FRESHWATER OR SALT WATER?

Depending on the type of fish that you own, you will either be caring for a saltwater or freshwater tank. Though it’s true that saltwater tanks are significantly more complicated to maintain than freshwater tanks, this doesn’t mean that you can ignore the needs of your freshwater fish. The pH, temperature and nitrite levels of your freshwater tank are very important in caring for your fish’s health.

For saltwater tanks, you will most likely be using “live rock” in your tank. Live rock can greatly help the health of your tank, as long as it is used properly. Live rock often needs to “cure” in your tank for a few weeks before your tank is ready to host saltwater fish and other organisms.

HEALTH PROBLEMS

Caring for a fish involves being aware of some of the most common health problems that can affect fish. For example, fin rot is extremely common in tanks that have a high level of bacteria. If you notice a change in your fish’s behavior or appearance, this may be a sign that your fish is suffering from a health problem. Educate yourself about some common fish diseases, as well as the symptoms they usually cause in fish. In general, keeping your tank clean is a great way to prevent potentially serious health problems in pet fish.

TANK CLEANING

Cleaning your fish’s tank is one of the most important things that you can do to ensure that your fish remain healthy. Many people believe that the water in a fish’s tank needs to be completely replaced in order for the tank to be properly cleaned. In reality, this is not the case! Replacing about 20% of the water in your tank on a weekly basis will go a long way towards ensuring that your fish tank remains fairly clean. It’s best to siphon off the water at the bottom of the tank when cleaning, since this is where the most debris and waste collects.

WHEN IT’S BEST TO EUTHANIZE A FISH

There are certain diseases that can affect fish that will sometimes progress to the point that they become incurable. An example of this is dropsy, which is usually only visually detected in a fish after their internal organs have already been severely damaged. Since dropsy may be contagious to other fish in the tank, it’s often recommended that you isolate the fish that has become infected. If you notice an epidemic of a lethal disease spreading in your tank, it’s often best to simply euthanize any infected fish as soon as possible, in order to prevent further spreading of the disease.

HUMANE METHOD #1 – ANESTHETIC OVERDOSE

This method uses a substance called Tricaine Methanesulfonate, or TMS. Commercially, this is a substance that goes by the name of MS222 or Finquel. Most pet care supply stores carry this substance, and it can be purchased online for approximately $10 – $25. According to most aquatic fish experts, euthanizing the fish can be accomplished simply by doubling the dose that you would normally use for anesthetizing the fish. Since this substance is FDA approved, it has been shown by many people to be a painless, effective way to humanely euthanize a fish.

HUMANE METHOD #2 – CLOVE OIL AND VODKA

Contrary to popular belief, the use of clove oil alone is usually not enough to safely euthanize a fish. Also, it’s very important to remember that clove oil should not be used at the same time as the vodka.

1. Begin by removing the fish from the main tank (if you haven’t already) and placing them in a small container with some tank water. Make note of how much tank water you use to keep your fish, as this is important for maintaining a proper ratio.
2. Fill a small jar (such as a baby food bottle) with tank water. Put one to two drops of pure clove oil into the jar, shake vigorously.
3. Pour ¼ of this mixture into the fish’s enclosure. After approximately ten minutes, the fish will fall asleep, sinking to the bottom of the container.
4. Once the fish is sleeping, add pure white grain alcohol that is approximately 20 to 20% of the total water volume in the fish’s enclosure. Wait 20 minutes.
5. Carefully check the fish’s movements after 20 minutes. If there is no movement in the fish’s gills, they have quietly expired. If they still have some gill movement, add more grain alcohol until their movement ceases.

GOLDFISH

Goldfish are by far the most common species of fish that are kept in freshwater aquariums. Goldfish are very inexpensive, and are easily able to adapt to a variety of living environments without excessive stress. Goldfish are of ancient Chinese origin, and at one time people that were outside of the Imperial family were not allowed to keep certain types of goldfish. Contrary to popular belief, goldfish need a large amount of water in order to be healthy. This is because goldfish expel a significant amount of waste both through their bowels and from their gills. This waste accumulation is the number one reason why goldfish kept in small bowls seem to die suddenly. Though goldfish are relatively hardy, they will not be able to survive rapid, sudden changes in temperature. However, most goldfish are able to survive in tanks without external heat, which makes them great pets for fish owners on a budget. Goldfish thrive when exposed to ultraviolet light, however, since it allows them to have a pigment production response which brightens their color. If a goldfish is kept in a dark area for an extended period of time, their skin will lose its colors and turn a dull gray.

