Setting up an Aquarium (part 6)

FISH DISEASES!!!

There is one unfortunate aspect of fish keeping which we need to mention: fish can become ill.

As a rule, disease are a sign of inadequate care or upkeep. Any successful treatment must therefore, be followed up with a review of maintenance procedure and improvements in care.

The most common disease is white spot or ichthyophthirius, which can be identified by a large or small number of little white spots on the fins and body of the fish. This disease can be easily and safely remedied.

For this reason, you should always keep a bottle of medication for it at home just in case. However, it should never used as a prophylactic, but only when symptoms of the disease have been identified.

Since most beginners tend to work on the principle of " you can't have too much of a good thing", we should like to give a realistic view of the upkeep tasks which are necessary:

DAILY

The most important tasks is, of course, feeding the fish. Remember the tips given earlier in this series of posts. At the same time you should use this opportunity to observe all the fish, noticing any injuries, parasitic infections or incompatibility with each other.

Do ask the advice of an experienced or specialist aquarium supplier, as a novice often tends to interpret every unfamiliar movements as a sign of illness.

Check the temperature and that other equipment is operating properly.

ONCE A FORTNIGHT

A partial change of water along with the additional of fertiliser for the aquatic plants is the most important fortnightly upkeep task. Take out about 30% of the water and replace the water with tap water at the correct temperature. When suctioning out the water you can also remove any sediment you notice. Take care not to swirl up the substrate in the process! Remove any dead plant leaves and adjust the plat growth if necessary. If the filter flow has decreased significantly, wash the filter medium. Add fertiliser and water conditioner according to the amount of fresh water.

Sicne carrying full, or even overflowing, buckets of water through the house may cause some protests from your nearest and dearest, here's a tip: a long hose from the aquarium directly to the "smallest room in the house" avoids annoying puddles on your expensive living room carpet.

As needed

Removing unsightly algae growth from the inner surface of the front of your aquarium. The outside of the glass should also be cleaned now and then to removing any fingerprints and other stains and give a clear view of the fish. Now and then,you should test the aquarium water and add any fertiliser or additive which may be lacking, even if it is not yet time for the regular water change.

The best care you can give your aquarium is to let it grow undisturbed. Don't make the mistake of making too many adjustments,the too-frequent introduction of new fish or moving decorations, etc.

Thank you guys for reading x