Fish medications

[AquaDummy]

Okay so I've got some time on my hands and am trying to learn what I can about fishkeeping (much more too it than adding water and fish like I thought). I've been reading the forum and am getting worried because of the many horror story threads about fish getting sick and dying. So now I'm panicing again thinking that after I finally get though the cycle, I've still got (possibly) an uphill battle.

I've basically spent all my funds on my current setup and a little left over to get the fish. I can't afford a quaratine tank so I'll have to take my chances. I've heard that adding some salt is a good preventative measure but since I want to add cories and a bristlenose cat, I don't think I can go that route can I? I'm also not sure that I can use salt as part of a medication for a short time either?

So what kind of things should I get for a 'first aid' kit for my fish so that I can hopefully avoid throwing in the towel? Are there some good resources out there on diagnosing and treating fish? I've searched the net and I get a lot of hits but not sure which are the best sources..

If I'm getting annoying with all my questions I've been posting please tell me..

 

[OrionGirl]

Oh, totally annoying. You're fine--we'd rather answer these questions than try diagnosing a disease.

Salt as a prevantitive isn't something I agree with, or think is necessary. The fish don't benefit, and many bacteria/parasites aren't impacted by low levels, so it's not effective. And, without a means of determining how much salt is in the tank, you can easily end up with low level brackish conditions, which are actually worse for the fish, not to mention any plants.

A quarantine tank doesn't have to be extravagant. A bucket/tupperware tub that you can equip with a small heater and a corner sponge filter will be enough for most fish--you just need to be able to monitor them and do water changes easily. Obviously, bigger is better in terms of water conditions, but small enough that you don't lose the fish. A couple chunks of PVC for hiding spots, and that's it.

But, outside of that, you still have options. Work with your LFS--ask if they will hold the fish for 7 days. During this time, you can make sure the fish is eating, and that it is healthy. See what quarantine/treatment the store uses as well--better stores will quarantine their stock before even offering it for sale.

Second--spend some time watching the fish before you buy them. Make sure they act healthy--swimming if they're supposed to be active, reacting to movmeent near them, tummies that look 'right' (ie, a tetra with a huge ballooning tummy is bad, while a puffer with a shrunken concave tummy is equally bad). Ask the LFS to feed the fish while you watch. If the fish shows no interest in the food, that's probably not a good thing (alternatively--find out when they normally feed and show up then to observe).

Truthfully--I've lost more fish to my own stupidity than I ever have to a disease. I've treated ich once or twice, a few bacterial infections, and some trauma wounds, and only ever lost one of those fish--the bugger jumped out, despite my best efforts to prevent it (low water level and a cover).