A Close Look At The Basic Needs Of Fish To Survive And Grow

Table of Contents

1. Prepare Your Aquarium
2. Choose the Right Filter
3. Provide a Shelter
4. Find Appropriate Fish Type
5. Feed Your Fish Properly

When you get a new fish tank, the last thing you want is to see your fish die, but unfortunately, it happens sometimes. The equipment may break down, fish get old, the aquarium lid opens and they pop out, and sometimes you just don’t know why. Research proves that fish live longer in captivity than in the wild because there are no predators, food is readily available, and their habitat is less harsh. Life is just simpler in an aquarium.

Of course, all of these conditions are yours to fulfill as the owner, which is why it is crucial to understand fish requirements for them to thrive and provide them with their basic needs daily. That being said, we should take some measures to avoid fish death due to our negligence and to ensure that we provide them with the best chance of a long and healthy life. Read on for great tips on how to keep your fish alive.

Prepare Your Aquarium

One of the most important steps in owning fish is choosing the right aquarium and its supplies, whether you’re keeping it at your home or workplace. Ensure that the aquarium is large enough for the fish you intend to buy. Small tanks and bowls may seem like a good creative idea, but they are much more difficult to maintain and are often a reason for the untimely death of your fish. If this is your first time caring for fish, consider a minimum 10-gallon aquarium kit that holds all the gear you need. Remember that the fish you buy may not be completely grown, so ensure that there is enough room for them to grow.

Furthermore, unless you live in a hot climate all year round, you will need an aquarium heater. Usually tropical fish thrive between 75 ° and 80 ° F. So, you will need to invest in a heater that is powerful enough to warm the aquarium water to the desired temperature based on the current climate.

Choose the Right Filter

Fish pee and poop in the exact place they live, so buying an aquarium filter is mandatory. You will find that many filters can do the three-stage filtration process quite well and are often designed for specific tank sizes. If you like to keep fish that are a bit messier, such as goldfish or cichlids, or fish that may produce eggs or become bigger, you should buy a slightly oversized model.

Moreover, if your filter has a cartridge, clean it every week and replace it monthly. You may also want to check the media regularly and clean or replace it, when necessary. If you’re looking for a three-stage filter, you should look into power filters as they get the job done perfectly and are affordable. There are various models of power filters, so have a closer look at their features and prices before making a purchase.

Provide a Shelter

Just like humans, fish need shelter, but they don’t need a roof over their heads. Instead, it is a kind of shelter that not only protects them from predators but also provides a place for breeding and resting. There are many underwater places that fish consider as a refuge. This includes aquatic plants such as kelp, coastal plants, rocks, sunken logs, and soft sediment.

Some fish swim in open water, but most need shelter in the form of plants, rocks, or other decorations to feel at home. They can hide or be harassed if there isn’t enough structure in the aquarium. Fish that are constantly stressed are more prone to getting sick. As you begin to fill up your aquarium, add a new decoration or two every time you add new fish so that newcomers have new places to go.

Find Appropriate Fish Type

It is best to do thorough research about fish before buying, to ensure you have the right knowledge, and skills for proper care, and are certain that the new fish will be compatible with all fish species you already have. When choosing new fish, look for signs of stress or illness and avoid fish that appear unhealthy. Do they swim strangely or congregate on the bottom or hide in decorations? Pay special attention to the tight and swaying fins displayed by the live carriers.

Do they have torn fins, blood spots, or small white salt-like dots on their fins or body? Are they panting or are they gasping for air on the surface? More importantly, ask the seller about how long they’ve been in the store. Never buy fish that have just arrived; they are most likely stressed by the trip from the wholesaler and moving them to a new place will only add to that. Allow them to settle for a week or so before purchasing them.

Feed Your Fish Properly

You are what you eat and the same goes for fish! Fish can be vegetarians, meat-eaters, or both. Different fish species need different nutrients. Although today’s fish food is far better than that of the old days, it’s still important to know what your fish’s nutritional needs are and provide them with a variety of food.

It’s best to prepare different treats and fish food and incorporate them into their diet. Feed them once a day for the first month or two after setting up the tank to prevent ammonia and nitrite build-up, then upgrade to twice a day, if required. Small, active fish often require more food, but in smaller amounts.

In conclusion, fish are amazing creatures that have developed adaptive traits, which allow them to thrive underwater. Just like us, fish need food and shelter to survive, so it is mandatory to provide them with their needs. Buying the right tank, adjusting the heater, providing nutritious food, and filtering the aquarium water is crucial for them to survive. It is not difficult to keep fish alive, however, understanding their needs and providing them constantly ensures a happy long life for your fish.

Thank you for reading!