Under The Stairs
New member
They always die after the first day I get them.
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How do I keep a fish alive?
- Thread starter Under The Stairs
- Start date
Barnacle Bill the Sailor
New member
First, you need to add Start Right to you water and let it cycle with the filter for at least 24 hours before adding fish.
Since you have been losing fish, take a water sample to your local fish store and have them test the water. You might have other issues with your water that need to be fixed.
If you find out that the water is stable, speak to someone at your local fish store about which fish would be good to start out with.
Since you have been losing fish, take a water sample to your local fish store and have them test the water. You might have other issues with your water that need to be fixed.
If you find out that the water is stable, speak to someone at your local fish store about which fish would be good to start out with.
O
Oh had you loved me thus!
Guest
1. When you buy them don't let them be sat on the scanner at the store.
2. Let the bag sit in the tank for half an hour for the fish to adjust to the water temperature.
3. Make sure the water in your tank is an appropriate temperature.
4. Let the water in the tank sit for at least a day before you put any fish in it. (Use distilled or filtered water.)
5. Make sure you have an air pump.
6. Try easy fish. Like goldfish.
I've never had to do anything fancier than this.
2. Let the bag sit in the tank for half an hour for the fish to adjust to the water temperature.
3. Make sure the water in your tank is an appropriate temperature.
4. Let the water in the tank sit for at least a day before you put any fish in it. (Use distilled or filtered water.)
5. Make sure you have an air pump.
6. Try easy fish. Like goldfish.
I've never had to do anything fancier than this.
A few simple rules to follow.
1) 1 gallon of tank water per 1 inch of adult fish (this rule only works for medium to small sized fish, up to 3 or 4 inch in adult length). Goldfish are massive waste producers so they need 20 gallons for the first fish, 10 gallons for each fish after.
2) Tropical fish need a heater.
3) All fish need a filter rated 5-10x turnover per hour, so a 30 gallon tank needs 150-300 gallon per hour rated filter.
4) The cycling process builds up bacteria who consume fish waste. Doing a fishless cycle in your tank is the best way to ensure they are healthy. A fishless cycle is NOT letting your tank run without fish for one week, two weeks, two months, or even one year... a cycle is not something you LET your tank do, you need to MAKE your tank cycle by adding ammonia or adding fish. Ammonia is safer so that your tank is already cycled BEFORE you add fish. Please google information on "fishless cycling" and do some research.
5) Do regular water changes, once every one to two weeks change out 10-40% of the water in the tank.
6) Always use dechlorinator on the water before adding it to the tank.
7) Don't overfeed! When in doubt, feed less. Overfeeding can easily kill a fish but most fish can go anywhere from weeks to months without being fed and quickly bounce back once fed again.
1) 1 gallon of tank water per 1 inch of adult fish (this rule only works for medium to small sized fish, up to 3 or 4 inch in adult length). Goldfish are massive waste producers so they need 20 gallons for the first fish, 10 gallons for each fish after.
2) Tropical fish need a heater.
3) All fish need a filter rated 5-10x turnover per hour, so a 30 gallon tank needs 150-300 gallon per hour rated filter.
4) The cycling process builds up bacteria who consume fish waste. Doing a fishless cycle in your tank is the best way to ensure they are healthy. A fishless cycle is NOT letting your tank run without fish for one week, two weeks, two months, or even one year... a cycle is not something you LET your tank do, you need to MAKE your tank cycle by adding ammonia or adding fish. Ammonia is safer so that your tank is already cycled BEFORE you add fish. Please google information on "fishless cycling" and do some research.
5) Do regular water changes, once every one to two weeks change out 10-40% of the water in the tank.
6) Always use dechlorinator on the water before adding it to the tank.
7) Don't overfeed! When in doubt, feed less. Overfeeding can easily kill a fish but most fish can go anywhere from weeks to months without being fed and quickly bounce back once fed again.
petlover296858
New member
If they are a feederfish I can relate. My fish used to die within a day. I asked the lady once working at the store and she told me they were bred to die fast because they were fed to other animals. Try getting a hardy fish like a betta though. I have had mine for about a year now and it's simply beautiful
Jewelybear
New member
hmm fish are tricky. EVERYTHING has to be perfect water pH, nitrates, nitrites, ammonia, water hardness. have the people at the store test your water before you buy them. it's free. leave the fishies in their bags in the tank for 15 min before letting them out. if it's a new tank add beneficial bacteria to the water-its called cycle and is sold at pet stores. hope that helps some. and don't forget to change and vaccum the water enough.
Benjamin Sow
New member
Do some research before you own fish man! Using this way is a good start. You must have your tank cycled for about a month before adding fish. Make sure you use dechlorinated water, not tap water, this can kill them. Do you feed them? Install a filter and an air pump.Always check your tanks ammonia level, adding water plants can decrease their amounts. Check the temperature, some fish need cold water, some need warm water. Do some more research mine is not complete.