A fish in the aquarium represents a beautiful member of the family; however, it is not easy to keep it healthy. Even under the best conditions, assiduous care from the owner is required. You need to be vigilant to make sure the aquarium is not too crowded and that the water is always perfect. You need to pay attention to the fish for any changes that could indicate the onset of a disease.
Steps
Part 1 of 4: Preparing the Aquarium for the Fish
Step 1. Purchase an aquarium that can hold at least 80 liters
While a large tub may apparently only mean more effort, the opposite is actually true. Small aquariums get dirty more quickly and require more frequent maintenance; the bigger the container, the better; the animals will be happy and you will save some energy.
- An 80 liter aquarium is the smallest model you should consider and may prove too small for many types of fish. Semi-aggressive breeds, for example, need more space to avoid fights. Ask an expert for advice on the needs of the fish you want to include.
- It may be necessary to mount the aquarium; follow the instructions in the package, as they may vary depending on the model.
- Make sure there is a lid. Many fish love to jump and may come out of the water if you don't take all precautions.
- You should also get a light that stays on for 12 hours a day and off for the next 12 hours. This is a standard accessory for most aquariums, but not all.
Step 2. Buy a heater and filter
These elements are important for keeping the water at the appropriate temperature for the breed of fish and for removing dirt. There are many models of filters, but it is vital that you purchase one according to the size of the aquarium, so that it is able to clean all the water.
- If you have decided to use a fine substrate, such as sand, you shouldn't buy a filter to install underneath it; some fish can get injured by the pebbles in the gravel and need a sandy bottom.
- The heater is important if you plan to keep tropical fish, as these animals prefer warm waters.
Step 3. Purchase an appropriately sized support structure
You have to put the tank on a stand and most household items - desks and tables included - are not strong enough to hold the weight of a large tank. Unless you want to find yourself with a very expensive problem all over the floor, you should buy a specific piece of furniture built according to the volume and weight of the aquarium.
Likewise, it is not a good idea to put the tub on the ground. This choice inevitably leads to accidents; also, it is not very fun to observe the fish, if they are at floor level
Step 4. Find a safe place
The aquarium should be located away from areas of the house that are subject to significant changes in temperature. This means you shouldn't place it near windows, air conditioners, heaters, and vents. Do not keep it near noise sources, such as doors or entrance corridors.
For convenience, you should choose an area that is close to a power outlet and a source of water. It is also advisable to make sure that there is enough space to carry out maintenance work and to be able to observe the fish
Step 5. Purchase the water treatment material
The company that operates the aqueduct probably treats the water with chemicals, such as chlorine, which are dangerous to fish; get some kits to check the quality and see if it is safe. An aquarium owner should always have a supply of sodium thiosulfate to eliminate chlorine and a specific product to eliminate chloramines.
For more details about the chemicals in tap water, contact the pet shop owner or call the company managing the supply
Step 6. Put the substrate and hiding places on the bottom of the tank
Gravel is a good material that is traditionally used as a backdrop; however, some animal species may need sand. Decorations are important for providing distractions for the fish, avoiding fighting and keeping the aquarium in perfect condition.
- The "décor" of the aquarium is essential for the health of the fish; since most are prey by nature, they may get stressed if you don't provide them with hiding places. Aggressive specimens are more prone to fights when the territory is not clearly delimited. Decorations keep animals healthy and encourage them to be active; a series of objects covering 50-75% of the seabed is good for most species.
- Fish usually enjoy any type of hiding place, but some may have preferences. Those who live in still water or with a slow current love shelters with a soft and flexible texture, such as plants; the specimens that live in the sea or in rivers with a strong current, prefer large and hard objects instead.
- Place the larger decorations towards the back and sides of the aquarium; this way, you have a clear view of the center of the tub. The furniture is also useful for hiding items such as cables and other accessories that make the aquarium look less attractive.
Step 7. Fill the tub
Tap water is fine, but you have to treat it; fill the aquarium almost completely without reaching the edge, you have to leave a layer of oxygen. Close the container with a lid to prevent animals from jumping out.
Step 8. Treat the water
Probably, it is necessary to add some sodium thiosulfate and a substance to eliminate the chloramines; also, you should test and adjust the pH. At the pet store you can buy numerous acid and alkaline substances that allow you to balance the pH correctly. Test the water and make adjustments to make it perfect for the type of fish.
