Aquatics Care Guide
Goldfish
Exercise:
Minimum 80 litres for one goldfish — never keep them in bowls. They produce a lot of waste so a powerful filter is essential. Water temperature should be 18-22°C. Perform 25-30% water changes weekly to maintain water quality.
Grooming:
Check fins and scales weekly for signs of ich, fin rot, or fungal infections. Remove uneaten food after 5 minutes to prevent water contamination. Clean the filter monthly without replacing all media at once to preserve beneficial bacteria.
Diet:
Feed high-quality goldfish pellets or flakes twice daily in small portions. Supplement with blanched vegetables like peas and spinach. Never overfeed — goldfish will eat until they are sick. Uneaten food is the number one cause of poor water quality.
Betta Fish
Exercise:
Minimum 20 litres with a gentle filter — bettas are labyrinth fish and breathe air from the surface so avoid strong currents. Water temperature 24-28°C is essential, especially in air-conditioned UAE homes. Never house two male bettas together.
Grooming:
Perform 25% water changes weekly. Check fins regularly for fin rot which appears as ragged or discoloured edges. Keep the tank covered as bettas are strong jumpers. Avoid sharp decorations that can tear their delicate fins.
Diet:
Feed high-quality betta pellets twice daily — 2 to 3 pellets per meal. Supplement with frozen or freeze-dried bloodworms and daphnia twice a week. Fast your betta one day per week to prevent constipation and bloating.
Tropical Community Fish
Exercise:
Minimum 60 litres for a community setup. Maintain water temperature at 24-27°C with a reliable heater. Use a quality filter rated for double your tank size. Cycle the tank fully before adding fish — this establishes beneficial bacteria and prevents ammonia spikes.
Grooming:
Perform 25-30% water changes weekly. Test water parameters weekly using a liquid test kit — check ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, and pH. Vacuum substrate during water changes to remove waste. Clean algae from glass regularly.
Diet:
Feed a varied diet of high-quality flakes, micro pellets, and frozen foods like brine shrimp and bloodworms. Feed once or twice daily in small amounts that are consumed within 2-3 minutes. Variety is key to keeping community fish healthy and colourful.
Cichlid
Exercise:
African cichlids need minimum 200 litres due to their territorial nature. pH should be kept at 7.8-8.5 for African species. Provide plenty of rocks and caves to establish territories and reduce aggression. Strong filtration is essential as cichlids are heavy waste producers.
Grooming:
Perform 30% water changes twice a week due to their high bio-load. Test water parameters regularly. Rearrange rocks occasionally when adding new fish to break up established territories and reduce fighting.
Diet:
Feed high-quality cichlid pellets as a staple. Supplement with spirulina-based foods for herbivorous species and protein-rich foods for carnivorous species. Feed twice daily in small portions. Avoid overfeeding as it rapidly degrades water quality.
Discus
Exercise:
Minimum 200 litres for a small group — discus must be kept in groups of at least 6. Water temperature should be kept high at 28-31°C which is critical for their health. Soft, slightly acidic water with pH 6.0-7.0 is ideal. Discus are sensitive fish recommended for experienced fishkeepers.
Grooming:
Perform 30-50% water changes daily or every other day — discus are extremely sensitive to water quality. Test parameters frequently. Any sign of stress such as darkening colour, clamped fins, or loss of appetite should be investigated immediately.
Diet:
Feed high-quality discus-specific pellets, frozen bloodworms, and beef heart mix. Feed 3-5 small meals daily. Discus have a high metabolism and require frequent feeding to maintain their round body shape and vibrant colours.
Axolotl
Exercise:
Minimum 80 litres for one axolotl. Water temperature must be kept cold at 14-18°C — in the UAE this requires an aquarium chiller which is essential. They are fully aquatic and should never be taken out of water. Use a gentle sponge filter as they are sensitive to strong currents.
Grooming:
Perform 20-25% water changes weekly. Test water parameters regularly — axolotls are sensitive to ammonia and nitrite. Never use gravel smaller than their head as they may ingest it. Use fine sand or keep the bottom bare.
Diet:
Feed earthworms, bloodworms, and axolotl-specific pellets. Feed adults every 2-3 days — they are prone to obesity if overfed. Remove uneaten food immediately as it decays quickly and spikes ammonia levels.