Angel Fish Disease
One challenge you may face with your fish tank is Angel Fish Disease which can make your fish sick, and even kill them.
You must treat the tank quickly in order for most disease to be stopped. Your fish should look healthy and be active, if they aren’t the list below might help you determine treatment.
If you suspect Angel Fish Disease, see if they also have tiny white spots like salt - This is probably Ich (Ichthyophthirius), a parasite which is rather common. Although quite common, this disease can kill all your fish if not treated in time. Since it is usually caused by poor water quality, it is treated with water changes and medication that can be put into the tank. You can buy treatments for Ich at your local pet store or online.
Another problem caused by poor water is Grayish cottony patches. This fungus is caused by waste and extra food left in the tank. You can treat it by cleaning the tank, water changes and medicine that you can buy online or at your local pet store.
The Angel Fish Disease can at times be found in fish that have fin rot. Likely caused by bacteria, this is another disease that happens due to poor water quality. Fish that are stressed are more likely to be affected. Isolate any fish that show this problem to keep it from spreading to your other fish. Treat the tank with medicine formulated specifically for this problem.
Flukes are a parasite that attach the fish’s skin and gills. Symptoms include cloudy skin and scraping against the bottom. This can be caused by poor water quality and my be difficult to treat. You can buy medication for it and you should try to treat the tank immediately upon seeing an outbreak.
Are your fish fish gasping for air? Depending on the type of filter you are using and the shape of your tank, you may not be getting enough oxygen into the water. Add an airstone to the tank which will allow oxygen to enter the water through the air bubbles it makes.
While treating your tank for Angel Fish Disease, make sure you follow the directions on the label. As you can see, most of these diseases are caused by poor water quality so periodic water changes are your best bet to make sure your fish stay healthy.