Are you considering purchasing a new fish or two? Have you already made the purchase of your tank and finned family members?
Before you get carried away with creating a perfect environment for your new pet fish, you may need some help with routine care for your friend.
It’s not as easy as you may think–but that’s why we’re here!
We’re going to tell you what you need to know about keeping your little buddy alive! Keep reading for more information!
5 Key Tips for Taking Care of Your New Pet Fish
Fish Food: Not as Simple as You Think
You may have had a fish before and couldn’t figure out why it kept dying. You fed it and ensured the tank was clean–what more could there be?
Unfortunately, many people overfeed their fish and continuously offer the same food. Too much food in the tank creates waste, causing the fish to overeat and accumulate uneaten food.
Additionally, you wouldn’t want to eat the same meal day after day, and neither do your fish!
By feeding fish a varied diet, you can ensure that they continue eating and obtaining all the nutrients they need to be healthy.
Proper Tank Size
If you have multiple fish, you will need a larger tank. You may need multiple tanks to prevent bullying if you own multiple fish that range in size.
However, if you only have one or two small fish that aren’t aggressive toward each other, a nano fish tank may be perfect!
Whether you choose to have multiple fish or only one, a filter is necessary to keep your fish’s ‘air’ clean.
Ideally, you will also monitor the temperature, preventing the water from becoming too warm to cold.
Cleaning (Their) House
One of the most time-consuming tasks you will face is cleaning your pet fish’s tank.
This should be done every two weeks or so.
Luckily, with regular cleaning, you won’t have to worry about emptying all the water at once.
Aside from the fact that dumping all the water can be cumbersome and messy, it also removes all the ‘good’ bacteria that have built up.
An average cleaning will include siphoning the gravel to remove waste, using algae cleaner to clear the glass, replacing the filter, and topping off the tank with freshwater.
Keeping Your New Pet Fish Healthy
Even if you follow the above tips, your new pet fish can sometimes become ill.
It is important to check on your fish daily and mentally note any changes in behavior or swimming patterns.
An early diagnosis is key because fish are susceptible to illness, parasites, and injuries.
If you happen to catch these issues early, it doesn’t necessarily mean a watery grave or a hushed trip to the pet store for a replacement.
There are many ways to take care of your family’s pet fish; if you have other helpful ideas and hints, reply below!