NEON TETRA

Tetra fish are a small species of fish that are native to Africa, Central America and South America. The most common of the tetra fish that are kept in home aquariums are called neon tetras. Neon tetras are characterized by bright, vibrant colors, which are light blue, silver-white and an iridescent blue horizontal stripe that runs down their side. Neon tetras are best kept in groups of five or more, since they are prone to being shy and antisocial if alone. Neon tetras can live for a very long time, sometimes being known to live for ten years or more. Neon tetra fish are commonly kept in aquariums due to their inexpensive price and relatively low-impact behavior.

ANGELFISH

Freshwater angelfish are classified as being part of the genus pterophyllum. Currently, all know species of freshwater angelfish are native to the Orinoco River, Amazon River and Essequibo River basins in South America. Angelfish are very triangular in shape, with dramatically protruding fins. They tend to have vertical stripes that give them a method of camouflage among aquatic plant life. Angelfish are a predatory species, and may sometimes eat smaller fish in their tank if not properly fed. Angelfish are a fairly common species among freshwater fish owners because of their exotic appearance and dramatic color pattern.

DEFINITION OF SLEEP

Humans spend approximately eight hours per night sleeping, which equates to about one third of the time of an average human life. Human sleep consists of a period in which our heart rate and breathing decreases, muscle relaxation occurs and a deep ‘hibernation’ period occurs. According to the Saunders Comprehensive Veterinary Dictionary, sleep in animals is generally defined as “… a period of rest during which bodily functions are suspended and diminished sensitivity to eternal stimuli”. Most pet care experts agree that many animals experience ‘sleep’ in different ways. In fact, it’s been confirmed by some fish care specialists that the brain waves of ‘sleeping’ fish support the fact that fish do not experience sleep in the same way as some higher vertebrates.

SLEEPING FISH

It’s generally accepted that fish have a designated period of ‘rest’ in which their awareness of their surroundings substantially decrease. However, fish do not enter a period of unconsciousness in which they are completely unaware of the world around them. The brain waves of most species of fish are unchanged during periods of ‘rest’, which means that fish do not experience REM sleep. During this period, the fish may drift with little or no fin movement around the bottom of the tank. Most ‘sleeping’ fish rest on the bottom of the tank, though are easily roused from their period of rest if subjected to external stimuli.

HIBERNATING FISH

Certain species of fish have a sleep cycle that is mostly attributed to hibernation. During this period, a fish will enter a sedentary state, in which their metabolic rate greatly decreases. This also results in a slowing down of all of a fish’s bodily functions, though this is not as drastic as the type of hibernation experienced by certain mammals. Hibernating fish sometimes retreat to a small shelter, or may simply reside in a low area of their water habitat.

DORMANT FISH

There are some special species of fish that enter a period of estivation during dry seasons in order to prevent from becoming dehydrated. This is an extremely interesting phenomenon, since it allows a fish to essentially survive outside of water for a period of drought or extreme heat. In Africa, there is a species of fish that cocoons itself inside a casing of mud in order to spend several months in a dormant state. This is similar to the behavior of Carp, who bury themselves in mud during the cold winter months in order to prevent themselves from freezing.

ADVANTAGES

Many people opt to purchase larger pet fish for ‘personality’ reasons. To have a pet means to become attached to your pet’s behavior, which seems to be much easier to accomplish with larger pet fish. Most large pet fish species can be trained to be relatively personable, and may even eat food directly from your hand after a certain amount of training. Large fish species also are usually much more exotic in appearance, and bring a variable positive element to a fish tank when placed in a highly visible location. Larger species of fish tend to feel more like interactive ‘pets’, and less like simply an addition to the décor.

