Considering Complications of Size in Aquarium Care
When it comes to pet fish, size really does matter. Taking care of big fish shares common traits to caring for small fish, but there are certain disparities. This article discusses some of the differences between small fish care and big fish care.
Most home aquarium owner choose to have small fish. Small fish are often more vivid in color and more active. They also cost less to keep, for one primary reason: food. Fish flakes may be fine and dandy for small fish, but their upsized cousins cannot subsist on something so insubstantial. Big fish have a different diet from small fish. In aquariums, big fish are fed with pellets, small pre-cut pieces of shrimp, squid, or other fish, worms, and even small live fish (called feeders). As such, care must be taken when putting small and big fish together in one fish tank — you wouldn’t want your expensive tiny tropical fish being eaten would you?
Big fish are also generally more expensive to buy than small fish. Their upkeep and storage costs more, so of course this drives prices up. Fish tanks for big fish are, quite logically, larger and have thicker glass or polycarbonate panels. The waterproofing material used is also laid on thicker, as the larger the tank, the higher the static water pressure, and so the higher the chance for leaks. This space is required because fish need to be able to swim freely to maintain their health and strength. Swimming allows them to maximize the amount of oxygenated water flowing through their gills, critical to a healthy metabolism. The number of fish you can put into one tank is also something to consider. When the number exceeds the limit of what can be supported by the aquarium ecosystem, regardless of the actual number of fish, it becomes unable to cope. Fish will start dying, and even then bio-equilibrium may not be reestablished. Make sure to avoid overcrowding.
Big fish, being bigger, can also deal more damage to their surroundings. This is another reason why tanks for big fish have thicker walls. Big fish may bump into the sides a bit too often and a bit too hard, and if the panels were thin they would break. If you put plants, coral structures, or novelty aquarium props in your aquarium for big fish, be prepared to deal with damage. Big fish can tear or otherwise damage aquatic plants. Coral structures or novelty aquarium props can be topple over or moved around by the fish. Make sure to anchor these properly, and get tough aquatic plants. It is either that or replacing the “landscaping” elements as often as they break.
Big fish might get parasites. This is an uncommon, though not unheard-of, problem for small fish. These parasites are detrimental to the fishes’ health, and must be removed. This can be done manually or with the help of small creatures that eat parasites, like cleaner shrimps. Cleaner shrimps crawl on the fish and get to feast on parasites. The big fish leave them alone on account of their usefulness. It is a win-win situation for everyone except for the parasites.
Cleaning fish tanks and replacing water will be more difficult with big fish. They are harder to transfer than small fish. So perhaps it would be easier to clean the internal sides with a squeegee or some other scraper than to empty it for cleaning. Water can also be replaced one part at a time. Big fish are more tolerant of their living conditions, so full clean-ups will not be needed as often.
These are just some of the complications that come with the size of your pet fish. You need to consider these factors to properly care for you aquarium. Others will include oxygen saturation, nitrogenous waste they release, and their impact on smaller fish. To know more, ask an expert or someone at your local pet fish store, or visit the Web and search for it — this is one of the essentials for proper aquarium care.