Aquatic Care

Aquatics - Swim Bladder

Aquatics - Swim Bladder

Treating swimbladder infections

You look into your beloved aquarium and – boom – one of your fish is swimming on its side at the top of the tank but it’s not dead. It doesn’t seem to be able to balance or regulate its buoyancy and is struggling to get to the food. This sounds like a swimbladder infection.

 

How should I treat swimbladder infections?

Swimbladder disorders are stressful for your fish so it’s important to treat them as soon as possible. Delaying treatment may mean their weakened immune system contracts other diseases or that your fish becomes thin and malnourished as they’re unable to feed.

Use a swimbladder treatment such as Swimbladder Treatment Plus, that is designed to attack the bacterial infection that causes the problem. Work out how much treatment you need for your aquarium using the dosage calculator and follow guidelines carefully; taking note of any instructions or repeat dose measures.

This treatment should be used in partnership with Aquilibrium First Aid Salt which will help your fish with successful osmoregulation. Osmoregulation is the way in which the salinity of your fish’s body harmonises with the salinity of the surrounding water, which speeds up recovery. The swimbladder is a crucial organ in successful osmoregulation, so supporting it gives your fish the best chance of recovery. Learn why tonic salts help fish in a freshwater aquarium.

Knowing your fish and their ‘normal’ behaviour will help you spot problems early and enable you to deal with them promptly.

 

 

Other causes of buoyancy issues

Swimbladder problems can also be hereditary. ‘Fancy’ goldfish like moors; veiltails and orandas often have misshapen swimbladders and are particularly prone to the problem. Tropical fish such as; Betta (Siamese Fighters), Platys and Angels are also more susceptible to swimbladder disorders, so keep an eye on their behaviour.

Buoyancy problems can also be caused by a fish swallowing too much air. This can happen if they gulp air when eating from the water’s surface. It may be beneficial to hold the food further into the water as you feed (with clean hands), to force the fish to swim down to eat.  Alternatively, purchase a tablet-type food that you can stick on the inside of the glass, part way down.

 

How to be sure

Swimbladder infections make it tough for your fish to swim properly and keep balance in the water.  This may make them look like they’re swimming a bit lopsided, sinking down to the bottom or floating to the top of your aquarium. It’s also likely that they have a swollen and uncomfortable abdomen and so are not eating their food.

 

Step 1 – Treat your fish

  • Remove the carbon filter out of your filtration – but don’t forget to return it 7 days after the last dose.
  • Use Swimbladder treatment treatment, you can check the correct dosage for your aquarium size
  • Also dose with Aqualibrium First Aid Salt – it helps boost your fish’s ability to fight the illness.
  • Give your fish some time-out to recover – avoid excessive cleaning, re-decorating or adding new fishy friends.
  • To re-treat, or treat another problem, follow the on pack guidelines for using more treatment.

Watch Out! – Treatments can sometimes reduce oxygen levels in the water. If you see fish gasping at the surface, you can increase oxygen by adding an air pump.

 

Step 2 – Treat your aquarium

  • When fish are sick, always test your aquarium water for excessive ammonia, nitrite, nitrate or pH imbalance.
  • Treat any unhealthy results to rebalance your water quality and give your fish the best chance of getting fighting fit again.
  • Check all your equipment is working properly – especially filters and heaters (check your aquarium temperature with your thermometer).  Carry out any maintenance needed, or replace faulty or broken parts.

 

Aquatics - Fungal and bacterial infections

Aquatics - Fungal and bacterial infections

Fungal and bacterial infections

Bacterial infections tend to occur in bad water conditions. Low levels of disease-causing bacteria are always around in the aquarium.

 

The bacteria and fungus that cause fish diseases are always present in aquariums (although specific species may be introduced with new fish) but will rarely cause a problem if you have good water quality and healthy fish.

Avoiding stress and keeping healthy water conditions are key to avoiding fish disease.  Regularly test your water for abnormalities in ammonia, nitrate, nitrite, pH – and correct any problems, if necessary. 

Poor aquarium hygiene and poor water quality are the key factors in most disease outbreaks.

 

 

Cotton wool disease / mouth disease

 

Mouth Fungus – otherwise known as mouth rot – is caused by Flavobacterium bacteria and is especially common in newly imported fish. 

