Freshwater Aquarium

Before you go out and buy some tropical aquarium fish you must take into consideration a few factors. You want to get the best fish you can so I’m sure you’ll agree that it’s important to do some research and learn what to look for when you go to the pet shop to buy your fish.

I’m going to talk to you today about how to spot healthy and colorful fish that will help you create a stunning aquarium. Here are a few things you should look for:

1, Look for fish that come to the front of the glass when looking in the tank. If a fish hides at the back or in ornaments then that fish is not going to be a good buy. The fish must swim around freely and without any problems.

2, If been fed, look for fish that are quick to feed. These fish will grow bigger, have more color and be healthier in general. The others that take time before starting to feed are likely to be smaller fish that may be bullied by the others.

3, Don’t buy dark or very pale colored fish. These fish have a risk of having disease or been under stress and might not last long when been moved to your aquarium.

4, If buying livebearers make sure the females aren’t heavily pregnant. These fish will become very stressed when been moved and can often die as a result. Instead look for medium sized females that don’t have a big round bump.

5, Ask assistance and do your research before about fish you are going to keep together and if they are compatible. Make sure you don’t mix peaceful fish with very aggressive fish.

6, Make sure you only buy a few fish at a time. If you buy all your fish at once you will overstock your tank and cause ammonia problems which could result in deaths.

Please make sure you think about these things when looking to buy tropical fish. If you follow these six things I’m sure you shouldn’t have many problems. For more information please check out my blogs.

Rob owns a few blogs on saltwater fish and tropical fish.

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One of the secrets to raising strong and healthy is bathing your fish in tea made from Indian Almond leaves.

The leaves also known as Ketapang or wild almond leaves in some places, comes from a tree known to produce a chemical that defends itself against insects and parasites. When the dried leaves falls into water, a strong brown dye is given off. The dye contains organic acids humic and tannins. The water which is darken to a yellowish brown (tea-like color) after a few days, is very similar to your Betta fishes‘ natural habitat and they will love you for it.

Humic and tannins from the Indian almond leaves lowers the pH of the water, absorbs harmful chemicals and help create a soothing and calm environment for the fish. I use the leaves to help settle my Betta fishes when I first bring them home from the aquarium, which can be quite a traumatic journey for the fishes. Even Bettas can get ’sea sick‘ sometimes … you will know it when their body turn pale and rest on the tank floor all the time.

The leaves can also be used to treat bacteria infection and help the Bettas recover from injuries. Some people have used it to increase breeding frequency. The first time I discovered the healing qualities of the leaves was when one of my Betta won’t eat for a few days after I brought it home. Then a friend recommended I put a square inch of the leaves into the tank and let it soak overnight. The next day, my Betta was sucking the blood worms like there is no tomorrow!

To use the Indian almond leaves, I would recommend one palm size leaf to 10 gallons of water. Soak the leaf overnight in the water and you will see the water turning brownish the next day. If you are helping your Betta fish recover from sickness, then cut one small piece of the leaf and leave it in the tank for a week.

In most places these leaves are not available freely. I do have a few trees growing outside my house. So if you desperately need them, email me at admin@tothefish.com and if I am not too busy, I can send them to you, just pay for the shipping cost.

For more information on keeping Betta fishes, please visit Betta Fish

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