Aquarium fish keeping is an interesting and fun filled hobby, if the hobbyists take care of few very important things. The views were expressed by Dr. Vaneet Inder Kaur of Guru Angad Dev Veterinary & Animal Sciences University. She was giving tips on the upkeep of ornamental fishes and aquarium. She said that summer comes and with that one has to be little particular. Compared to other pets, fishes need very little care.
In the hot weather especially from May to September, heater is not required as the environmental temperature is appropriate (> 250C), so put off thermostat. Always keep the aquarium at a place at right angle to natural / diffused light as direct sunlight in summer months leads to algal growth. Fishes do not require any light. Natural light is generally sufficient to keep fishes active during the day, and leaving aquarium light ‘on’ for too long can cause algal growth. Unless aquarium contains live-plants, aquarium light need not be switched on, except while feeding or observing fishes. For maintaining appropriate dissolved oxygen level, aerator should be working throughout day and night. Whenever required add de-chlorinated and aged water (water kept open with aeration for 24-48 hrs) in aquarium,. Avoid frequent water changes, as it disturbs the biological cycle. Always put on filter to get rid of unwanted toxic material and gases. Turbid, milky or green coloured water shows the inefficiency of filter and this must be checked regularly. Feed the fish twice a day with good quality readymade feed for 5 minutes by standing near the aquarium and observing the fish. Excess feeding is more dangerous than less feeding. Any signs of rotten fins, discoloration, white spots, red blotches indicate diseases. Changing weather can lead to various diseases/abnormalities, in case you find any of these, consult the expert.
The summer season comes with the holidays and everybody is out of the house. Some appropriate arrangements are to be made accordingly. Portable (automated) type feed dispensers are available in the market and can be very well used to avoid starvation. It is best to slightly underfeed fish while away to be on the safer side. Put some fine-leaved plants in the aquarium. Fishes can nibble on them if they are hungry. Before leaving house, water exchange is required after ensuring functionality of all the equipments.
