Fishes needs care too

Fishes needs care too

In Britain, fish are now the third most popular pet after dogs and cats.The reason for the increase in demand for fish, according to a representative of Tesco, a large UK retail chain, is that people have moved to smaller homes and rentals over the last few years, and it’s not always possible or practical to own a dog or cat. Fish make truly wonderful pets for people who don’t have the time or physical space to devote to a higher-maintenance companion animal.Generally speaking, fish are easier and less expensive to feed and care for than other pets, however, they do require a proper environment and knowledgeable caretakers. Fish are quiet -- you never have to worry about a barking or squawking fish upsetting the neighbors or waking a sleeping baby.Fish can actually live longer, healthier lives and sometimes even grow larger in an aquarium than they do in the wild.Few fish get to die of old age in the wild. Fish that are too weak or slow will quickly become dinner.

Proper fish care is essential to the health and well-being of your fish. Taking care of fish does take a bit more than just feeding your pets, but it's not hard and the results are fun and rewarding. Although fish tank maintenance is not as time intensive as other hobbies, there are certain requirements for keeping any kind of pet and aquariums are not excluded.Fish tank care is a simple process. It takes daily fish care and set up a good tank maintenance schedule. Simply know how to clean a fish tank, do water changes, and maintain the filtration. Once you get your "hands wet", fish keeping is simple and very rewarding!Before removing water make sure to either unplug the heater, or lower it in the tank to make sure it stays submerged in order to prevent cracking. Also unplug the filter. If there are any snails or frogs in the tank, to prevent injury take some time to remove them from the tank while cleaning. Remove and scrub any plastic plants and other decor as needed. Just use plain water without soap, as soap residue can increase phosphates and cause an algae bloom.Remove algae from the glass using an algae pad or algae magnet. Do this before removing water so you will be able to remove algae debris with the gravel siphon. This will also help prevent the algae from spreading.Remove the filter media pads. Rinsed them with the water in the bucket (taken out of the tank) and then put them back in the filter. Don't use tap water to rinse the pads as the chlorine in the tap water will kill beneficial bacteria that is living in the filter media.Replace the decor, plastic plants, and anything else taken out of the tank.Empty and rinse the bucket, and then fill it with clean water, making sure that it is the same temperature as the tanks water.  Add a water conditioner to remove chlorine and add salt if used. Carefully start refilling tank with the conditioned water.Plug in the heater and filter, and wipe down the outside of the tank glass with the soft rag or paper towels.

Fish Care Tips When You Travel

• Clean Tank - Do your partial water change and make sure the tank is full the day before you leave.
• Change The Filter - Check to see if a filter change is needed and replace accordingly.
• Feeding Your Fish - Do not overfeed your fish before you leave. You will only make your fish bloated, sick and constipated. It is not necessary to have someone feed your fish if you will be away for one week or less. If you will be gone a week or more, however, use one feeder block if you have a bottom feeder fish. For other types of fish, use a mechanical feeder or find a fish-wise friend to feed the fish for you.

  Proper fish care is very important and will help your fish live long and happy lives!