The aquarist must learn how to detect signs of ill health, and above all establish good habits as regards tank maintenance and food hygiene, in order to prevent disease. A fish can not only fall sick | HEALTH The aquarist must learn how to detect signs of ill health and above all establish good habits as regards tank maintenance andfood hygiene in order to prevent disease. A fish can not only fall sick but can also be a carrier of a disease without actually being sick itself- then it is known us a healthy carrier. The disease will appear under certain conditions or will be passed on to its companions. THE ORIGIN OF DISEASES The origin of a disease can be outside the aquarium - the introduction of a fish stressed by importation or by the living conditions at a retail store it can fall sick and contaminate other fish - the introduction of a healthy carrier or diseased fish - the introduction of polluted water from a natural source - the accidental introduction of various harmful substances such as cigarette smoke and aerosol fumes. Obviously every precaution must be taken to avoid such accidents on the part of the aquarist. The origin of a disease can be inside the aquarium This is generally due to a disruption of the general balance leading to the development of the diseases latent in a healthy carrier - reduction in temperature or thermal shocks . abrupt variations - whether increases or decreases - brought about by a disorder in the heating system - reduction in the oxygen levels - excess of nitrogenous matter due to a filter malfunction or too many fish The hospital aquarium A small tank of glued glass is used containing only the equipment necessary for treatment. Therefore there are no plants bed or decor except in the case of naturally shy fish which can be furnished with a shelter made of an artificial material like PVC. Normal filtration is not required the most that is needed is a small internal filter containing only Perlon cotton. On the other hand there must be substantial aeration as this influences the oxygen levels. The temperature should be raised to 27-28 C. Ideally the hospital aquarium should be in a quiet spot with little light in order to .
