Basics Of Fish Care

Basics Of Fish Care

Basic Aquariology

For fish, water is the air they breathe, the house they live in, their source of all things necessary for their life. Fish are not able to protect themselves from their environment to the extent that land animals can. They don't have fur nor the ability to regulate their body temperature. Living in water puts them in intimate contact with toxins and bacteria that do not have the same effect on land animals because air and our dry skin provides a natural barrier. Therefore, ensuring that fish have high quality water to live in is essential. It is so important that the majority of this document deals with maintaining the quality of the water and environment the fish live in. The needs of fresh and salt water fishes are slightly different, but there are also some common needs.

Toxins

Water must be free of toxins. Toxins can be present in the water supply and they also are produced by the fishes themselves, as waste products of their metabolism. Toxins present in the water supply include chlorine and chloramine that are added to prevent bacterial growth in drinking water, copper and other metals which may come from water pipes, and other chemicals which may be present in ground water. The toxins produced by the fishes are primarily ammonia. Chlorine, chloramine and ammonia can be measured in a tank using commercial test kits.

Filtration

There are three separate components of filtration: mechanical, chemical and biological filtration.

Mechanical filtration refers to removal of solid particles in the water. Substances such as floss, gravel or a foam filter cartridge serve as mechanical filters.

Chemical filtration is accomplished using activated carbon, ammonia absorbents or water softeners.

Temperature

Temperature is a very important part of a fish care environment. Improper temperatures can adversely affect a fish's health. High temperatures reduce the amount of oxygen in the water, reducing tank capacity. It is important to consult an aquarium book to determine the temperature range of the fish you are keeping. In general, goldfish and native fishes prefer cooler temperatures: no more than 75 F and they may tolerate temperatures just above freezing. Tropical fish prefer temperatures over 75 F and 80-85 F are preferable for many species. Heaters can be used to provide temperatures above room temperature. It may be necessary to keep fish care in a cold room or area if lower temperatures are needed. Temperature is monitored using any of a number of available thermometers.

Oxygen

Like all animals, oxygen is essential to the survival of fish. Oxygen is absorbed at the water-air interface. Providing turbulence to the water through the use of a pump or an air supply can increase oxygenation of water. Cooler water can hold more oxygen than warmer water can. Excessive oxygenation can be detrimental to some animals that are accustomed to living in stagnant water, or if the water becomes hyperoxygenated through use of a water pump. This is not likely to be a problem for most aquarium fishes. Oxygen concentration can be measured in a tank using commercial test kits. It should be between 5 and 7 ppm.

Decorations

Decorations such as rocks, wood, plants, and other plastic items can be functional, in providing hiding places for fish care. When using natural products such as rocks or wood, it is a good idea to test them with some extra fish before adding to the main tank. Rocks may leech out heavy metals that can be toxic to fish. Wood and natural plants may carry harmful bacteria or disease vectors such as snails that may endanger the tank. Wood may be dried first to decontaminate it. Plants can be submitted to an alum or potassium permanganate (3 ppm) bath for several minutes to osmotically damage any parasites that are being carried.

Plants

Plants are useful in aquariums because they provide hiding places for fish care and serve as territorial markers for more aggressive fish. Plants also improve water quality because they utilize nitrogen and phosphate waste products produced by fish. However, plants do add another level of complexity to management of the tank. For many people, plastic plants are preferable. They still provide habitat for the fish. Water quality can be taken care of by ancillary filtration methods.

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