How to take care of fish
You do not always have the opportunity to accommodate a cute four-legged friend at home, due to lack of space, time to devote to it and other numerous reasons but, often, you still do not want to give up the opportunity to take care of an animal all for yourself. When the situation arises with these conditions, the choice could easily fall on a pet that is not too demanding, easy in care and for which only a few daily attentions may suffice. An excellent example is fish.
Many are those who have had or have small fish at home, bought from the nearby pet store or won at the country fair. But are these little aquatic pets really that easy to care for? Let's see together!
As much as fish are certainly less difficult to care for than a cat, dog or even hamster, that doesn't mean that the attention given to their well-being can be more neglected or set aside. We are accustomed to buying a small glass bowl, placing the pet inside it and, from time to time, remembering to change the water, taken from the tap, or shake the food inside. We must, however, remember that we are taking care of another living being and, as such, there are small and simple steps that can substantially improve the fish's lifestyle and increase its good health.
Aquarium and Fish Dangers
First of all, the impression that because it is a small animal, the fish can be kept in an equally small aquarium, such as the glass bowls we are used to and see it in, must be eliminated. Despite its size, depending on the species, this animal can grow many centimeters, which makes it necessary to use larger, more spacious aquariums that allow it to move around quietly. Beyond its mobility, however, the urgency of owning a larger environment comes from another danger: ammonia. The latter is a chemical compound, as well as, main waste that fish produce from their gills and that can enter aquariums with tap water, or from the decomposition of plants, food and waste. Prolonged exposure to ammonia can lead to poisoning or death of fish, as it is extremely toxic to them. Logically, therefore, a larger living space can cause the ammonia not to immediately concentrate in the water but to be able to circulate less quickly.
Aquarium Water and Filters
Ammonia brings us back to another important element for the aquarium, considered its heart and one of the most important objects, namely, the filter. Fish, besides the creation of ammonia, are animals that produce many needs that end up, inevitably, polluting the water. The importance of the filter lies in its ability to process what the fish excrete and mechanically filter the water, an activity that eliminates the annoying particles that form at the back of the aquarium. In addition, it offers the possibility of not having to change the water daily, an action that would otherwise be necessary if one did not own the item, which, however, is readily available in pet stores or online. When buying a fish, it is advisable to prepare the aquarium, water and filter, at least a week in advance as, the latter, will take some time to work and purify the environment permanently.
Health and Entertainment
Continuing with building the best environment for one's pet, the presence of a substrate is recommended, that is, that material that lies on the bottom of the aquarium. Multiple types are on the market but, if you want to opt for a cheaper choice, sand and pebbles can also be a good substitute, as long as you wash them carefully and for several hours. Some specific types of substrate will allow you to facilitate the growth of water plants, which are more difficult to maintain than the plastic alternative, but more appreciated by your fish. These, along with other elements such as pieces of wood and stones, will entertain the animal, which, as a base, is very keen on exploring new areas and new aquatic attractions. Lights are also decisive for the growth of plants, but not only that, having lighting dedicated solely to the aquarium makes it possible not to confuse the fish with flashes of light when entering and leaving the room.
Food and attention for goldfish
To make sure that our goldfish grows healthy and to its full potential, attention to food is also decisive for its well-being. Fish need a routine just like all other animals so, it is recommended, to take an interest in its diet with predetermined times and moments of the day. Avoiding feeding the animal only when one remembers and in excessive quantities compared to its real needs, for maintenance and growth in correct times, feeding should be there 2-3 times a day. This last point also depends on the species of the fish and how much, indeed, I will grow in the future. A do-it-yourself tip, to figure out if the portion of feed is correct, lies in the timing in which the animal will finish its food: if it takes more than two minutes, it is too big.
Although there are a majority of cases in which fish, unfortunately, perish after a few years, or months, in reality their lifespan is 10 to 15 years, just like cats and dogs. Following these few steps ensures that, our goldfish, can live out their long years to the fullest, with the proper care and respect that should be given to any living thing.