|
|
|
Reef One Biorb & Biube Frequently Asked Questions
|
Page 3
« Previous | Next »
|
Dealing with disease?
Good aquarium husbandry and fish selection is important - prevention is better than cure. Chronic stress, usually from poor water quality, can make the fish susceptible to disease. If a fish shows symptoms of a disease get the water tested, if water quality is good then use a suitable treatment / medication to treate the fish.
If water quality is poor this must be remedied before or at the same time as using medication; a sick fish in bad water is unlikely to recover.
Make a note of all the abnormal symptoms your fish are showing and get advice on which medication to use. Most medications include very clear instructions on diagnosis and treatment, some also offer a help line.
Swim bladder problems?
The swim bladder is a gas filled sack inside most fish that controls their buoyancy in the water. Problems with the swim bladder cause teh fish difficulty in swimming, and are common with fantail goldfish. Bacteria infections and air swallowing are thought to be common causes of these problems. Feeding a varied diet can help in prevention.
Swim bladder problems are not usually life threatening, however it can be a symptom of a more serious disease. If a fish is suffering badly for more than a day or two it can be worth using a swim bladder medication.
Some fish suffer regular bouts of problems; the fish is uncomfortable but soon recovers. If, however, a fish constantly suffers with swim bladder problems to the extent that it affects quality of life, ou may wish to consider seeking advice from a vet.
Do fish need company?
It is unlikely that fish get lonely or bored, however, animals do benefit from having more challenging lifestyle. Fish must be compatible and goldfish should be of a similar size when introduced to each other.
Shoaling fishes like minnows need to live in a shoal. They can feel under threat of predation without the security of a group.
Water testing?
Water tests should be routine for every fish keeper. You can purchase a test kit to use at home or take a sample along to a good aquatics shop. It is important to test for ammonia, nitrite, nitrate and pH.
Ammonia
Ammonia (from fish waste) level is likely to be quite high every time a fish is added. Once the aquarium is established, ammonia readings should be no more than 0.02ppm (mg/litre).
Nitrite
Like ammonia the level is likely to be high when fish are added but once the aquarium is established should be no more than 0.2ppm. Subsequent high readings of ammonia or nitrite could indicate that biological filtration has broken down, that the fish ahve been overfed or there is dirt in the aquarium.
Nitrate
Nitrate should be used as an indicator of your aquarium's hygiene. It shouldn't be more than 50ppm above the level of nitrate in your tap water. If it is higher then you should increase the frequency of partial water changes and remove the cause - usually overfeeding.
pH
pH is the measure of acidity and alkalinity of water. pH 7 is neutral, 1-7 is acid, 7-12 is alkaline. Most coldwater fish prefer a pH of 7.5-8.5, tropical fish vary in their requirements. Even tiny changes in pH are very stressful to fish.
Filtration cycle?
Fish eat food, the waste produced by the fish (ammonia) is consumed by the filter bacteria and turned into the less harmful pollutant nitrate. These pollutants should be kept low with regular maintenance and light feeding.
If these pollutants build up they will encourage green water and poor fish health.
It is important that the biological filter is given time to become established. A few bacteria are introduced to the aquarium with the water preparation chemicals so that 24 hours later one small goldfish can be added.
When the new fish is added the filter bacteria start to multiply to catch up with the amount of work they have to do. After about 28 days there should be enough bacteria to keep the water clean and safe. The aquarium has 'cycled' and is ready for one more goldfish. The aquarium has to go through this cycle every time a new fish is added.
If more than one goldfish is added there will be a lot more waste. The filter bacteria cannot catch up quickly enough. Adding a large fish or overfeeding will have the same effect. As the fish keep going to the toilet the water becomes more and more toxic, this can kill your fish.
The less you put into the aquarium the healthier the water will be. Good fish keepers look after the water, the fish look after themselves.
|
Page 3
« Previous | Next »
|
|
Please only take the information given in any of our information sheets as general advice. They may not provide an exact answer to your particular problem and are to act as a general guide and 'heads-up'.
We cannot be held responsible for any problems your fish or other pets encounter following the reading of these pages.
If you cannot find the answer to your problem in here, or have further questions regarding this subject, then please don't hesitate to contact us via email (info@aquamania.co.uk) or telephone (01254 663399) and our expert staff will do their best to help you out or point you in the right direction.
|
|
|
|
|
View Basket
Recover Basket
Ordering Help
