Aquarium

If you are planning to buy a pet fish, it is recommended to first observe the pet store where you are making your purchase and see how well the staff are maintaining their tanks.  Many pet shops sell fish that may be living in less than ideal conditions. The tanks may be cloudy and dirty, some fish may look ill, the lighting or filtering systems may not be adequate, and there could also be fish that should not be living together in the same tank.

Choose a reputable pet store or fish breeder whenever making a purchase for your fish hobby. Try to have a short talk with the staff to check if they are well-informed about the care and maintenance of the fish and the aquarium where the fish are kept. Looking at the aquariums and supplies will give you an idea of the state of health of the fish, and this will narrow down your options for the pet stores. You can do the same for fish breeders. A quick visit to their place of business to see how well they maintain their fish will also tell you a great deal about the fish’s health. A well-trained and knowledgeable staff is a plus for any pet store business.

Here are a few tips to consider whenever choosing a place to purchase your fish:

Establish a relationship with your fish supplier. The staff or the owner should be able to answer all your queries. They can also offer suggestions based on your interests and what you want to achieve in your hobby, including the aesthetic appeal of your tank. Bear in mind that the choice of fish in your tank would usually be influenced by how much time you can devote to the hobby and your level of experience.

Your chosen pet store should also be concerned about the proper equipment you may need, on the basis of what you want to achieve, as well as the requirements of the fish.

Look into the tanks of fish species in the pet shop if the mix is compatible. Also check if the fish are not stressed or crowded, if they are healthy and have vibrant coloring. The water should be clear and clean, there should be no floating dead fish in any of the tanks.

Always look out for diseases among the fish. A common contagious disease is called “ick” (Ichthyophthirius multifiliis) and can be fatal to your fish if not treated. It appears as tiny white spots on your fish. If you notice any of the fish in the tank have white spots, you might be dealing with an infected fish. In this case, steer clear of the store. Any store selling infected fish is definitely not a reputable establishment.

Photo: http://i1110.photobucket.com/albums/h453/pjoyfulness/Aquarium_67.jpg

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