Fish Care

SPRING FISH CARE. In the Spring your pond is most susceptible to many fish diseases and is a stressful time for fish. Ich (Ichthyophthiriasis, a parasitic protozoan) is one of the most common and deadly of the Spring diseases. If untreated Ich can run rampant and spread throughout the pond and kill many fish. Known also as the "white spot disease", Ich is easily identified by observing the visible white cysts in the fish skin and gills, similar to salt specks. Marked infections may be accompanied by lethargy, listlessness, rubbing the sides of the pond, and difficulty in obtaining oxygen if the gills are badly infected. Spring induces fish breeding, and this action can be very hard on the females (and males) which results in torn fins and damage to the outer skin by running into items (rocks, filters, etc.) within the pond during the mating rituals. Results of this action must be watched afterward carefully for signs of infection and diseases, not only Ich but other bacterial, fungal or parasitic diseases.

FEEDING FISH in Spring. Many customers kill their fish with kindness. Do not over feed your fish. Since fish are cold blooded, begin to feed your fish when the water begins to stabilize over 50 degrees. During this time the recommended use of Spring or Fall Fish Food can be used. These fish foods have a better digestibility at this lower temperature. With small young goldfish, feed as much as they can eat in 15 minutes, while a large fish can eat half its own weight in that time. Any uneaten food should be removed since it will contaminate the water. A Fish Feeding Ring will keep the floating food in a central location.

Tricker's recommends to have available each season at least 3 special items to help keep your fish healthy and safe and prevent common fish diseases. These 3 items are found in our store as a single price savings collection. click here.

1. Pond Ich Remedy: The main ingredient will control Ichthyophthiriasis or Ich. It is very important to treat the pond in early Spring when the weather begins to rise above 50 degrees or when Ich is seen on any fish.

2. Aqua-Prazi. Periodic use of this medication will keep your fish healthy by treating any developing internal infections. It is a safe remedy for fish in treating internal flukes and tapeworms found in the intestines, gills, liver, etc. and is readily absorbed in the blood of the fish.

3. Turks Island Sea Salt. It cannot be overemphasized the routine use of sea salt when you have fish. It has many proven functions that have been recognized by fish breeders and raisers over the decades. It functions as an osmoregulatory enhancer by causing fish to release mucus from the gills and skin which can kill or remove parasites, adds natural electrolytes, and reduces fish stress which is common in the Spring. Sea salt will also reduce the toxicity of nitrites in the water by increasing the chloride content (salt) in water and thus will reduce the ability of the nitrate to enter the bloodstream of the fish.

Spring is a very crucial time to watch your fish closely for any unusual signs of fish diseases. Prevention cannot be over stated. In our catalog and on the web site is a chart to indicate the fish illness, general indications and the recommended product.

Summer Fish Care: Continue to routinely use the Turk's Island Sea Salt and sporadic routine feeding of Medicated Fish food. If fish show symptoms of Ich, the Pond Ick Guard should be used repeated. Watch closely for any beginning fish disease as indicated in our Tricker Chart. The use of a natural bacteria to keep the water healthy is recommended, i.e. Ultra Clear Clarifier.

Fall Fish Care: When Fall or Autumn approaches, the fish should stop being fed when the water temperatures begin to go below 50 degrees. Special fish food for Fall can now be used to make sure of proper digestion by the fish. The use of a biological bacteria that can reduce the Sludge that accumulates during the year is recommended, i.e. Ultra Clear Sludge Digester.

Winter Fish Care: During the winter the cold weather bacteria are essential in your pond. When the temperatures drop below 55 degrees, the use of Arctic Blend is recommended. Arctic Blend is a natural bacteria that will keep the water clean during these cold winter months and work on keeping your pond in ecological balance during these stressful months of winter. These bacteria are not like the Ultra Clear bacteria that are used in the Spring, Summer and Fall. In harsh winters, with ice coverage the use of a pond deicer is recommended. This will keep a hole in the ice to allow any noxious gases to escape that can cause fish kills. Other techniques can be the use of a bubbler or running a water fall. This is very important if you have a lot of vegetation that is wintering under the ice in the water garden pond or build up of sludge. The fish do not need to be fed during this time.