A Guide to Treating Tropical Fish Diseases
If you have ventured into the world of tropical fish keeping, you should know that fish can get sick just like any other pet. If you learn about the best care for your fish, many of the tropical fish diseases can be either avoided or treated effectively at home. The first step on the road to healthy fish is a clean tank with water that is carefully adjusted to create an optimum environment for your fish. This step alone can help you prevent many of the tropical fish diseases that are common problems.
You should also make sure that your tank is not overcrowded. The rule of thumb is one inch of fish for every gallon of water in your tank. Any more than that and you begin to fight a losing battle when it comes to keeping the tank clean and the water properly filtered.
Supplies to Keep on Hand
Even with the most conscientious care, a fish may still get sick. There are a few supplies that you should keep in case you do encounter any type of tropical fish disease. Keep in mind that early detection and treatment will increase your chances of saving your fish and spreading the disease to your other tropical fish. The first thing you should add to your supply inventory is a quarantine tank so that you can separate sick fish if necessary. The quarantine tank can be as small as 10 gallons.
It is also a good idea to have a fish care book on hand so that you can begin researching a possible tropical fish disease right away. The store where you buy your fish should be able to recommend an appropriate guide for care. There are also some basic fish medications that you can have on hand so that you can begin treatment for any tropical fish diseases immediately. Again, the pet store should be able to give you guidance on which medications would be the best to keep in stock.
When a Fish Dies from a Tropical Fish Disease
Despite your best efforts, fish do occasionally die from tropical fish diseases. If you lose a fish, you should remove it from the tank as soon as possible. Dead fish can contribute to water pollution and disease if left for too long. The second step you should take is to test your water to make sure that it is properly balanced and filtered. It is a good idea to also test the temperature of the water.
You can inspect the fish for external signs of tropical fish disease, since many diseases are easy to detect. If you find a sign of illness, inspect your live fish to ensure that they are still healthy, and give your tank a thorough cleaning right away. With a few proactive steps, you will be able to avoid many tropical fish diseases, and properly treat and contain many others.
See more: Tropical Fish Encyclopedia