How to Help Sick Fish

There are many reasons an aquarium fish might look ill. Fish can catch fungal and bacterial infections, be negatively affected by poor water quality or be weakened by parasites. To help a sick fish, first find out the reason your fish is sick. An online resource--such as the fish pharmaceutical's diagnosis and treatment index--is one way to ensure you are treating your fish with the correct medicine. The fish pharmaceutical index is written by Dr. Gary L. Aukes, who holds a doctorate in pharmaceuticals and specializes in chemistry and zoology.

Things You'll Need

  • Aquarium, 10 to 20 gallons
  • Aquarium filter
  • Aquarium heater
  • Aquarium thermometer
  • Fish net
  • Fish illness directory, either online or from a book
  • Fish antibiotics or Aquarium salt, if necessary
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Instructions

    • 1

      Set-up a quarantine tank for the sick fish. The quarantine tank should be a 10- to 20-gallon aquarium with a filter, thermometer and heater. There is no need for gravel, but if you choose to place gravel in the tank, a dark, solid color is best. Provide a rock or artificial plant for your fish to hide behind.

    • 2

      Set the temperature of the quarantine tank at the same temperature as your main tank. This will prevent the fish from going into shock from an extreme water temperature change. You might need to raise the temperature after you find out what is making your fish sick.

    • 3

      Move your fish into the quarantine tank with a fish net. Be gentle when you move a sick fish.

    • 4

      Observe the symptoms of your fish in its new surroundings. Look for fuzzy growths on its body, an extended stomach or an odd swimming gait. Use a fish illness directory to determine why the fish is sick.

    • 5

      Follow the instructions found on the directory to help your fish. It might include instructions to raise the water temperature of your tank, add an antibiotic to your fish's water or a salt bath. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions when administering antibiotics. Too much or too little medicine will not help your fish and could harm it.

    • 6

      Leave your fish in the quarantine tank until it is healthy. Do not place the fish back into the main tank until you are sure it can compete for food and defend itself. When placing the fish back into the main tank, be sure the water quality, salt levels and temperature is the same for both tanks.