In the early stages of infection, you’ll probably notice off-white marks around the mouth, fins and body. As the infection spreads, white, fluffy cotton wool-like growths will appear around the mouth and, if left unchecked, the lips start to ulcerate and rot 

Other symptoms include reddened ulcers on the body and frayed fins (Flavobacterium can also cause fin rot). Affected fish will start to ‘shimmy’ as the infection agitates them. They may also go off their food, making them look thin or emaciated. They will usually also show typical signs of stress by clamping their fins to their body going pale and lethargic.

 

Fin Rot 

Fin rot can be caused by various bacteria including: Aeromonas, Pseudomonas and Flavobacterium. The obvious symptoms of fin rot are split, raggedy or stumpy fins and tail, often with a white edge and red veining. Your fish may suffer from fin rot and cotton-wool disease at the same time; they can be caused by the same bacteria and are encouraged by similar poor water conditions. 

Fungal infections tend to appear when a fish has broken skin. There are several reasons that a fish may have skin damage – as shown in the blue panel above.

If fighting is causing problems, consider re-homing fish that are being aggressive with your existing fish. 

 

Treatment

You can treat mouth fungus and fin rot with Anti Fungus and Finrot to attack the bacteria. You can also support the health of your fish by using Aquilibrium First Aid Salt with the treatment. 

 

Treatment and Salt 

 

Key features

  • Treats affected fish
  • Prevents the disease spreading for a healthier aquarium

    • Product overview

    They might be common diseases, but it doesnt make finrrot, mouthrot and cotton wool disease any less harmful. Minimise the problem with Anti Fungus and Finrot. This antibacterial and antifungal treatment will treat affected fish and prevent the disease from spreading in your aquarium. Use for treating against mouth rot (Columnaris sp.), fin rot (Psuedomonas sp) and cotton wool (Saprolegnia sp.) fungus. *Shake well before use*

     

    Key features

    • Reduces physiological stress for healthier fish
    • Stablises water quality to support your aquarium's balance

    Product overview

    This must be one of the most helpful treatments for any aquarium-keeper to have on-hand.
    A healthy salt/fluid balance is crucial to a fish's wellbeing. When stressed or sick, the salt/fluid balance can be disturbed which further threatens the fish's health.
    Aqualibrium First Aid Salt is a unique physiological salt formula which helps freshwater fish maintain a constant internal salt-fluid balance.
    Aqualibrium First Aid Salt additive is an incredibly versatile water treatment and can be used in a number of ways:

  • As a general aquarium tonic
  • As a mild pH buffer
  • To help minimise the physiological effects of stress on your fish
  • As a supportive measure when treating diseases
    • To reduce the toxicity of Nitrite
    Use to support your aquarium community's immune system to minimise the effcts of fish stress and when using medical treatments.

     

     

    Aquatics - White Spot

    Aquatics - White Spot

    How to be sure

    White Spot gives your fish a speckling of salt-like grains or white spots on its body, fins and tail, sometimes appearing in clusters. Your fish may also start to shimmy in the water, or flick against objects in the aquarium – like it’s trying to have a really good itch.

    Step 1 – Treat your fish

    • Remove the carbon filter out of your filtration – but don’t forget to return it 7 days after the last dose.
    • Use Anti White Spot treatment, you can check the correct dosage for your aquarium size here.
    • Also dose with Aqualibrium First Aid Salt – it helps boost your fish’s ability to fight the illness. See below for help on using aquarium salt
    • Finally, give your fish some time-out to recover – avoid excessive cleaning, re-decorating or adding new fishy friends
    • To re-treat, or treat another problem, follow the on pack guidelines for using more treatment. 

     

    Watch Out! – Treatments can sometimes reduce oxygen levels in the water. If you see fish gasping at the surface, you can increase oxygen by adding an air pump.

    Step 2 – Treat your aquarium

    • When fish are sick, always test your aquarium water for excessive ammonia, nitrite, nitrate or pH imbalance.
    • Treat any unhealthy results to rebalance your water quality and give your fish the best chance of getting fighting fit again.
    • Check all your equipment is working properly – especially filters and heaters (check your aquarium temperature with your thermometer).  Carry out any maintenance needed, or replace faulty or broken parts.

     

    Using Tonic Salts when treating sick fish

    Fish stress is a major causes of disease outbreaks. If you understand how fish become stressed, you can help prevent it; and help keep your aquarium happy and healthy.

    You can reduce the impact of stress on your fish by adding a specific freshwater aquarium salt additive such as Aqualibrium First Aid Salt. You can use it regularly as a preventative treatment, or when you know your fish are likely to be stressed such as in a new aquarium, when adding new fish or when treating diseases.

