Vets only!! Is fish conditioner really necessary?

Question

What is fish conditioner for anyways?

P.S. Why do you have to have a Water Test Kit?

Answer 1

The water conditioner is necessary if you have city water containing chlorine unless you have an adequate filtration system to remove it. I have a fairly expensive "Aqua Pure" system under my sink that removes the chlorine to produce the water I use in my fish tank and for making coffee and tea.. The water test kits are needed until the (mini-Eco) system in your tank has stabilized and the pH and nitrates (or ammonia) are under control by the bacteria and you no longer need to intervene to maintain these within the acceptable range. In my 45 gallon tank I have a bottom gravel filtration system using power heads to draw the water through the gravel and the eject it along the surface to aerate the water. I've found that by having the gravel 6 inches deep, rather than only 2 or 3, the bacteria in the gravel are able to maintain the water purity (now containing 5 5" fish plus an algae eater and 4 Corys) so that the water only needs to be replaced (and the gravel rinsed during the water change) about twice a year. The rest of the year I only add filtered water to replace the amount that has evaporated (the top is left open in the winter so the evaporation provides moisture to the room air through evaporation). My tank has been running and stable for about 25 years. Avoid too many fish and overfeeding.

Answer 2

The conditioner is to keep your fish from going into shock. It slows their breathing down. You should use it if/when you change tanks or transport your fish. Is it necessary, maybe not. But it is pretty cheap and it doesn't hurt to use it.

The water tester if for testing you water acidity, chlorine levels, etc. Depending on your type of fish will determine if you need a water test kit. The more fragile the fish, the more you want to make sure your water is correct. Some fish will live in anything (goldfish, for example).

Answer 3

There are very very few vets who know anything about fish. That being said, your answer is, the conditioner removes chlorine and chloramines that can kill fish and the beneficial bacteria in a tank. The test kit shows if the tank is cycled and informs you when levels of toxins get to dangerous levels.

Answer 4

I think you mean water conditioner. It is necessary if you have chlorine and/or chloramines in your water. Chlorine you don't really need it, because chlorine will evaporate, so all you need to do is let the water sit overnight. Chloramines do not evaporate though, so you do need water conditioner.

You need a test kit to monitor ammonia, nitrite, nitrate levels, these are waste products. Fish, snails, food, dead plants, ect. produce ammonia, which is very toxic. Bacteria converts ammonia to nitrite, which is just as toxic. More bacteria converts nitrites to nitrate, which is less toxic, but still harms fish at high levels. A nitrate test kit will tell you when nitrates are too high and water needs to be changed, which is once a week.

To the above person: Why would you not need conditioner and test kit for cheap fish? Just because they don't cost alot means they don't deserve to be cared for properly?

Answer 5

"P.S. Why do you have to have a Water Test Kit?" are you kidding me it sounds to me like you are just trying to save a few dollars on a hobby that can be quite expensive I use it and my fish are very happy and i would imagin that water condioner is better and about the test kit DONT ASK STUPID QUESTIONS you will also have to FEED the fish But the food also IS $6 I guess it is too expensive. "C'mon"


VETS ONLY Psh

Answer 6

I am not a vet, but YES water conditioner is definetly necessary! The fish will die if you do not use it!

Answer 7

No, Conditioner isn't required. It lowers the stress level of the fish and keeps them healthy. It also removes Chlorine that can kill your fish when you add new water.

If your water doesn't have chlorine and your fish are cheap you dont need it

Water test kits are important for tanks with lower tolerance fish. A few pet stores will test water for free if you bring them a sample. Ask around

Answer 8

placed them in a pitcher tank attempt paying for a heating pad on-line. I merely use tap water for my colony of 16 hermit crabs and they are great healthy. maximum human beings opt to apply bottled although. They do make noises notwithstanding that's no longer a chirpingnoise. It type of sound like once you're taking a catfish out of the water and makes a eeeeeee ee in a deep voice. at the same time as they molt, they are going to bypass below the sand, so no you don't want an isolation tank. not in any respect carry a moting hermit crab. i do not use a saltwater dish, becuase hermit crabs you get from the puppy keep/wings come from freshwater rivers contained in the bahamas. merely sparkling the sand/substrate once a month. wish this facilitates ;)

Answer 9

TO THE JERK WHO THINKS IT IS NOT WORTH THE MONEY TO TAKE CARE OF "CHEAP FISH." GET A LIFE, MAN. THERE ARE A LOT MORE PEOPLE WITH MORE MONEY THAN YOU...SO TO THE MAJORITY OF THE WORLD YOU ARE THE CHEAP ONE. MAYBE YOU DON'T DESERVE HEALTH CARE OF LOVE AND ATTENTION. SOUNDS LIKE A GOOD PLAN TO ME.

Answer 10

Yes, you should at least use a small amount because fish are allergic to CHLORINE and it will kill them.