Both experience and research have shown that the addition of an
aquarium can enhance any environment, home or business. Something about
watching the graceful motions of fish as they roam their
wateryenvironment , soothes and relaxes us. In order to continue
enjoying your aquarium, however, you will need to remember that fish
are animals and can get sick just as all animals can. Certain diseases
are common in fish but, luckily, manyof them can be avoided or
prevented. Even if aquarium fish do become sick there are often
treatments that can cure the problem if they are undertaken quickly
enough. Below we discuss the symptoms and treatments of some common
aquarium fish diseases.
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New Tank Syndrome :: Have you ever bought a new fish and brought it home with anticipation, only to see it inexplicably die within a few hours of being introduced into your aquarium? Then you have seen New Tank Syndrome. The fish does not normally appear distressed or ill, it just dies. Stress is the major cause of New Tank Syndrome. To avoid the problem be sure to float your fish, still in the bag or cup you brought it home in, in your aquarium for a few hours to allow a gradual adjustment to the new conditions. This will greatly aid in avoiding loss of new fish.
Fin Rot: Another problem that frequently strikes at fish in aquariums is fin rot. This aquarium fish disease becomes apparent when the fish begins to show tearing and fraying on its fins and other soft tissues. Although the first thought might be that other fish are attacking the sick one, the truth is that you are seeing fin rot. Most pet stores and other fish suppliers will sell medication to treat fin rot. Keep an eye on your tank and start treatment at the first sign of fin rot so it doesn't lead to other potentially even more dangerous infections.
Gill Worms:: If you see worm like bodies hanging from the gills of one of your fish then that fish has gill worms. This aquarium fish disease is an infestation of parasites. In bad cases the parasites can be so thick that the fish actually has to gasp for air because the worms are blocking the air flow through its gills. Treatment with anti-parasite medication and heavy use of an air pump should be undertaken as soon as possible.
Ick :: A fish that appears to have cotton stuck on its sides probably has an infestation of Ick, a fungus that attacks the skin of the fish. This aquarium fish disease spreads from fish to fish in tanks that are not kept clean enough. BecauseIck is so fast spreading it is important to treat with a salt bath or anti-fungal medication before your entire tank is infested.