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Selecting
Your Fish |
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Picking the right pet fish from your local store is of
utmost importance when you first set out to create your
aquarium. It's sad but true - not every fish is in perfect
health. Here's how to pick the best of the bunch |
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Here's How:
- Look at the top and sides of the
tanks. If most are encrusted with residue, look for another
shop entirely.
- Look for clear water. If it's
discolored, avoid that tank. If the water in most tanks is
discolored, look for another shop.
- Scan a half dozen tanks to see if
any fish are sick or have died. If you see more than one
sick or dead fish, find another shop.
- Avoid tanks with decaying plants,
as the water chemistry is questionable.
- Do not buy fish that just arrived
in the shop. They are stressed from travel, and might be
carrying disease.
- Avoid fish with cloudy eyes, torn
or clamped fins, and spots or sores on their body.
- Avoid fish that are sluggish or
appear to be shivering.
- Look at all the fish in the tank.
If any appear sick, don't buy a fish from that tank.
- Choose an active, alert fish. Take
him home and enjoy your new pet.
Tips:
- Ask the shop about their fish
guarantee. Good shops will replace fish that die within the
first day or two.
- Quarantine new fish in a separate
tank for three days before moving them to the regular tank.
How to Add Fish to an Aquarium
Here's How:
- Test the pH, and chlorine levels
before adding fish to a new tank. Chlorine must be zero, and
pH close to that of the pet shop.
- Get a clean measuring cup and a
small net.
- Turn the light off in the aquarium
to reduce stress.
- Lift the lid and place the sealed
bag in the water so it floats.
- Let the bag float for ten minutes,
then open the top of the bag.
- Using the measuring cup, place one
cup of tank water into the bag.
- Close the bag and allow it to
float for another five minutes.
- Repeat steps six and seven once.
For sensitive fish such as neon tetras repeat two or three
times.
- Place the small net into the bag,
lift the fish out, and quickly transfer it to the aquarium.
- Discard the bag of water in the
sink (never in the aquarium).
- Leave the light off for several
hours to allow the fish to adjust to the new setting.
Tips:
- If you only have a large net, hold
the net over a bucket and gently pour the contents of the
bag into it. Then quickly transfer the fish from the net to
the tank.
- If there are already other fish in
your aquarium place the new fish in a separate aquarium for
several days and observe for disease.
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