DISADVANTAGES

One of the most commonly cited disadvantage of large fish species as pets is that they tend to be relatively expensive. Many of the larger species of pet fish can cost over $15, and may sometimes cost as much as $1000 or more! This means that they can become an extremely expensive investment, and are substantially difficult to replace if they become diseased or die from a health condition. In addition to this, larger species of fish also tend to need more space, meaning you may need to invest in a much larger aquarium. Many larger fish also have specialized fish care needs, which may require that you purchase special equipment for your tank. Due to the larger size of a tank for big pet fish, this will also mean that you will need to purchase a water filter that is able to handle a high volume of water. If you also factor in the cost of replacing the filter, large pet fish tend to be fairly expensive to care for and maintain.

SMALL PET FISH

ADVANTAGES

Smaller species of fish make great pets for people looking to begin learning about the care requirements of fish. Small fish usually don’t require an excess of tank space, and will be content in a 10 or 20 gallon tank. There are many species of smaller pet fish that are very hardy, and will be able to easily cope with any changes in their environment. Smaller pet fish are much less expensive than bigger species of pet fish, and it is possible to purchase approximately 10-20 fish for under $10.00. Smaller fish also make great pets for households with children, since they are a low-cost way to help a child to understand the responsibilities associated with proper pet care.

DISADVANTAGES

Though smaller fish are less expensive than larger pet fish, they are also more prone to accidental death by becoming lodged in small spaces. Many smaller species of fish may become stuck in the filtration system of their tank, resulting in their unfortunate demise. Smaller fish are also more prone to be ‘jumpers’, and may occasionally leap from their tank without a protective barrier. In addition to this, it’s often much more difficult to spot signs of disease, infection or injury on smaller fish, which could result in the entire tank becoming contaminated.

The ‘Upside Down Catfish’ (technically called synodontis nigriventris) is thus named for its amusing habit of swimming primarily while upside down. The upside-down catfish is native to Africa, in the Central Congo basin. This species of fish is relatively easy to care for due to its small size, and hardiness in varied water conditions. Upside-Down catfish will thrive off of a diet that includes flake food, frozen food and live food. It’s best to keep upside-down catfish in groups of three, since this is the best proven fish care method for preventing them from becoming lonely.

ROSY BARB

Rosy barb fish are a tropical freshwater fish that are related to minnows. Rosy barb fish are native to Bengal, India as well as certain parts of Southeast Asia. They are one of the larger species of barb fish, growing up to 6 inches (14 cm) in length. They are pinkish in color, with the males tending to have a distinct reddish color to their fins. Rosy Barb fish are very easy to care for, due to their hardy qualities and peaceful nature. It’s best to keep Rosy Barb fish in groups of five fish or more, in order to prevent them from becoming too aggressive.

GOLDFISH

Goldfish are widely recognized for their high value as simple aquarium fish to care for, currently being the most popular fish kept by aquarium owners worldwide. The typical orange coloration of today’s goldfish is actually the result of an ancient genetic defect in the breed, with the color being selectively bred into future goldfish populations. Today, goldfish are available in a variety of colors, and also have many different breed variations. Goldfish food is easily available for purchase at most pet care supply stores, and is usually fairly inexpensive as well.

BETTA

Betta fish are becoming increasingly more popular, being available in supermarkets, pet supply stores and even home decoration supply stores. Though this is partially due to the vibrant colorations associated with the betta fish breed, it is also because betta fish are relatively hardy when it comes to their environment. Betta fish can tolerate a variety of temperatures, water quality conditions and pH levels in their tank. However, it’s still important to ensure that your betta fish is properly cared for, as this is not an excuse to refrain from cleaning your betta fish’s tank.

DANIO

Danio fish are surface feeders, and are able to thrive off of most any commercial fish food product. Since Danio fish are such enthusiastic feeders, it’s important to ensure that they do not consume the majority of the food designated for other fish during feeding time. Danio fish are playful, active and energetic, being prone to display lighting fast dashes across their fish tank. Danio fish are also very hardy, and are generally accepted as being very easy to care for. However, it is possible for Danio fish to become aggressive, especially if kept in a small tank. To avoid this behavior, be sure that your tank is large enough to give Danio fish adequate swimming space.

