Choosing your fish and Common fish problems.
Now you have selected the type of fish you want, you can start to think about purchasing them for your tank or pond. When buying, it is important that you are observant of the conditions the fish are kept in. and make sure they do not have any abnormalities or are damaged in any way.
It is recommended that you keep any new fish in water-filled bags, submersed in the tank for fifteen minutes prior to adding them, to allow for temperature equalisation. Similarly, if you are adding new fish to an already established set-up, you should quarantine them first, to ensure a smooth integration.
New fish and livestock should only be added least a week after you have set up the equipment in your pond of tank, unless you are using ATM products that will enable you to introduce live stock right away ask staff for details about this products or click on the menue button for ATM products this will ensure that all equipment is functional and that the water has stabilised.
Common fish problems
Is your fish looking a little under the weather? Are they behaving aggressively or exhibiting uncharacteristic traits? Uncovering an infestation or disease inside your tank quickly is key for stopping the spread of illness to other fish. Before you do anything, you should check your aquarium or pond for such basics as water temperature, Ph, ammonia, and nitrite levels and clarity, and the condition of the plants.
One of the most common causes of fish disease is stress which can be induced through; over-crowding, introduction of new fish, and dirty or unhygienic tank conditions, and poor water conditions, clear water does not mean its has good healthy water for fish to thrive,To combat this, it is recommended that you have a spare tank to quarantine any new or sick fish.
Spotting illnesses:
White spot: The emergence of tiny white spots all over your fish.
Velvet: The fish will become covered with a very light film that gives it a velvety finish. There is a chance the gills can become infected, causing the fish to behave in an irritable and restlessness way.
Pop eye: As the name suggests one or both eyes protrude from the head as the result of a bacteria-induced swelling behind the eye. This can be helped by better water conditions and passage of time.
Hole in the head: This unpleasant complaint usually occurs through poor water conditions and vitamin deficiencies.
Excessive mucus: This can sometimes happen when fish have sustained an injury, and produce the mucus as an immune reaction. This leaves the fish susceptible to other diseases such as fin rot.
Dealing with Dead Fish
The key to preventing any deaths is to always make sure that you are keeping a close eye on your tank conditions, plant-life and the behaviour and appearance of the fish themselves. A regular head count of all livestock is recommended, as corpses can be easily concealed in a thriving tank.
If a dead fish is discovered, it must be removed immediately to prevent the health of other fishes being jeopardised. It is always best to examine the corpse for the cause of death, if there are any signs of infection or illness, you will need to monitor the rest of the fish closely.
It is always important to test the water after removing a dead fish, whatever the cause of death, to ensure that it is still stable or to make any adjustments to prevent further deaths. You will need to leave a tank at least seven days before re-stocking, to ensure that any contamination has passed.