Jen and Nora discuss how to effectively use aquarium salt to treat common problems in freshwater fish including Ich, Epistylis, open wounds, and nitrite poisoning. They provide recommendations for proper aquarium salt dosage using accessible products that can be helpful for bettas and other freshwater species. Jen: Nora, I think it’s time we cover one…

Jen and Nora explore the important practice of quarantining new home aquarium fish. They share their personal experiences and provide recommendations on when and how to quarantine, along with specific equipment suggestions. Jen: Nora. It is time to talk about quarantine tanks. I have a feeling that while most aquarists would agree that quarantine is a…

Jen and Nora confer on mycobacteriosis (often called fish tuberculosis) in aquarium fish and offer recommendations for aquarists who are concerned about or dealing with these pervasive bacteria. Jen: This week let’s talk about mycobacteriosis, Nora. Aquarists call it “myco,” and it’s also known as piscine tuberculosis, or “fish tb” which does sound scary. It seems…

Nora and Jen tackle the difficult subject of when and how to humanely euthanize aquarium fish such as bettas, referencing the American Veterinary Medical Association’s recent professional guidelines on this topic and focusing on methods accessible to home fishkeepers, such as using clove oil. Jen: I have a tough one for us this week Nora.…

Jen and Nora discuss feeding goldfish, covering common problems that can occur, unique goldfish anatomy, what and how often to feed your goldfish, and supplemental treats, vegetables, and plants that can enrich their diet. Nora: Jen, I had a very good question from a fellow veterinarian and avid fancy goldfish keeper who asked what the…

 Jen and Nora chat about their experiences with internal parasites in aquarium fishes such as Capillaria and Camallanus worms, discussing observation of infected or skinny fish, diagnosis, treatment methods, and the most susceptible species. Nora: Jen, we had an exciting parasite sighting at a fish store we visited the other day. It’s time to talk worms!…

Nora and Jen examine common causes of white spots on fish and focus on the persistent and common aquarium fish disease, Ich, differentiate it from Epistylis, and discuss common myths and potential treatment options. Jen: So Nora, one topic that comes up a lot on the groups and forums I follow locally is people struggling to…