Gourami fish are known for being relatively intelligent, and they can often be trained to follow some simple visual commands. Gourami fish are very fun to care for, and make great pets for small children as a training project. They are also very visually appealing, with russet or blue stripes. Though Gourami fish are usually very peaceful, they can sometimes become very aggressive towards smaller fish, or male fish of the same species. It’s common for this fish to become aggressive in smaller tanks, especially tanks that only have a limited amount of shelter.

INDIAN GLASSY FISH

The glass fish is a very well-known aquarium fish that is especially popular among small aquarium owners. The appearance of the glass fish is the main appeal, with the fish’s body being almost entirely transparent. Most Indian glassy fish are ‘painted’ with fluorescent colors in order to be more visually appealing. Male fish of this species have a dark edge to their dorsal fin, while the female glassy fish are almost entirely transparent. The largest an Indian glassy fish will grow is approximately 3.1 inches, or 8.0 cm. These fish make great pets, though have specialized pet care needs, and are more sensitive to any changes in their environment.

DANIO

Danio fish are very alert, energetic and can be very entertaining to watch. They make great pets because of their hyperactive demeanor, often participating in underwater acrobatic maneuvers. These fish are often sometimes casually referred to as “Zebra” fish, due to their black and white striped appearance. The main setback of this breed of fish is that they tend to be slightly aggressive, mostly due to their energetic temperament. However, due to their small size, most Danio fish will thrive in a tank that consists of other larger species of fish. Danio fish can eat flaked food, and tend to easily survive any changes to their environment.

PLECOSTOMUS

Plecostomus, or pleco fish are great bottom-feeding fish that are native to Central and South America. Pleco fish make great pets due to their voracious appetite for algae, which helps to keep home aquariums free from excessive algae growth. Pleco fish are omnivorous, and will thrive off of a diet that includes both plant and meat ingredients. They primarily feed at night, and are not incredibly active during daylight hours.

GOLDFISH

Goldfish are an extremely popular breed of fish for home aquariums, due to their hardiness and general lack of specialized fish care needs. Goldfish were the earliest breed of fish to be domesticated for indoor keeping, and are the domesticated descendants of the Prussian carp fish. Goldfish are commonly bred for selective characteristics, and are available in a variety of different color patterns as a result. Some goldfish may be the typical golden orange color, while others may have white, yellow, orange and black color variations. In some goldfish, the color silver or gray is a sought-after characteristic, since these fish tend to produce unique color patterns when bred.

SELECTING A BETTA FISH

Choosing a betta fish at the pet store can be difficult, since many of them sport brilliant, aesthetically appealing colors. However, though it may be tempting, it’s not advised that you purchase two betta fish with the intention of putting them in the same small bowl. This is especially true of male betta fish, which may become very aggressive if kept in close quarters with another male betta fish. If you have a larger fish tank, try selecting two fish of opposite genders, or two female betta fish. Be sure to choose a betta fish that is alert, unblemished and energetic. Since betta fish are prone to certain fungal and bacterial infections, it’s important to thoroughly inspect a betta fish before bringing them home with you.

FEEDING A BETTA FISH

Betta fish are primarily carnivorous fish, which means that they will best respond to a diet that is high in fresh or frozen organisms. In the wild, most betta fish feed on insect larvae (flies, grasshoppers, crickets, etc) and zooplankton. If you feed your betta fish a wide variety of foods, most pet care specialists agree that this will allow your betta fish to enjoy a much longer, disease- free life. In addition to this, well-fed betta fish tend to have brighter color patterns, and will heal any damage to their fins at a much faster rate. Betta fish are not able to live off of the traditional flaked food that is appropriate for many other species of fish, since it does not satisfy their carnivorous requirements.

