Fish can develop a variety of diseases in their life time. Some worse than others, but all equally alarming when the symptoms develop.
You can keep your fish healthy by following a good maintenance routine. Clean filters and media regularly, replacing media if necessary. Remove any old food, a build -up of waste within the tank is harmful to the water conditions and can cause problems.
Regular water changes, of around 10 – 15% will maintain a good water health. This will remove unwanted elements from the water too, such as nitrates and phosphates.
Routine testing will monitor the quality of the water and any toxic elements that may be present.
If you do find your fish has a disease, there is sure to be a treatment to fight it. Swell UK have a huge range of test kits and treatments that will remedy it quickly, without harming the rest of your aquarium.
Look out for your fish behaving differently. Is it rubbing itself against firm objects, or isolating itself from a school? Is it eating as usual, or more lethargic?
Key factors to look out for are visible differences to skin, eyes and body. Looking at some of the common diseases, we can pinpoint tell-tale signs, causes and, more importantly, the solutions.
Fungal infection (Bacterial Infection)
This nasty disease often follows other illnesses and takes hold of already ill fish. To avoid it, good tank maintenance and treatment of all other problems is vital.
- It will start off as a white or grey growth
- As it takes hold, it will start to resemble cotton type wisps
- Untreated it will eat away at the fishes body and it’s likely fatal
Solution: Treat with the correct anti-fungal treatment, a course will probably take a few days.
As the name suggests, this is caused by high levels of ammonia in the tank. If they go unchecked then fish can even die from the toxins.
- Gasping at the surface for air
- Red or ‘bloody’ skin around gills
- Lost appetite
- Lethargic, may lie at the bottom of the tank
Solution: Use the correct media in your filter to remove ammonia. Test regularly to keep an eye on levels, and if necessary use an ammonia remover to restore the correct balance. Also, try not to overfeed your fish, as their waste will raise ammonia levels.
White Spot (Parasitic Infection)
This disease can quickly spread and can be fatal too. So if you see it beginning, treat immediately. It’s caused by the White Spot parasite, and is more likely to affect stressed fish.
- Tiny white spots all over the fish
- Fins kept tight against body or flicked sporadically
Solution: Treat straight away with the appropriate treatment. Remove any carbon media from the filter before you add the treatment.
Dropsy (Bacterial Infection)
This is caused by a bacterial infection of the fishes kidneys. This causes fluid retention or even renal failure. Frail or weak fish are more susceptible to this condition, which may be caused by a poorly maintained tank.
- Protruding scales
Solution: This can prove a tricky problem to beat. It can be avoided with regular water changes, and the addition of aquarium salts. Anti-biotic feeds are helpful, as are anti-fungal treatments.
Swim Bladder Infection
This is caused by an infection in the fish’s swim bladder. This gas filled vital organ aids the fishes buoyancy, and if infected can cause the fish to flip upside down. It’s thought to be caused by a parasite or sometimes constipation from over feeding.
- Fish flips upside down
- Floats at the top or bottom of the tank
Solution: Avoid this by feeding little and ensuring any left-over food is removed. If fish are constipated, feed them some peas, which will relieve the condition. Treatments are also available to treat the condition safely and easily.
Of course, there are many more fish diseases. Just as with any pet, you can’t guarantee that your fish will remain ailment free for its whole life. The best way to keep an eye on fish health is to maintain a good level of hygiene in the tank, and remain vigilant for the onset of any health problems. Always consult a professional for more detailed advice, and if you are unsure on how to best treat your fish.