy the less aggressive ones and have the great advantage of growing more in size because they tend to consume more food than the tentative fish.
Most beginners base their fish purchase on color, size and appearance without getting themselves acquainted with the fish. Consequently, difficulties arise and fish fatality increases. So, better do your research prior to buying your fish.
*****************************************************
Recommended Reading: Here is a good site about tropical fishes that you can find here.
For additional information on how to choose fish for your aquarium, please view this video by Chris Simms, owner of Aquatic Central in San Francisco, California.
I cannot determine how many times someone has admired my aquarium and asked questions about the proper ways to maintain a hygienic and clean fish tank. Some of them would utter something like, “we had fish once but they died”. I told them that, in order to keep the fish healthy and energetic, you need to keep your water clean at all times. By doing this, it will make your fish happy, grow healthy and produce the finest color they have. You need to do some simple things to maintain a healthy water condition in your fish tank.
Temperature
Different species of fishes come from two main groups. One group comes from tropical or warm waters, while the other is from cold waters. Maintaining the right amount of temperature is very important if you are to keep your fish alive. You cannot combine a fish used to cold-water condition with fishes from warm water conditions because they will never be able to tolerate change of temperature.
Filtration
It is true that some fish species thrive in unclean water long periods of time. However, do not make this a reason for you not to change water regularly. Water that is polluted and dirty may cause diseases that could eventually result to fish mortality. To avoid this, you need to follow a filtration process, which eliminates unwanted objects with the use of a filter. In an aquarium, the purpose of a filter is to break down natural waste products, chemical solutions added into the fish tank, and medications to keep your water clean.
Oxygenation
Every living organism needs oxygen to survive. Oxygen is essential not only to your fishes, but also to plants inside your aquarium. The normal oxygen level a fish needs is 5-7mg/liter, thus, an overcrowded aquarium may result in low oxygenation, which is unfavorable to both fish and plant. Low oxygen level creates stress on your fish and may eventually hinder with filtration, thereby resulting to decrease in the quality of your water.
Water Changes
It is advisable to replace your water every two weeks. Otherwise, nitrates accumulate which is dangerous to the health of your fish. If possible, change at least 10% of aquarium water for the first week and replace 20% of water the following week. If your fish is under medication, frequently change water to prevent collection of residuals.
Use of Tap Water
Tap water does not kill your fish instantly, but after some time they will die. This is because tap water contains chlorine, chloramines, copper and phosphates that are harmful to them. In order to eliminate these hazardous elements, use dechlorinating solutions and neutralizers available in fish stores. Chlorine is easy to remove because it evaporates. To remove chlorine, let your tap water remain in a container for a few hours before adding it to your fish tank.
Temperature
Different species of fishes come from two main groups. One group comes from tropical or warm waters, while the other is from cold waters. Maintaining the right amount of temperature is very important if you are to keep your fish alive. You cannot combine a fish used to cold-water condition with fishes from warm water conditions because they will never be able to tolerate change of temperature.
Filtration
It is true that some fish species thrive in unclean water long periods of time. However, do not make this a reason for you not to change water regularly. Water that is polluted and dirty may cause diseases that could eventually result to fish mortality. To avoid this, you need to follow a filtration process, which eliminates unwanted objects with the use of a filter. In an aquarium, the purpose of a filter is to break down natural waste products, chemical solutions added into the fish tank, and medications to keep your water clean.
Oxygenation
Every living organism needs oxygen to survive. Oxygen is essential not only to your fishes, but also to plants inside your aquarium. The normal oxygen level a fish needs is 5-7mg/liter, thus, an overcrowded aquarium may result in low oxygenation, which is unfavorable to both fish and plant. Low oxygen level creates stress on your fish and may eventually hinder with filtration, thereby resulting to decrease in the quality of your water.
Water Changes
It is advisable to replace your water every two weeks. Otherwise, nitrates accumulate which is dangerous to the health of your fish. If possible, change at least 10% of aquarium water for the first week and replace 20% of water the following week. If your fish is under medication, frequently change water to prevent collection of residuals.
Use of Tap Water
Tap water does not kill your fish instantly, but after some time they will die. This is because tap water contains chlorine, chloramines, copper and phosphates that are harmful to them. In order to eliminate these hazardous elements, use dechlorinating solutions and neutralizers available in fish stores. Chlorine is easy to remove because it evaporates. To remove chlorine, let your tap water remain in a container for a few hours before adding it to your fish tank.
