Great idea for an article! I think more detail should be given to each "section". Much of what is written could be gleaned from a quick look into the forums. Also, IMO, there are several vague addresses such as...
Preventing Disease - Any course in aquaculture is going to teach you that there are three components of fish health. They are fish, pathogen, environment. Obviously this lesson relies on the fact that the pathogen is present, which for many bacteria and fungi, it is, often parasites too but not necessarily. When the fish and environment are healthy/favorable, the pathogen has less of a chance to infect the fish. As the fish's health deteriorates and/or the environment deteriorates, the pathogen has a greater chance of causing ill-effect on the fish. It is a dynamic interaction and to say it is just the quality of the environment seems to make the assumption that the fish is healthy and there are no pathogens present. I think a section could be devoted to "stresses of fish", "What causes the environment to degrade", and "Pathogens of fish"...o.k., books could be devoted
.
I didn't understand this... "Prevent poisons from predators from entering your tank."?
I understand this..."Last thing to do is make sure that the water quality is fresh, clean, and balanced for your fish. Also, if you have a planted aquarium don't forget to care for them as well." But think it could be clarified for newbies. Another section on what "good water quality is"?
"Stress is a major factor in preventing disease." Should read "Stress is a major factor in causing disease and should be prevented."
"External infections are easily seen and treated." Usually to experienced aquarists, not so to newbies.
"Bacteria and fungae:
Basically this is caused by poor tank conditions. Dead plant matter, feces, and/or uneaten food encourage bacteria or fungae to grow." Bacteria and fungi are caused...? Explosion in population may be caused by the listed criteria but they are most always present.
"Wasting:
Weight loss resulting in an uneven appearance. This is caused by harassment of an individual fish preventing access to food, or a disease such as tuberculosis, which is more common." What about parasites?
Kudos for taking on such an expansive (is that a word
)topic!