Fish Care 101

Learn the basics about caring for your pet fish

Contrary to popular belief, fish are not “maintenance free” pets!
A little preventative care goes a long way to give your fish a long and happy life.

Take care of your fishes’ water

Maintaining good water quality is the most important thing pet fish owners can do to keep their fish healthy. Commit to a regular maintenance routine and test your water chemistry regularly.

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a fish tank filled with water and plants.
fish in quarantine

Quarantine every new fish

There is no 100% safe source to purchase fish from. The only way to ensure your main system stays safe and healthy is to quarantine all new additions yourself. Depending on your water temperature, you should quarantine your fish for 4-6 weeks.

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Feed a good diet

Just because it’s the most expensive diet does not mean it’s the best. Not all fish foods are created equal and some charge extra for inferior products. Educate yourself on what your fish really need and keep it fresh. Once opened, fish food will lose its water-soluble vitamin content in 6 months, so be sure to purchase a new container before that time expires.

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fish food
Dr. Jessie Sanders and Sara Enos

Ask for help before it’s too late

Although not all resources are created equal, there is a ton of FREE help for fish owners on our website. If you are concerned about your fish and don’t know if you need help, CALL US – (831) 278-1081. If you are not in California or Nevada, we will help you find someone in your area. Search the American Association of Fish Veterinarians database for a fish veterinarian near you. Yes, we charge for our services, unlike all the free help from Google, but you get what you pay for. Don’t just dump in a bunch of “antibiotics” and hope for the best. By bringing a pet fish into your home, you have signed a contract promising to give your fish their best life possible. Just because they only cost a few bucks doesn’t mean they don’t deserve veterinary care.

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Schedule Your Fish Exam

Schedule an appointment or call us at (831) 278-1081.

Our office will be closed December 22 to January 6. Please see our in-state referrals for faster assistance.

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