Mr Fish Aquarium Info

AVOIDING DEATHS IN NEW TANKS   Starting a new aquarium is an exciting venture, but for many amateur aquarists, the joy can be cut short by the mysterious premature death of their new fish. The secret to success, often overlooked, lies not in the fish or the plants, but in an invisible, living foundation: The colony of beneficial bacteria in your filter. Source: kb.rspca.org.au Here are some essential steps to avoid deaths in your new tank; 1) The Critical First Week and the "Bacteria Boost" Many people do not realize that the best aquarium they can buy is one that has been set up to operate for over seven days! The reason has to do with the amount of breakdown bacteria present in the filter bed. These bacteria are essential for converting fish excrement, urine, and waste food into harmless by-products that plants use as fertilizer. To prevent premature fish death, any aquarium should have a fairly large quantity of these bacterial colonies. Experienced fish keepers with aged ...

  ELECTRIC FISH For aquarists looking for an unusual pet, few creatures are as fascinating as electric fish. But can you safely keep them in a home aquarium? A classic reader question delves into the realities of owning these living power generators. A Reader's Question on Electric Fish:  "I would like some information on the Electric Catfish. Can you give some idea of other kinds of fish that discharge an electric current? Would it be wise then, to keep them in an aquarium with other fishes?" The Powerhouses: Electric Catfish and Electric Eel 1. The African Electric Catfish (Malapterurus Electricus):  This species "grows to about two feet in length and lives exclusively on small, live fishes." Its powerful electrical system is a key feature: "Its electric organs... serve as an attack/defense system... and the creature can discharge between 100 and 300 volts, depending on its size." Source: Naturenews.africa 2. The Electric Eel (Electrophorus Electricu...

  EGRETS AND RATS IN MY POND If you keep an outdoor pond, you may have faced a puzzling and frustrating problem: your fish start disappearing without a trace . A reader recently shared this exact concern, and the advice given remains just as relevant today for any pond owner. The Reader's Problem: A Pond Culprit;  "I have lost a few medium-sized goldfish recently: they just disappeared from my pond. My house guard tells me that an egret often sits on my house roof and that a rat occasionally takes a swim in the pond. I wonder who could be the culprit." The Usual Suspects: Egrets, Rats, or Herons? The investigation into the disappearing fish looked at two main suspects: 1. Egrets: While not commonly known as fish predators, an ornithologist confirmed that "the egret has been known to take fish," especially those near the water's surface. Source: andreattawaterscapes.com 2. Rats: The idea of a rat eating a live fish in the water was largely dismissed. It was n...

  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...

  LIGHTING IN YOUR TANK Lighting deserves careful attention not only for the added aesthetic pleasure it may give, but because fishes need it and it is essential to plant growth. The total amount of light required is a matter of trial and error, and how much of it will turn the water green, while too little stunts plant growth. The lighting may be artificial or natural daylight. When using the latter, the best position is near a north-facing window. This should provide the ideal amount of indirect light, which can be supplemented by artificial lighting, if necessary. This additional lighting should be housed in a hood placed above the tank and may be switched on for three to four hours in the evening. If there is little or no natural daylight, the lights should be left on for approximately 10 to 12 hours per day. If the water goes green, you must cut down either the natural light or the artificial light. Aquarium lighting is usually achieved using either small bulbs of 15-25 watts ...

  AQUATIC QUERY Every aquarist has a story about a fish that turned from a peaceful pet into a fin-nipping tyrant. An aquarist's letter gives us a look at solving this common problem: I recently bought a beautiful 32×25×3×30 centimeters aquarium. The tank was initially stocked with one red platy, a black molly, and two silver shares. I later purchased a blue gourami. Shortly after introducing the fish into the aquarium, it started pursuing all the other fishes relentlessly.  One of them (the red platy) got wounded and died two days later. I had to remove the gourami to prevent a further attack of the other occupants. Could it be that all blue gourami are carnivorous? What do I do to this bully? ADDISSI, O.    Lagos. Expert Diagnosis   Your problem has to do with inexperience in knowledge about the type, size, nature, and habits of the new fish you bought. The blue gourami (Tricogaster Tricopterus) is a naturally gentle, adaptable, and well-behaved community fish...