BETTA FISH WITH OTHER SPECIES

Though betta fish are known for being aggressive, it is possible to keep a betta fish in a fish tank with other species of fish. There are certain types of fish species that have proven to be compatible with betta fish, though it is still not recommended that you put a male betta fish in a tank with several other male fish. Some of the species that may be kept with betta fish include loaches, corydoras catfish and platies fish. In general, betta fish tend to be very aggressive towards fish with long fins, such as guppies. It’s also not recommended that you put a betta fish in a tank with very small fish (less than one inch in length). Due to a betta fish’s carnivorous nature, they may eat these smaller fish to supplement their diet.

SETTING UP YOUR AQUARIUM

The first decision you will need to make is if you are going to be caring for freshwater fish, or saltwater fish. Depending on this choice, you will need to purchase different types of equipment. However, the most basic decision you will need to make is the size of the aquarium tank that you are looking to purchase. Technically, a 10 gallon tank will be generally suitable for most small fish, though the ASPCA recommends that you purchase a 20 gallon tank to prevent overcrowding. In addition to this, a 20 gallon tank will allow you to have better control over the water conditions in your tank. Try to set up your aquarium at least four days before you are going to add fish to the tank. Rinse any gravel, decorations or fake plants thoroughly in distilled water for at least ten minutes before putting them into your tank. Set up your tank in the area you wish to place it in your home, and turn on your filtration device. This will allow the water in your tank to be thoroughly filtered before your fish are introduced to the environment.

INITIAL AQUARIUM FISH CARE

Once you have fish in your aquarium, it’s time to begin a general maintenance routine. Most fish will be content to be fed once per day, though you may wish to space their feedings out to twice per day. It’s important to keep your fish’s daily feeding on a set schedule, as this can help to prevent digestive problems. Be sure to monitor your fish closely, and have a quarantine tank prepared in case one of your fish succumbs to disease.

WATER QUALITY MAINTENANCE

Purchase testing supplies that will allow you to monitor the pH, nitrite and ammonia levels of your tank. It’s recommended that you test your aquarium water at least once per week, in order to ensure that your water is within the recommended range to be habitable for your fish. In addition to this, set up a reminder system that allows you to know when your filter needs to be changed. Depending on the size of your tank, the type of filtration system you have and the number of fish in your tank, you may need to change your filter as frequently as once every three weeks. If you find that your filter fails to function after a certain amount of time, you may wish to choose a different type of filtration system. Be sure to pay attention to how many gallons your filter can comfortably handle, in order to prevent the water quality of your aquarium from deteriorating.

CHOOSING YOUR FISH

When purchasing your fish from a pet store, it is very important that you choose the fish for your tank very carefully. The ideal fish will be alert, have even color tone appropriate for their species and have clear, un-clouded eyes. Do not choose a fish that seems lethargic, or who has any uneven sections of their tail or fins. Uneven tail or fin structure could be a sign of fin rot, a bacterial or fungal infection that can affect fish living in close quarters with other fish. In addition to this, only purchase fish that are evenly structured, without any visible bulging of their abdomen. This could be a sign of fish dropsy, a potentially fatal condition that is also common among fish in crowded aquariums. Be wary of any abnormal spots, discolorations or otherwise cosmetic blemishes on pet store fish. While it may seem like these are not cause for concern, there is the possibility that these could be a sign of an underlying health problem in the fish. Never buy a fish from a tank that has a dead fish in it, since this could be a sign that other fish in the tank are contaminated with disease.

BRINGING YOUR FISH HOME

Most pet store fish come in sturdy plastic bags with a small amount of water. It’s best to float these bags on the top of your fishtank for approximately 30 minutes, since this will allow your fish to become accustomed to the water temperature. After this time period, open the bag and gently slide your fish into the tank. Give them an appropriate amount of time to become adjusted to their new environment.

PROLONGED PET FISH CARE

After your fish is comfortable in their new home, start by scheduling regular feeding times each day. This will allow your fish to become familiar with a routine, which can help prevent digestive problems. Test the nitrite, pH and ammonia levels of your tank’s water on a regular basis. Most species of fish have an optimum range of pH, nitrite and ammonia in which they will be able to live comfortably. If these levels are either above or below the recommended level, you may have to purchase specialized chemicals that will allow you to adjust the quality of your water. Keep your tank clean and free of excessive algae growth, since this can cause health problems in some types of fish.