Different animals have slightly different preferences regarding the acidity of the water; you should therefore be familiar with the characteristics of the species you want to buy. Generally speaking, a pH level between 6, 8 and 7, 8 should be healthy for the fish
Step 9. Give the water a nitrogen cycle for two weeks before adding the fish
After pouring in the chemicals, you need to give them enough time to act and achieve a stable balance. At this stage, test the water thoroughly and add treatments if the results suggest it is inhospitable to animals. Change about 10% of the water every two days.
Continue to respect this water change every two days or so for the first two weeks before introducing the fish
Part 2 of 4: Introduce the Fish to the Aquarium
Step 1. Make sure the tub isn't too crowded
When there are too many fish, the water becomes dirty, in addition to the fact that this situation encourages fights between the various specimens. Unfortunately, there are no standard rules for assessing the "population density" of an aquarium, because the space requirement varies considerably according to the species of the animals. Do a lot of research on the fish you want to introduce and ask a professional for advice.
As a general rule, consider that an 80-liter aquarium can accommodate three or four small or two medium-sized specimens
Step 2. Check that the fish are compatible
Some animals need particular substrates or a specific water temperature. Make sure that every specimen you introduce into the tank can live in the same environmental conditions. Likewise, remember that some fish are aggressive and have a hard time getting along with others.
Attacks are very unpredictable. However, the "quarrelsome" specimens tend to fight with others who have a similar appearance, because they perceive them as members of the same species and therefore rivals during the reproductive period
Step 3. Allow the new fish to adapt to the aquarium
You shouldn't keep it in the bag it was delivered to you in the pet store for more than two hours, as the water gets dirty quickly and becomes unhealthy. However, if you have the time, put the bag in water for 15 minutes to allow your pet to get used to the temperature. Then, pour a little water from the aquarium into the container (about 20% of the volume) and put it back to float in the tank for another quarter of an hour; when finished, gently transfer the animal into the aquarium.
- If the fish is rather delicate, you can repeat the sequence by replacing the water a couple of times until the water contained in the bag is almost all that of the aquarium.
- This procedure allows the animal to get used to the temperature and chemical composition of the water in the tank.
- Do not let the old bag water get into the aquarium, as it is dirty and unhealthy for the animals.
Step 4. Do not add more than two fish at a time
The aquarium filter needs time to "absorb" the alterations caused by the new inhabitants. For the first two weeks after a new one is placed, do regular water checks and change it about 10% every two days.
Part 3 of 4: Caring for the Aquarium
Step 1. Feed your fish regularly
The type and quantity of food varies greatly according to the species. However, you should get your pets used to getting "meals" at specific times of the day. If you have spread too much food, remove any leftovers from the water that are still present after five minutes. Do not feed the fish too much, as the residues quickly dirty the aquarium.
Step 2. Clean the aquarium
Remove food scraps every day and use a scraper to get rid of the algae that build up on the walls. Don't forget the bottom and use a siphon to remove feces and all other unhygienic remains. At pet shops you can find many special tools to perform these operations.
Step 3. Maintain good water quality
Check its pH and chemical composition often; keep treatment substances on hand in case you need to restore balance.
Step 4. Submit the water to the nitrogen cycle
You should change 10-15% of the water once every two weeks or so; during this operation do not remove the fish from the tank, to avoid them unnecessary stress. Treat the new water before adding it to the aquarium and pour it slowly using a siphon.
When you change the water, put the new one in a bucket that you don't use for any other housework (cleaning products could transfer dangerous chemicals into the aquarium). Use the bucket to test and treat the water as described above; pour it into the tub only when it reaches perfect balance
Part 4 of 4: Treating Diseases
Step 1. Pay attention to the signs of illness
It is very important to be vigilant and to notice the first signs of a health problem in fish, as many diseases are contagious. Take precautions if you notice that animals:
- They rub against the decorations;
- They have a more opaque color, show color variations or spots;
- They have fins or gills that look chewed up;
- They are lethargic;
- They keep the fins close to the body;
- They are swollen;
- They gasp on the surface in search of air;
- They have profusely mutilated fins or tails.
Step 2. Maintain a quarantine tank
To avoid the spread of diseases, it is useful to have a small tank in which to observe the sick fish; leave him in isolation until you have diagnosed and treated the disease.
Step 3. Go to the pet shop
Most fish diseases can be treated with commercial products that contain antibiotics or antifungals. If you are unable to recognize the disorder, talk to the shop assistants, they will be happy to give you advice.
Step 4. Clean the aquarium
To avoid further outbreaks, do whatever it takes to make sure the tub is in excellent hygienic condition; eliminate food residues, control the pH and subject the water to the nitrogen cycle.
