View Full Version : Pavlov and water changes...
Aphotic Phoenix
06-20-2007, 3:43 PM
Basic question is: is there anything wrong with feeding or giving the fish a treat after water changes?
Water changes don't really seem to bother my fish...but I of course do feel a little bad about how frequently I invade their space. Just wondering if a little classical conditioning could make the whole process less stressful if they begin to associate all the activity with a treat at the end.
rich311k
06-20-2007, 3:51 PM
I dont see what harm it would do. For what it is worth, I have never noticed fish minding a water change. I change a lot of water often. The fish follow the hose around looking for churned up food. Afterwards they are happy and back in their regular routine. The more water you change the faster your fish will grow and the better they will look. Just make sure temperature and KH of the replacement water is the same or close to the same, as what is in the tank.
sirasoni
06-20-2007, 4:12 PM
Haha I suppose it's possible...would depend on how smart your fish are I guess ;)
mostlycichlids
06-20-2007, 4:14 PM
I always give my fish a live food treat after water changes, they seem to expect it. They are always begging after ive moved on to the next tank!
Weezer
06-20-2007, 4:20 PM
Same here, ours seem to like wc's, i feed them about an hour later...:)
My fish don't mind WC's. Most of them try nibbling my arm hoping it's food. Or follow the hose seeing if it'll bring them something to eat.
And when I'm pouring the new water into the tank, they like to surf the current it makes.
They are always begging after ive moved on to the next tank!
My fish are always begging anytime they see me!
jm1212
06-20-2007, 5:06 PM
i dont see any harm in it unless you are giving them so much that it makes you need to do another water change three hours later :D
Hooked Newbie
06-20-2007, 5:11 PM
I agree.... mine seem to love them. They surf and take bubble baths! Water changes are fish parties in my tanks.
Aphotic Phoenix
06-20-2007, 5:17 PM
hehe, well mine usually seem rather indifferent to the whole process (and yes I am careful to make sure the water temp, etc is correct), but I do feel bad when I accidentally make a ruckus by hitting the glass with a decoration I'm moving (and the swearing that follows).
mostlycichlids
06-20-2007, 5:31 PM
Well the best way to kill a fish is with kindness! BTW i don't literly mean "kill a fish"!
lucid_boy
06-20-2007, 5:33 PM
thats funny...thats what I do after I change the water too...
wataugachicken
06-20-2007, 5:35 PM
no problem there with giving a treat. if your fish seem to be stressed out, though, then maybe you need to change your w.c. routine somehow. a treat it a great idea though - it makes you happy, and it makes the fish happy. just keep an eye out in case they get overeager for food and start swimming up your siphon.
i don't like to give treats after water changes for the simple reason that **** IT I just cleaned your water! You can wait until scheduled feeding time, and get it dirty again then.
Rbishop
06-20-2007, 6:00 PM
Mine all love the water change and I do my daily feedings just after them.
Mgamer20o0
06-21-2007, 4:34 AM
Mine all love the water change and I do my daily feedings just after them.
same here.
Squawkbert
06-21-2007, 8:59 AM
The only thing I notice after a change is that my DG goes from being a minor annoyance to other fish to being a complete butt-head for 2-3 days, spending a LOT of time chasing my angel and larger tetras around.
My daughter picked him out, so I can't get rid of him - but I probably won't get another one unless it's for a tank otherwise full of Apistos & Rams & maybe some Killies or Rainbows.
enrique4jc
06-21-2007, 10:08 AM
Pavlov conditioning for water changes...interesting concept! I suppose they can be conditioned like most any other creature.
As far as water changes go, my fishies don't seem to mine. Some of them might actually enjoy it!
I don't know if my fish drool after a PWC but I too feed afterwards and the fish don't seem phased by my invasion with the python. Many of my mollies peck my arm hairs if they're not down at the sand pecking around the newly disturbed bottom.
Q
Aries
06-25-2007, 11:55 AM
I have a blue zebra cichlid that attacks me and the siphon tube every time I do water changes. This is not because he hates water changes, but I am invading his territory and he gets mad. He attacks anything I put in there, even my hand. But it is not like his bites really hurt, he is only 5" big.
Treats are good and should have nothing but a positive affect.
Aries