Aquarium fish die for various reasons, such as poor water quality, disease, stress, overfeeding, or aggression from other fish. These causes can often be prevented or treated with proper care and maintenance of the aquarium. In this article, we will explore some of the most common reasons why aquarium fish die and how to avoid them.
One of the most important factors for keeping aquarium fish healthy and happy is the quality of the water they live in. Poor water quality can lead to many problems, such as low oxygen levels, high ammonia levels, pH imbalance, or accumulation of toxins and waste. These conditions can stress the fish and make them more susceptible to disease and death.
To maintain good water quality, you should:
Test the water regularly with a kit or strips to check the levels of ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, pH, and other parameters.
Perform partial water changes every week or two, depending on the size of the tank and the number of fish. Replace about 25% of the water with fresh, dechlorinated water that matches the temperature and pH of the tank.
Use a filter that is suitable for the size and type of your aquarium. Clean the filter media regularly and replace it when needed.
Avoid overstocking the tank with too many fish or incompatible species. Follow the rule of thumb of one inch of fish per gallon of water, or use an online calculator to determine the appropriate stocking level for your tank.
Avoid overfeeding the fish or leaving uneaten food in the tank. Feed the fish only as much as they can consume in a few minutes, once or twice a day. Remove any excess food with a net or siphon.
Add live plants, air stones, or bubblers to increase the oxygen level and reduce the carbon dioxide level in the water.
Use aquarium salt, conditioners, or additives to enhance the water quality and prevent diseases. Follow the instructions on the product label and do not overdose.
Disease
Another common reason why aquarium fish die is disease. Fish can get sick from various causes, such as bacteria, fungi, parasites, viruses, or environmental stress. Some of the signs of disease in fish are:
To prevent and treat diseases in fish, you should:
Quarantine any new fish for at least two weeks before adding them to the main tank. Observe them for any signs of disease and treat them accordingly.
Isolate any sick fish in a separate tank or container and treat them with the appropriate medication. Follow the instructions on the product label and do not mix different medications.
Disinfect any equipment, decorations, or plants that come in contact with the sick fish. Use bleach, vinegar, or boiling water to kill any pathogens and rinse them thoroughly before returning them to the tank.
Boost the immune system of the fish by providing them with a varied and nutritious diet. Include live, frozen, or freeze-dried foods, such as bloodworms, brine shrimp, or daphnia, as well as flakes or pellets. Supplement the diet with vitamins, minerals, or garlic.
Reduce the stress level of the fish by providing them with adequate space, hiding places, and compatible tank mates. Avoid sudden changes in water temperature, pH, or lighting. Minimize noise and vibration around the tank.
Stress
Stress is another factor that can contribute to the death of aquarium fish. Stress can weaken the fish’s immune system and make them more prone to disease and death. Stress can be caused by various factors, such as:
Poor water quality
Inadequate filtration or aeration
Overcrowding or overfeeding
Aggression or harassment from other fish
Incompatible or unsuitable tank mates
Lack of hiding places or plants
Sudden changes in water temperature, pH, or lighting
Noise or vibration around the tank
Handling or moving the fish
To reduce the stress level of the fish, you should:
Follow the tips mentioned above for maintaining good water quality, preventing and treating diseases, and providing a suitable environment for the fish.
Monitor the behavior and health of the fish regularly and look for any signs of stress or disease.
Use a net or a container to catch or move the fish gently and carefully. Avoid chasing or stressing the fish unnecessarily.
Acclimate the fish slowly and gradually to any new conditions, such as water temperature, pH, or salinity. Use a drip acclimation method or a floating bag method to adjust the fish to the new water parameters.
Add stress coat, melatonin, or other products to the water to help the fish cope with stress and heal faster. Follow the instructions on the product label and do not overdose.
Overfeeding is another common mistake that can lead to the death of aquarium fish. Overfeeding can cause several problems, such as:
Poor water quality
Obesity or malnutrition
Constipation or bloating
Swim bladder disorder
Fatty liver disease
Internal parasites
To avoid overfeeding the fish, you should:
Feed the fish only as much as they can consume in a few minutes, once or twice a day. Remove any excess food with a net or siphon.
Choose the right type and size of food for the fish. Consider the fish’s natural diet, mouth size, and feeding habits. Use flakes, pellets, granules, wafers, or tablets for bottom feeders, surface feeders, or mid-water feeders. Use live, frozen, or freeze-dried foods, such as bloodworms, brine shrimp, or daphnia, for carnivorous or omnivorous fish.
Vary the diet of the fish and include different types of foods. This will provide the fish with a balanced and nutritious diet and prevent boredom or pickiness.
Supplement the diet of the fish with vitamins, minerals, or garlic. This will boost the immune system and prevent diseases.
Fast the fish once a week or once every two weeks. This will help the fish digest the food and clear the intestinal tract.
Aggression
Aggression is another factor that can cause the death of aquarium fish. Aggression can occur for various reasons, such as:
Territoriality or dominance
Mating or breeding
Competition for food or space
Stress or boredom
Incompatibility or unsuitability
To prevent or reduce aggression in the tank, you should:
Choose the right type and number of fish for the tank. Research the fish’s temperament, compatibility, and requirements before buying them. Avoid mixing aggressive, territorial, or predatory fish with peaceful, shy, or small fish. Avoid keeping too many males or too few females of the same species. Avoid keeping fish that have similar colors, shapes, or patterns.
Provide enough space and hiding places for the fish. Use a tank that is large enough for the fish to swim and grow comfortably. Use rocks, caves, driftwood, plants, or ornaments to create different zones and territories for the fish. This will reduce the chances of conflict and stress.
Feed the fish adequately and appropriately. Use different types of foods and feed the fish at different levels of the tank. This will ensure that all the fish get enough food and prevent competition or starvation.
Rearrange the tank or add new fish occasionally. This will disrupt the established hierarchy and territories of the fish and reduce aggression. However, do not change the tank too often or too drastically, as this can also stress the fish.
Use a divider, a net, or a separate tank to isolate or remove any aggressive or injured fish. This will prevent further damage or death to the fish and allow them to heal or recover.
Aquarium fish die for various reasons, such as poor water quality, disease, stress, overfeeding, or aggression from other fish. These causes can often be prevented or treated with proper care and maintenance of the aquarium. By following the tips and guidelines mentioned in this article, you can keep your aquarium fish healthy and happy for a long time.
