As with anything, getting new fish can be problematic. Luckily there are things you can do to avoid common new fish problems.
Tank issues
Though you may not think so, one of the biggest common new fish problems that plague new fish owners originate from the tank. Many fish owners buy tanks that are too small for their fish. Or, they’ll buy fish that are too big for the tank. To avoid this common problem, decide what kind of fish you want to buy before you get a tank. As a general rule, you can add one fish per gallon of water. This rule varies according to the size of the fish. You wouldn’t want to put a large fish, such as a piranha in one gallon of water. Ask your fish provider what kinds of fish will do well in your tank.
Common new fish problems also include putting fish in water that they can’t handle. Fish are not like humans. They don’t like to sit in chlorinated, treated water that comes from our faucets. They need water that has a balanced pH level. The water also needs to be chemically treated to fit their needs. If you ignore the water, your fish will get sick and will die. So, make sure to pick up some chemical treatment drops. Also, clean the tank on a regular basis to get ride of built up, dangerous bacteria.
Slow down
Other common new fish problems include adding to many fish too fast. Starting an aquarium is exciting. This is great, but it can lead to overzealous fish owners who buy too many fish and add them all at once. Fish like to get used to each other and it’s not a good idea to just toss them all in a once and see what happens. Putting too many fish together in a tank too quickly can result in bullying and stress. Both of these situations can lead to maimed or killed fish.
Don’t just toss ‘em in
The most common new fish problems result from throwing fish in tanks before they’re ready for their new environment. Fish are sensitive and they need to get adjusted to the tank water and the other fish before they can be thrown in a tank. Let your fish hang out in its plastic pet store bag before he’s put in the tank. Put this bag in the tank with a little tank water for about an hour. Then you can put your fish in. If you don’t do this, your fish may go into shock and you’ll be one of many pet owners that perpetuate common new fish problems.