    Freshwater fish invest a lot of energy in balancing their internal fluid salt concentration. Increasing salt levels in the aquarium reduces their need to balance their body fluids. This means they can use their energy elsewhere, and deal with stress and fight disease more effectively.

    Using Aqualibrium at the same time as other Interpet First Aid Treatment helps support the fish’s immune system for a speedy and successful recovery. Use the dosage calculator for the correct amount of salt for your size aquarium. Never use table salt or salt designed for a marine aquarium.

    Watch the video below to understand how to use Aqualibrium salt effectively in your aquarium:

     

    Testing your aquarium water

    Aquariums offer a fantastic home for fish and can become a huge part of your life as either a casual fish keeper, or a full-blown hobbyist. However, aquariums offer some unique challenges and unknown abnormalities that can throw the balance off and cause health issues for your aquatic life.
    Processes such as the Nitrogren Cycle will affect your fish and their environment. The balance of chemicals in your water will be constantly changing, and because they are invisible, you won’t know what is going on.The only way you will ever know something is wrong is if you test your water regularly and keep a record of previous results to identify changes (or your fish get sick!).Two of the primary causes of these chemical fluctuations are; overstocking (keeping too many fish), as well as waste build-up/pollutants (typically over-feeding or dead, rotting livestock or plants).Our testing kits allow you to test the water for Ammonia, Nitrite, Nitrate, water hardness (dip test only) and pH. See our how-to-use videos below for our Complete Aquarium Dip Test Kit.

    Using the Complete Dip Test Kit:

    It is handy to keep a diary record of your test results to refer to, or compare, when completing maintenance or future tests.

    Any unsafe results will need to be treated to prevent health issues for your fish.

    Getting a Cold water fish

    Getting a Cold water fish

    Keeping fish is a great hobby. A well maintained aquarium not only looks attractive, but watching your fish in their environment can be a good stress reliever too.

    First of all you need to decide what type of fish you want to keep. If you’re considering keeping fish and you’ve never done so before, you might want to think about coldwater fish as a start. Goldfish are one of the easiest fish to keep and there are many different varieties to choose from, from comets, fantails and orandas to lionheads and shubunkins.

    Alternatively, you might like to consider keeping tropical fish, which require water to be maintained at a constant temperature between 20 and 27 degrees C. There is a wide variety of tropical fish to choose from, however while many can be mixed together in the same aquarium, you need to be careful about considering compatibility between varieties of fish.

    Here at PAWS we will be happy to advise you on a suitable selection of fish for your tank.

    How Many?

    The temptation is to fill an aquarium with numerous fish of all sorts of different varieties and colour in order to make it look as attractive and interesting as possible. In reality, there are certain rules that need to be followed to ensure that you don’t overcrowd your aquarium. As tanks come in different shapes and sizes, there is no hard and fast rule, but considering size versus volume is a good guide. For coldwater fish, allow 0.5cm of fish per litre of water. For tropical fish, allow 1cm of fish per water.

    Remember stocking level guidelines work on the basis of fully grown adult fish, so you should keep fish growth in mind.

     

     

    Housing

    Your aquarium is a complete mini ecosystem housing fish that will be totally dependent on you for their welfare. As such, choosing the right tank or aquarium is vital, and there are a great deal available to choose from. Size is also important as this will determine the size and number of fish you will be able to keep, as is the positioning of your tank. Once your tank is full, it will be extremely heavy, so try to decide on where to position your tank before filling it up! As a general rule of thumb, it is a good idea to go for a slightly larger aquarium, as there is a greater margin for error in comparison to a smaller one. Nevertheless, it is important to keep in mind what will suit your home as well as what you can afford.

    It is also very important to remember that when setting up a tank for the first time, it needs to be well established before you begin to stock it with fish. Once it is ready, the tank will need to be stocked gradually and slowly. We recommend that you come and visit us in store or contact us for further advice about stocking and the most suitable type of aquarium for your fish.

     

     

    Equipment

    Keeping fish is not as simple as buying a tank, filling it with water and adding fish to it. There are a few things you will need to purchase to ensure that your tank is able to effectively house your fish and maintain a stable environment for them. You will need to purchase gravel, a filtration system and a pump, as well as a water conditioner to make your tap water safe to use in the tank. Plants and ornaments will help you create an interesting and attractive environment. The equipment you will need for your aquarium will depend very much on the type of fish you plan to keep. Come and speak to us about your specific needs and we will be happy to guide you.

