Not all of the common fish diseases are death sentences, but they can be very nerve-racking to deal with. To nip any illness in the bud, here’s how to prevent your freshwater fish from getting sick.
Tank Cycling
After you’ve cleaned and sterilized all your tank materials but before you have your freshwater fish, you’ll need to cycle your setup to promote healthy bacteria. Aquarium cycling ensures your tank can process the ammonia in your fishes’ waste, fortifies your tank against diseases, and keeps your fish stress free.
There are many ways to cycle your aquarium, but plant cycling is the best way to do it if you want to create the perfect environment that replicates your fishes’ ecosystem in the wild. You’ll need a nutrient-rich substrate deep enough for roots to take place and well-sized gravel (preferably river rock). Add live aquarium plants that can survive in fresh water, and let them grow and take root. These plants will consume more waste than even the good bacteria they produce. Once these plants and algae show growth, the tank cycle is complete, and these organisms are well on their way to consuming nitrates and ammonia.
Prevention
Undue stress is the fastest way to introduce disease to your tank. If you’re buying fish that have been caught in the wild, you’ll want to make sure they have been appropriately quarantined. In addition, if a fish has just been put in stock, let them acclimate to their environment for about a week before purchasing and taking them home.
For optimum health, feed your fish a high-quality diet and make sure they’re not overcrowded. In addition, you’ll want to provide the day and night cycles with efficient lighting and be diligent on water changes and management. Finally, regular pH and bacterial testing are good for catching issues before they can worsen.
Immune System Boosting
There are a few supplements you can give to your fish to boost their immune systems and strengthen them against diseases. In addition, fish need vitamins just like humans do, so they can benefit from additional nutrients aside from their fish food. Furthermore, water additives can detoxify water and add beneficial bacteria for your fish to consume; additives that provide vitamins C, K, and A can fortify the immune system of your entire tank.
Hopefully, these tips on how to prevent your freshwater fish from getting sick will help you improve your tank setup and your fishes’ quality of life. So start looking into your breed’s specific needs and give them the healthy, happy, fulfilled life they deserve.
