Freshwater

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Part V: The Part of Tens
Many new hobbyists tend to overmedicate their tanks at the very first sign of
disease. This is a pattern that many people learned during childhood. If we
thought chicken soup and aspirin would help cure our fish, we would probably
dump that into the tank as well.
A large number of diseases can be avoided through good maintenance such
as frequent water changes. Avoid the temptation to pour medicine after medicine
into your tank in hopes you will find the right cure. Seek the advice of an
advanced hobbyist or tropical fish merchant who can help you pinpoint your
problem. If medication is necessary, always follow the manufacturer’s instructions
to the letter and use a hospital tank if possible.
Give Your Cat a Sushi Bar
Have you ever wondered why many cat foods are shaped like fish? Well, it’s
no accident. In your cat’s tiny and distorted little brain, your new aquarium
can be considered a free sushi bar. If your tank is not covered properly, your
cat can sneak in for a quick snack while you wonder why his food is collecting
dust in his bowl.
Take our word for it: No amount of pleading or yelling will keep some cats
from this habit if they decide that fresh seafood is their favorite. Make sure
that the hood you buy for your new aquarium fits properly and snugly. If you
happen to own a particularly strong or fat cat, weigh the hood down with
books or some other heavy objects so that it can’t be pried or flipped up.
Stuff Your Fish with Seven-Course Meals
Many different varieties of fish food are on the market. A good combination of
flake, frozen, and live foods help to promote good health in your wet pets.
However, you need to realize that a fish’s stomach is no larger than its eye,
and overfeeding will rapidly foul the tank and eventually lead to disease or
death.
Fish do not require seven-course meals each day to survive. If your fish are
beginning to resemble the Pillsbury doughboy and are constantly getting
stuck between rocks, then it’s time to cut down on the chow.
Mix Apples and Oranges
While browsing your local fish shop, you find yourself suddenly becoming
attached to a large cichlid who looks as if it has been feeding on “instant