10 TIPS FOR SELECTING HEALTHY FISH FROM YOUR AQUARIUM DEALER
From the Hippo Help Desk
- A specialty store that deals only in aquatics is often the best place to purchase your livestock. They are more likely to be able to offer you expert fishkeeping advice.
- Display aquariums should be clean, well maintained and presentable.
- No dead or sick fish - typical signs of sick fish are drooping or clamped fins, 'shimmying', and normally active species sitting on the bottom.
- Fish with shredded fins may indicate the store has mixed incompatible species.
- Ask the assistant to feed your prospective fish for you. Most fish will show a healthy appetite. This is especially important when purchasing high price fish and marines.
- As well as asking lots of questions about the fish you want to buy, do some research of your own first to ensure its suitability.
- Avoid impulse buys if your aquarium is not properly set up for a particular fish. Many stores will hold a fish for you once you have paid for it.
- Have a list with you of the fish already in your aquarium. This is very helpful for store staff when assessing suitability of new additions as well as stocking levels.
- Ask the assistant to write down the correct name of your new fish for you (latin name if possible) for your records.
- Check your water quality before going fish shopping and do any neccessary water changes and adjustments to pH etc. Store aquariums are normally at a fairly even ph and if your tank water is very acidic or alkaline, pH burn and subsequent fatalities are a likely consequence.
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