Stress reduction factors at fish

     Stress is caused by bad manipulation or brutal treatment applied to fish. Regarding this issue, it is important to learn to behave carefully with the fish. The procedure to move them from one tank to another or on long distances is very important.

     A fish that bear much stress is more vulnerable to disease than the one treated with care. Another stress source is to tap the tank's glass, this should be positioned in a place that is harder to be hit accidentally and discourage the  children who love to do this thing. Some fish can get used with this knock-knock but only with a conditioned reflex, and that is to be followed by feeding.

    Any violent vibrations created by closing the doors strongly should be avoided, as well as positioning the tv or the speakers near the aquarium. If the lights are on during the night it leads to a "chronic" stress. I wonder why some beginner aquarists think that the light must be lit at night?

     However, the most important stress reasons are:

• Fish incompatibility, by size and behavior.
• Sudden changes in pH - keep the pH as stable as possible.
• Poor water quality - check the water quality regularly and make sure the water is fresh and well oxygenated.
• Poor diet - make sure you know what the right food is for your kind of fish and that you don't over or underfeed.
• Toxic substances in the water - tap water is often unsuitable for fish and causes them to experience health stress, watch out for fertilisers and pesticides getting into the water.
• Lack of hiding places - fish can get very stressed if they have no-where to hide, or they are being forced to live with other types of fish they are afraid of. Make sure there are places for fish to hide, and seek advice which species you can combine safely.
• Overcrowding - give your fish room to move, to swim and breathe!
• Illness and poor health - keep an eye on the health of your fish and start any treatment as soon as possible.