Most people love rearing fish as pets. However, over time, you may notice white patches in your fish tank, and it can be mold. Remember, mold in aquarium can cause harm to your pet fish. The tell-tale sign of mold affecting your fish’s health is evident from the grayish growth on the fish’s body, or mainly, the mouth.
When the water quality deteriorates, fungal outbreaks in your aquarium are common. Fungus formation in your aquarium can cause your fish to fall sick, and die, sometimes. It is crucial to take precautions and treat your aquarium to prevent fungus formation.
Clean the Fish Tank
At the first hint that your pet fish is behaving strangely and looks sick, it is time to clean your fish tank thoroughly. Always keep the aquarium’s glass sides sparkling clean, which makes it easier to spot any signs of sickness in your pet fish.
Ensure that the filter is always clean of debris. Change the water at regular intervals using a siphon. Keeping the fish tank clean at all times helps prevent fungal outbreaks.
How Does Your Fish Get Fungus?
The primary cause of fungal infections in your fish is the poor quality of water in the tank. Even if the heater and filter are not functioning correctly, there are chances for mold in the aquarium, leading to fungus formation. Always maintain temperatures between 70 and 80°F, and if the room temperature dips below 70°F, ensure the heater is on all the time.
Regular water changes help keep the water clean and free of toxic substances. A 5-gallon fish tank is ideal, as fish tanks of bigger capacity make cleaning a challenging task. Also, ensure there are enough live plants in your fish tank as it helps keep the water clean and prevents fungal infections.
Getting Rid of the Fungus
Once you have detected mold in the fish tank and fungus infection in your pet fish, you need to clean the tank and then treat your fish with antibiotics to get rid of the fungus. If your fish tank has chemical filtration, the system must be cleaned thoroughly by removing the activated carbon and resin.
The cleaning and treatment process should continue for 3 to 5 days until the fish is cured of the fungus infection. Don’t stop the treatment if the external signs disappear because then the condition may still be present inside. Typically, a 5-day cycle of treatment cures the fish of fungal infections, which are evident by the hairy growths and pale white patches near the mouth.
Common Salt to Fight Fungus
Sodium chloride or common salt is one of the best natural medicines for treating fungal growths in your fish’s mouth and body. Adding some common salt, rock salt, or aquarium salt to the fish tank helps keep fungal attacks at bay.
The presence of salt in the water also prevents the formation of mold in the aquarium. It is a notable fact that most fish are tolerant to ordinary salt. However, anchor catfish are very sensitive to common salt, and if you have any as your pet, it is not advisable to treat your fish tank with common salt.
Summing it Up
Mold formation in fish tanks can be prevented by keeping the water clean at all times. The best thing to do is change the water regularly, and adding fresh underwater algae and other floating plants helps keep the water free of toxic substances.