     

     

    Feeding

    Fish food comes in flake, pellet or frozen form. These foods provide a perfectly balanced diet containing all the nutrients necessary to keep your fish healthy. Some fish feed from the surface, while others feed from the middle or from the bottom of the tank and you should keep this in mind when purchasing food for them. Surface feeders like flakes and floating pellets while mid-water feeders prefer granular or slow sinking food. Bottom feeders should be offered quick sinking foods or tablets.

    Feed your fish once a day and start with a small amount which you can adjust accordingly.

     

     

    Maintenance

    Water quality is the most important factor in keeping fish healthy. As such, regular water changes are vital. You should siphon off 25% of water from the tank and replace it with fresh, conditioned water every two weeks. However, as all tanks are different and house different fish, it is a good idea to invest in a water quality testing kit which will enable you to keep an eye on the levels of nitrite and ammonia in the water so you’ll know when to carry out a water change.

     

     

    Your Essential Fishy Shopping List

    • Filter
    • Air pump
    • Lighting
    • Gravel
    • Plants
    • Ornaments
    • Water Conditioner
    • Water Test Kit
    • Fish Net
    • Cleaning Pad
    • Siphon
    Getting a Tropical Fish

    Getting a Tropical Fish

    Keeping fish is a great hobby. A well maintained aquarium not only looks attractive, but watching your fish in their environment can be a good stress reliever too.

    First of all you need to decide what type of fish you want to keep. If you’re considering keeping fish and you’ve never done so before, you might want to think about coldwater fish as a start. Goldfish are one of the easiest fish to keep and there are many different varieties to choose from, from comets, fantails and orandas to lionheads and shubunkins.

    Alternatively, you might like to consider keeping tropical fish, which require water to be maintained at a constant temperature between 20 and 27 degrees C. There is a wide variety of tropical fish to choose from, however while many can be mixed together in the same aquarium, you need to be careful about considering compatibility between varieties of fish.                                   

     

     

    Aquariums are basically a complete mini-ecosystem. There is a wide choice available and your pet shop will be pleased to advise. Remember fish kept in an aquarium are totally dependent on you for their welfare. There is a wide variety of fish to choose from: your pet shop will be pleased to advise you on a suitable selection of fish. 

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

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    How Many?

    Here at PAWS we will be happy to advise you on a suitable selection of fish for your tank. The temptation is to fill an aquarium with numerous fish of all sorts of different varieties and colour in order to make it look as attractive and interesting as possible. In reality, there are certain rules that need to be followed to ensure that you don’t overcrowd your aquarium. As tanks come in different shapes and sizes, there is no hard and fast rule, but considering size versus volume is a good guide. For coldwater fish, allow 0.5cm of fish per litre of water. For tropical fish, allow 1cm of fish per water. Remember stocking level guidelines work on the basis of fully grown adult fish, so you should keep fish growth in min

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Housing

    Your aquarium is a complete mini ecosystem housing fish that will be totally dependent on you for their welfare. As such, choosing the right tank or aquarium is vital, and there are a great deal available to choose from. Size is also important as this will determine the size and number of fish you will be able to keep, as is the positioning of your tank. Once your tank is full, it will be extremely heavy, so try to decide on where to position your tank before filling it up! As a general rule of thumb, it is a good idea to go for a slightly larger aquarium, as there is a greater margin for error in comparison to a smaller one. Nevertheless, it is important to keep in mind what will suit your home as well as what you can afford.

    It is also very important to remember that when setting up a tank for the first time, it needs to be well established before you begin to stock it with fish. Once it is ready, the tank will need to be stocked gradually and slowly. We recommend that you come and visit us in store or contact us for further advice about stocking and the most suitable type of aquarium for your fish.

     

    THE TANK

    There is a great variety of designs and sizes to choose from. Always select a branded product. Handle with great care and transport horizontally. The tank must be placed either on a specially designed stand or a strong rigid surface with an expanded polystyrene mat underneath the tank. Remember that a full tank is heavy. Position the tank away from windows as daylight encourages algae growth. Never move a full tank.

     

    THE EQUIPMENT

    A heater thermostat is required to maintain water temperature. This is normally between 70º and 80º F (20º and 27º C) depending on your fish. A thermometer is required to monitor the temperature. A filtration system is required to maintain good water quality, essential for the health and well being of your fish. Purpose-built lighting systems will bring the tank to full life and stimulate plant growth. Too much light will result in excess growth of green algae, too little will cause plants to die. For tidiness and safety it is sensible to connect all wiring to a control panel.

