·
It very important to try and keep the stress
level low when you take the fish home from the shop. Ask for a bigger bag for
transportation and make sure that the whole ordeal is over for your new little
buddy as soon as possible. A stressed fish normally stays close to the surface,
doesn’t eat well or keeps hidden under some cover. Stress can also be due to
some injury or aggression from other fish, lack of oxygen in the tank or less
than optimum conditions or some sickness. ·
Never add a new fish to the tank straight away.
Putting the bag into the tank will help its temperature to adjust with the
tank. Putting a little bit of water from the tank into the bag will give the
fish some idea of what lies ahead. DO NOT POUR WATER FROM THE BAG INTO THE
TANK, as it may have bacteria and other unwanted organisms. Give the fish at
least an hour to get used to the conditions and then introduce it to its new
world. ·
If there are already some fish in the tank,
feed them before adding any new ones. Try doing the deed in dark so that others
are unable to see the new arrivals. This way the new ones might escape the
bullying. ·
Fish normally can survive in less than optimal conditions regarding the
pH, ammonia, nitrate, temperature and pollutants
level. The thing to avoid is a sudden change in these conditions. A sudden drop
or increase in the temperature or ammonia level can be very dangerous for them.
·
Try not to get carried away while feeding your new friends. Fish eat
only what it needs and all the excess that you will put in will settle down at
the bottom of the tank and add to the pollution. One or two meals for grown ups
would be more than enough. If the fish are small then 3 to 4 feeds would be
ideal. Also a variety in the menu would be much appreciated as well. ·
For serious enthusiasts it might be a good idea
to get a test kit to keep a check on the water conditions.Fish ownership (continued...)
· The decoration of the aquarium matters a lot to the fish. Rocks and plants and other decorations will provide the fish a chance to explore and places to hide and rest. An empty tank is only as good as a stripped jail cell. If you want to enjoy the pretty little creatures then give them something to enjoy as well. Happy fish make a healthy aquarium.
· Keeping the water clean and the environment compatible to the type of fish is very important as well. Regular cleaning is a must to keep the animals healthy and making sure that only the right types of organisms grow and thrive in the tank. Partial water changes, from around 40 to 50 percent of the water, to changing the water completely are both good acceptable. Make sure that the pH and temperature of the fresh water you add is as close to the environment of the tank as possible. Adding water at a little higher temperature is better than giving the inhabitants a cold shower.
No doubt having a beautifully decorated aquarium and with some healthy looking fish can give any room an uplift. Owning a fish is no different from owning any other pet and responsibility comes as a standard. The most important thing is to take care of your charge. If you enjoy looking at them in the tank, make an effort to help them enjoy living in that tank as well.
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