Have you ever accidentally killed a pet fish? Even a 50 cent goldfish can leave a stabbing pain in your heart when you realize you were not even able to keep something so small, and seemingly simple, alive. Up to now, the problem has been, not knowing what you did wrong, and then, not knowing where to turn, for answers. The internet is full of advise, but sometimes it is hard to sift it down to just the most important stuff you need to know, right now. The pet or aquarium store can be helpful, but it depends on who you ask. You are embarrassed because you don’t know, and feel silly because it’s JUST a goldfish. But true animal lovers know you can’t put a price on a relationship, and it doesn’t matter if the fish cost $3 or $75,000, this is YOUR pet fish, your responsibility, and most importantly, your friend, who is counting on you, to do what it takes to keep him or her safe, and healthy.
One piece of advise, most of the time the problem with fish is water quality. Unfortunately most people start with toxic medications and water additives, at the first sign of problems with their fish, rather than checking the water The good news is, you don’t have to be a chemist to evaluate your fishes water, really! All you need is to invest in a water test strip kit from the pet store, and use it, at the first sign of any problems. If something does not look right, then 20% water changes, once or twice a day, until the numbers are in range again, does the trick, MOST of the time. That’s it! This one little piece of advise could save thousands of little fish, and the people and children who love them,a lot of heartache.
However, if you have fish now, or want to get fish again, and want to know more about how to keep them healthy, then my upcoming course “Wet Pets”, is for you! This will be an introductory course of all things related to keeping the most common pet fish safe, healthy, as well as the basics of what to do if you detect problems. This course is designed for veterinary technicians who hope to one day work with an aquatic veterinarian, but, it is a great introductory course for anyone fascinated by fish, and wanting to learn more about their anatomy, basic body functions, basic tank designs and functions, as well as an introduction to common diseases, how to recognize them, and when to hire an aquatic vet.
I promise you this 4 hour investment of your time, on Saturday November 8th, from 10-2:30 pm, will be time well spent learning fascinating facts about these wonderful creatures, and help break the myth that the cost of an animal does not in any way equate to the amount of joy sharing your live with such an exotic creature, can bring! Class size is limited, and slots, as usual, will fill up fast. Please forward this email to all the fish lovers you know! Registration for the course is $175, and registration is directly through Bel-Rea School of Veterinary Technology (where the course will be held) at 1681 S. Dayton St, Denver, Co 80231, phone (303)751-8700. Thank you, and, best wishes for the fishes!
