Never Flush Sick Fish
If they are not quite dead, flushing a dead fish is an awful way to die from chlorine toxicity. Learn more about humane pet fish euthanasia.
If you have a sick fish, contact your aquatic veterinarian for additional assistance. If your fish is too sick to be helped, your veterinarian will discuss human euthanasia options.
Never Flush Dead Fish
Flushing dead fish is promoting disease wherever your fish ends up. After you have made sure they are dead, through prolonged drug exposure or cervical spine separation, place dead fish in the trash or bury them at least 12″ in the yard. Putting almost dead fish in the freezer is not humane.
Learn About Proper Fish Care
Avoid the chance of your fish getting sick from the beginning. You can avoid having to even consider the need to flush sick fish by following the below guidelines.
- Plan ahead. We all know the thrill of walking into the pet store and loading up on everything a fish could possibly want. You can still get that rush, but go in with a plan. Read this checklist to make sure you have everything you need to keep your fish happy for those first few critical weeks of life. Here’s how to set everything up once you’ve worked through your checklist.
- Understand how tank cycling works. New tank syndrome is the downfall of many holiday fish systems. By starting with a low bioload for the first few weeks, you will save yourself the hassle of having to start over. Buy a reliable test kit and watch your parameters closely.
- Plan out your maintenance schedule. We’ve generated a handy checklist, but be sure to put it on YOUR calendar. Here’s a step-by-step cleaning guide in case you need some help.
- Start with a beginner-friendly species, such as a betta or comet goldfish. Don’t go for the super picky, super specific species right off. Assume that any new fish might be carrying some bug from the pet store. Since they don’t stay there that long, disease signs may not occur until you get the fish home.
- Ask for help when you feel overwhelmed, and this does NOT mean scrolling through the internet! There is a TON of misinformation on the internet. Call your local fish professional and have their number ready, just in case. Our office fields calls from all over the country on a daily basis for people needing help with the next step. Call us if you need help –> (831) 278-1081.
By working through these 5 simple steps, you have ensured your fish will be a member of the family for years to come.
Don’t flush sick fish. Do something to make them healthy again!
Need more guidelines? Be sure to read through our Top 10 Mistakes All New Fish Owners Make.
