Pet Fish Care

If you are planning on caring for a pet fish, it’s very important that you are familiar with proper pet fish care procedures. Improper pet care is one of the leading reasons why many pet fish don’t survive longer than a few weeks in a new tank. Basic care of your pet fish is very simple, as long as you have access to the information you need to provide your fish with an optimum living environment. Here are some of the basic steps that you can follow to care for your pet fish, which will help you to ensure that your fish live a happy, healthy life.

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.