Freshwater

Ideally, your fish should act naturally, be active and alert, and show no fear
after being trained for a short period of time. Another trick you can use at
home is to periodically shine a light into the water so that your fish is prepared
for sudden illumination — just in case a judge uses a flashlight during
observation. A bad show fish swims upside down and looks bummed out.
A poor show fish exhibits unusual behaviors such as hanging out in areas of
the tank that it normally wouldn’t. For example, if your cory normally lives on
the bottom level of the tank but is trying to fly two inches above the water
level, a judge probably will mark it down for its odd behavior. If your fish is
floating upside down, or looks ready for the great fish bowl in the sky, then
you need to reevaluate your strategies and goals for raising top-quality fish.
Your entry should always be in top physical form. Start with a good specimen
and then make sure it receives proper nutrition by feeding it a varied diet
consisting of commercially pre-manufactured flakes and different types of live
food. The water conditions your show fish is raised in should always be optimal,
with good filtration and the proper water chemistry for the species.
The holding tank
Chapter 22: Competing in Fish Shows
When you spend a great deal of time, effort, and expense raising a showquality
fish, you want to make sure it does not encounter any physical problems
prior to a competition. For example, if you were a professional model,
you probably would not begin taking karate or boxing lessons a week before
a photo shoot — the results could be disastrous.
A small holding tank is a great (and inexpensive) way to keep your show fish
healthy and free from physical harm in the month or two preceding its competition.
A holding tank negates the possibility of other fish damaging your
prize entry’s fins or scales by not allowing physical contact, which in turn
prevents untimely fighting or breeding.
Your holding tank should be free from large decorations (such as sharp
rocks) with the potential to damage your show fish. A few floating plants and
a couple of rooted specimens give your entry the security it needs to remain
stress-free. A smaller tank also allows you to carefully monitor your fish’s
progress, and makes cleaning and frequent water changes a snap.
The smaller environment of a holding tank allows you to check for any disease
that may manifest during this waiting period. Physical ailments can be
treated quickly and easily in a smaller tank. Solitary confinement also keeps
your entry stress-free and calm until it’s time to enter competition and really
show off. Being alone in a semi-bare tank prepares your pet for the same conditions
it faces during an exhibition.
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