Mr Fish Aquarium Info

FISH QUARANTINE, A MUST FOR SURVIVAL   In the world of fishkeeping, some advice remains timeless. The central message is as crucial today as it was then: quarantine your new fish. For both aquarists and pond keepers, this practice is the single most effective way to prevent disaster. WHAT IS FISH QUARANTINE? Quarantine in the fish world refers to "the physical and chemical treatment of new fishes (either imported or caught from the wild) to rid them of diseases and restlessness before introduction into a new environment." Source: Fluvalaquatics Think of it as a mandatory health screening and acclimation period. Introducing a new fish directly into your established tank or pond is a gamble with very high stakes. That new arrival could be an "apostle of doom for the other inmates." THE QUARANTINE SETUP AND CHALLENGE A serious aquarist is advised to have a small, separate quarantine tank. The alternative is to patronize a pet shop that has a "functional quarantine...

CONSTANT FISH DEATHS There's nothing more disheartening for an aquarist than experiencing constant fish deaths. You've set up the tank, you care for it diligently, but still, your fish don't seem to thrive. If this sounds familiar, you're not alone. The bond of love for your aquatic pets can feel strained when you can't figure out what's going wrong. The question lingers: Can they still not find a healthy equilibrium in your tank? The good news is that many common causes of fish mortality are preventable. Based on expert advice from aquarist Muyiwa Adediran, let's explore the critical factors that could be responsible for the deaths you've experienced. THE CRITICAL STAGES OF NEW FISH INTRODUCTION A fish's journey from the pet shop to your home aquarium is a stressful one. Its survival hinges on how this process is managed. Key factors include: Source: Cheap Planted Aquarium 1. The Aquarist's Selection of Fish:  Your choices at the store set the s...

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...

  HOW TO DIAGNOSE AND TREAT SICK FISHES Apart from some visible disease symptoms of the fish, which we shall talk about in this guide, the fish will sometimes display behavioral symptoms like: * Gasping at the water surface. Source: TotalPond * Constant lying on the bottom or hanging at the surface. Source: bunnycart.com * Rubbing of the body against rocks. Source: Aquariadise * General dullness and lethargy * Non-response to feeding.  The most common of the visible signs is the development of pinhead-sized white spots on the body or fins. This ailment is referred to as White Spot caused by the parasite Ichthyophthirius multifillis. Source: ARKA Biotechnologie GmbH This parasite has a free-swimming stage, which attaches itself to the fish. The most common chemical used in treating infected fishes is Methylene Blue . You could buy a one percent stock solution from a reputable chemist or aquarium shop and apply at 0.8 to 1.0ml per gallon of water. This amount should be added a...

HOW DO I KNOW AND CURE FISH ILLNESS? Reader's Letter I gave up the fish-keeping hobby about three years ago after only eight months of very limited success. I would now like to try again after having read a series of your columns on Aquarium care. I am aiming to buy a new Aquarium equipped with natural plants from your company, but how do I know when the fishes fall ill? MARTIN D.B.(Dr) LAGOS. Expert's Response "Many diseases that commonly affect aquarium fish are stress-induced. The micro-organisms which cause these diseases may be present in the water part of the normal microfauna and seize the opportunity to infest or infect the fish when it is stressed and its normal defenses are weakened. Fishes fall ill because of stress suffered during: 𑇐 Handling at breeding farms and all stages of transport through the wholesaler, retailer, and purchaser. Source: Tetra Fishkeeper Blog 𑇐 Cold weather after a heavy rainfall. Source: Pixabay 𑇐 A drastic change in the water chemist...

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...

AQUARIUM CARE: FEEDING THE FISH Bringing home new fish is an exciting moment for any aquarium enthusiast. However, the transition from the pet store to your tank can be a stressful ordeal for the fish themselves.  The First Night: Peace and Quiet You’ve carefully floated the bag to acclimate the temperature, but once released, your new fish might still look stunned and unhappy. This is completely normal! The best thing you can do at this point is to turn off the aquarium lights and leave them completely undisturbed overnight. This period of darkness allows the new arrivals to de-stress and explore their new home without feeling exposed or threatened by the established fish. A small feed of fish flakes the next morning will help them associate the tank with safety and food. The Non-Negotiable Quarantine Step This is perhaps the most crucial piece of advice for any aquarist today. Before even thinking about adding new fish to your main community tank, a quarantine period is essential...