Pet Care Back

Know more about your fish tank

Fishes are simply beautiful and more relaxing to look at in the end of an exhausted day. A well-kept aquarium is a delight to the eye. There are certain things which a fish lover should definitely know...Fish are gregarious by nature, so always keep more than one, but do not overcrowd the tank and do not keep incompatible fish together. Some species are carnivorous and may attack the other fish. People setting up fish tank for the first time are advised to begin with inexpensive coldwater fish, such as goldfish, as they are easier to care for.

Know more about your fish tank
Never keep fish in a round glass bowl, as the mouth of these bowls is comparatively small and only a limited water surface is in contact with the air. This can result in lack of oxygen and fishes may die. An aquarium about 60 x 30 x 30 cm will take about 10 small fish. It is good to have 30 cm² of surface area to every 2 cm of fish, including the tail. An average fish will need 5 litres of water for each centimetre of body length. The fish capacity of the tank will be increased if it is artificially aerated.Setting up the aquarium
1.      Place the empty aquarium on a flat solid surface. Be sure the surface on which you place the tank will be able to support the weight.
2.      Half fill the aquarium with water, place sand or pebbles on the bottom, anchor in some water plants by placing pebbles or small rocks on their roots, and fill with water to within 
5 centimetres from the top of the aquarium. Leave it to season for a few days before buying your fish. Chlorine in the water will kill fish so it is important to allow time for it to evaporate. Alternatively, the chlorine may be neutralised by the use of special tablets or water ager available from your pet store or chemist.
3.      A water filter operated by a small electric motor will help to keep the tank clean, but is not essential for coldwater fish. However, algae will still overgrow in the tank if the fish are overfed or the tank is badly positioned.4.      The same motor can operate an aerator that pumps tiny bubbles of air into the water, providing more oxygen. This is necessary only if you have more than the recommended number of fish in your tank.

Things to know
Sudden changes of temperature often kill fish. If brought from the shop in a plastic bag, put bag complete with fish into the tank for an hour before releasing the fish. Fresh water should be added to the tank when needed, to make up for evaporation. If water in the tank becomes obviously discoloured, it should be changed. Adequate aquatic plants must be placed in the pond to help oxygenate the water and to provide a shade and shelter for the fish, as well as a place for fish to lay their eggs. Rocks also provide good shelter for fish and are more decorative. A water filter system is necessary to remove algae and other impurities.Changing the waterNever undertake a complete water change. Replace with clean, fresh water that has been allowed to stand at room temperature for 24 hours so the chlorine has evaporated.

Feeding
Do not over feed your fish as this can kill them. Uneaten food decomposes in the tank which is unhealthy for fishes. Feed lightly once a day using special food available from pet shops. Occasionally, you can also give a chopped earthworm to prevent constipation.

Health
Overcrowding and polluted water are the principle causes of death of the fish. It is important that the tank is cleaned regularly to remove excreta and excess food, which will foul the water. Gasping is a sure indication of a fouled tank. Other signs of infection and disease are - fluffy white patches or spots, a general mouldy look with loss of colouration, a rotting tail.

A few important reminders:

• Don't put the tank in direct sunlight.·         
• Don't top up your tank with cold water straight from the tap.·         
• Don't bang on the glass. 
• Fish are upset by vibrations.·         
• Remember that household sprays, such as insecticides, can pollute the aquarium and kill the fish. Always cover the aquarium before spraying    

Related Articles