Tropical Fish Care

Caring for tropical fish requires a certain amount of unique tank  maintenance, but with the proper care, your fish can easily thrive and make a wonderful addition to your household.  So before purchasing your new pets,  take some time to research the different equipment  needed to care for particular breeds, as well as the daily regimen needed to ensure the optimum health for your tropical fish.

Tank Set-Up

The quality of the tank is one of the most important factors to consider when caring for your tropical fish.

• Older tanks are often made from various metals, which can increase the level of water toxicity. Newer tanks are made from mostly glass and silicone rubber materials, which do not affect water quality.
• It's important to keep the water properly oxygenated through the use of filters  and plant-life.
• While your tropical fish should get healthy exposure to sunlight, too much can cause a dangerous rise in the water temperature. Be wary of super-bright windows (consider investing in blinds ) and other heat sources.
• Marine tropical fishes thrive best at a pH between 8 and 8.3.
• The ideal temperature for most tropical fish is between 76 and 80 degrees F.

Medical Care

Tropical fish can be susceptible to an array of diseases and infections if tank conditions aren't ideal.

• Protozoal diseases are the most common for pet fish. Look for the source of the disease--most likely overcrowding or poor water quality--and treat with a medicated bath.
• Fungal diseases are also common, and are usually visible on the outside of the fish. You may easily be able to remove the fungus with a cotton swab and then treat the remaining wound with an antibiotic cream or disinfectant.
• Internal parasites and bacterial diseases may be more difficult to treat and diagnose. Larger fishes can be injected with antibiotics, while smaller fish can have medications mixed with foods or may need to be force-fed.

Other Useful Tips

• Use a home water-quality test kit  to measure pH, oxygen levels, temperature, nitrates, salinity and other content.
• Provide a good diet, with 30-36% protein, 10% fat and low levels of carbohydrates.
• Store food in a moisture-free place to avoid bacteria or fungal growth.
• Feed your fish the right amount of food. This is usually based on the amount and type of fish in the aquarium, but check with your vet to make sure.
• Make sure that you never cause any sudden water temperature changes. You can accomplish this keeping the aquarium covered, which will also help to prevent water contamination.
• Change approximately 20% of the water once a month.

Related Guides

Animal Care Books	Fish Care	How to Choose Aquarium Fish	Aquatic Plants

External Links

• Ehow.com: Provides a useful list of tips to help maintain your tropical fish tank.
• ExoticPetVet.com: Offers information on caring for both freshwater and tropical fish, with particular attention paid to preventative medicine.