     

    GRAVEL AND ROCK

    Use only suitable gravel and rock. Your pet shop or aquatic store will advise you. The material should be thoroughly washed before placing in the tank.

     

    SELECTION OF FISH AND PLANTS

    There is a wide variety to choose from, but always seek advice from your pet shop as to the suitability of your chosen selection. Do not exceed the number recommended for your particular set-up. Plants should be planted thickly for the best effect, but they may need thinning out once established. Artificial plants are also available.

     

    SETTING UP YOUR TANK

    Thoroughly rinse your new tank with clean water. If you are using an under-gravel filter install this first, spread the gravel across the base of the tank, sloping from back to front. The rock can be partially buried in the gravel. Next slowly fill the tank with water. Install the heater and airline from the pump to the filter before connecting to the mains. Water conditioners can be added at this point and the tank left to settle for up to 7 days before introducing the fish Check that the equipment is working properly before adding the fish. When bringing your new fish home do not let the water get cold. Float the bag in the tank for 15 minutes, then open the bag and allow the fish to swim into their new home. Introduce hardier species first.

     

    INTRODUCING YOUR FISH INTO THE TANK

    Firstly turn the tank light off as this helps to reduce stress. Float the unopened bag in the top of the tank for at least 15 minutes to regulate any temperature differences, this avoids shocking the fish. Open the bag and allow the tank water to enter it before gently releasing your fish into the tank. Turn the light back on after about 2 hours.

     

    CHOOSING & BUYING YOUR TROPICAL FISH

    There is a wide variety of fish to choose from and although many can be mixed together in the new aquarium care must be exercised with respect to compatibility for temperature requirements, feeding habits, water quality and sociability. Your pet shop will be pleased to advise you on a suitable selection of fish.

    A healthy fish should:

     swim easily through the water and be active

     not gasp at the surface of the tank or swim in a peculiar manner

     have scales that cover the body evenly without any cuts or growths 

     

    Equipment

    Keeping fish is not as simple as buying a tank, filling it with water and adding fish to it. There are a few things you will need to purchase to ensure that your tank is able to effectively house your fish and maintain a stable environment for them. If you are keeping tropical fish, both a thermostat and water heater are essential in setting and maintaining consistent water temperature. You will need to purchase gravel, a filtration system and a pump, as well as a water conditioner to make your tap water safe to use in the tank. Plants and ornaments will help you create an interesting and attractive environment. The equipment you will need for your aquarium will depend very much on the type of fish you plan to keep. Come and speak to us about your specific needs and we will be happy to guide you.

     

     

    Feeding

    Fish food comes in flake, pellet or frozen form. These foods provide a perfectly balanced diet containing all the nutrients necessary to keep your fish healthy. Some fish feed from the surface, while others feed from the middle or from the bottom of the tank and you should keep this in mind when purchasing food for them. Surface feeders like flakes and floating pellets while mid-water feeders prefer granular or slow sinking food. Bottom feeders should be offered quick sinking foods or tablets. Feed your fish once a day and start with a small amount which you can adjust accordingly. Fish should be fed sparingly with a suitable proprietary brand. There are many to choose from. Your pet shop will be pleased to advise

     

    Maintenance

    Water quality is the most important factor in keeping fish healthy. As such, regular water changes are vital. You should siphon off 25% of water from the tank and replace it with fresh, conditioned water every two weeks. However, as all tanks are different and house different fish, it is a good idea to invest in a water quality testing kit which will enable you to keep an eye on the levels of nitrite and ammonia in the water so you’ll know when to carry out a water change. Check the thermometer at least daily. Never use hot water from the domestic supply. At least every 18 months completely empty the tank, keeping the water to refill afterwards, clean the rocks and gravel (not with detergent) and replace everything carefully. Remove uneaten food, rotting plants and excreta regularly.

     

      

    Compatibility Chart

    Shopping List 

     Aquarium Tank

     Rock / Stones

     Plants

     Gravel

     Heaters

     Lighting

     Thermometer

     Water Test Kits

     Water Conditioner

     Filter

     Air Pump

     Food

     Ornaments

     Remedies

     A good book on tropical fish care

     Fish Net

     Cleaning Pad

     Siphon / Stone Cleaner