Fish & Aquatic Pet Care
Diagnosing and treating aquatic life.
Preventative care saves money & improves the comfort and health of your pet fish in Phoenix.
Veterinary Health Care
Illness in fish is often due to water quality, infections, parasites, or environmental factors. Fish that are sick may have redness or changes in the color of skin or fins, stop eating, or separate from other fish. Transport fish in a bucket or ice chest. Bring a water sample for lab testing.
We offer preventative care and nutritional counseling for your pet fish, along with the following:
Diagnosis and Treatment
- Just like other pets, including physical exams, microscopic cytology (skin, fin, gill biopsy), blood testing, medications, x-rays, ultrasounds, anesthesia, surgery, endoscopy, tank/pond evaluation, fish medications (antibiotics, antiparasitics, pain management).
- Early Care is the most successful
- Fish euthanasia must be humane with an anesthetic overdose (Tricaine Methanesulfate, Sodium Pentobarbital).
Tank Care
- Check each fish daily for normal activity
- Water change monthly (less than 50%)
- Treat new water properly based on the source
- Algae removal and prevention
- Water testing weekly (every 2 weeks if stable)
Tank Setup
- Filter for waste particles and chemicals (exterior canister best with an under-gravel too)
- Oxygen-air pump or active surface water flow
- Constant temperature
- Hiding areas
- Reduce algae growth with tank placement, temperature control, R/O water
Pond Care
- Similar to tank care & setup
- Use "drink-safe" lead-free hose
- Seasonal strategies
Feeding
- 1-3 times daily, only amount eaten within 1-2 minutes
- Consider a feeding timer for regular portion control
- Avoid overfeeding
Fish Selection
- Similar water requirements (pH, temperature)
- Social group (community vs. aggressive)
- Don't overcrowd (1-3 gallons per inch of fish)
- Saltwater fish need more space to prevent fighting
- Group several of the same species (unless solitary)
For more information or to schedule an appointment, please call us at (602) 395-9773 or request an appointment online.
