Mr Fish Aquarium Info

  THE IDEAL WATER If you're new to the world of fishkeeping, you might think the key to a healthy aquarium is the purest, cleanest water you can find. It’s a common assumption, but it’s also one of the most dangerous misconceptions for your aquatic pets. I can't tell you how many times a concerned fish owner has come to me with the same story: "My fish are breathing fast, refusing to eat, and none of the disease treatments are working." After a few questions, the root cause almost always becomes clear. The problem isn't a strange parasite or a rare illness; it's the water itself. But not in the way you might think. The issue is that the water is too clean .   THE MYTH OF "PURE" WATER Many beginners don't realize that "pure, clean water—like distilled, fully desalinated, or even collected rainwater—is highly detrimental and can even be fatal to fish." Why? Because fish don't live in H₂O alone. They live in a complex, biological soup....

USE OF WELL-WATER IN OLD AND NEW TANKS   A common question from fish keepers, especially those with access to natural sources, is about the suitability of well water for their aquariums. This reader's query from our archives tackles this very issue, offering timeless advice on how to approach water safety with caution. A Reader's Question on Well Water : "I have a well in my compound, which is about 14 years old. The water seeps in from rain and underground water, and it is crystal clear. Do you think it would be safe to use this water in my aquarium, which is 3 ft long and contains various tropical fishes? Also, where could I get the water analyzed?" The reader also noted that their tank was initially set up with water from their local pet shop, a good practice for starting a new aquarium. The Expert's Cautious Advice:  "It is impossible for me to say whether the well-water would be safe to use in your aquarium." Appearances can be deceiving. Even cryst...

POISONOUS SUBSTANCES IN AQUARIUM WATER  As we are all aware, atmospheric air is made up of about 23 per cent oxygen and 76 per cent Nitrogen, together with a host of other gases in very minute quantities. It follows that when we put on the air-flow system of our aquarium, the air pumped in contains a little oxygen and a lot of nitrogen. This atmospheric nitrogen can be lethal to fish when the water is oversaturated (over 100 per cent saturation) with this gas. Research has shown that nitrogen embolism, otherwise known as NITROGEN GAS BUBBLE DISEASE, can occur with 103-118 per cent nitrogen saturation and cause a lot of fish casualties. Source: The Spruce Pets This condition can affect an aquarium fish when one is replacing the old aquarium water with slightly warm fresh water. The infection is characterised by the presence of small bubbles of nitrogen beneath the skin, in the fins, tail, or mouth, behind the eyes, and in the blood vessels. Source: Fish Pathology One can prevent the...

LETTER TO AQUARIST Welcome to our "Ask the Aquarist" column, where we tackle your toughest fishkeeping questions! Today, we're addressing a heartbreaking but incredibly common problem from a fellow hobbyist: "Why do my new fish keep dying within a few months?"  Mrs. Chyoma Onyenakazi from Owerri, Imo State, is a classic case that many beginners face. She wrote to enquire why her fishes did not stay up to six months in her aquarium before they died. She wondered whether the fish died because she fed them with cornflakes or because she didn't change the water for about seven weeks. She also wanted to know how to detect that the fishes are sick and the type of treatment to be employed. Let's dive into the real culprit and its solution. Dear Mrs. Chyoma The Real Reason Your New Fish Are Dying While feeding fish cornflakes is not recommended (they need specific nutrients), the primary cause of fish death in new tanks is rarely a single feeding mistake. The t...