It is human nature to blame the food when fish stop eating. But usually, the water in which they live is to blame. An invisible thing in the tank is affecting them. We will go over the main water parameters that a hobbyist should check right away after fish refuse to feed.
What to Check and Why
Make it a point to check ammonia first. This compound, even in very low levels, can cause great distress to fish. After that, there is nitrite, which comes from the breaking down of ammonia and that is a poison for fish as it hampers the oxygen-carrying capacity of their blood. And finally, nitrate: which is less harmful but is able to do so if it is allowed to accumulate over a long period.
The sudden changes in pH can also affect fish severely in the case of those tightly pH-adapted even a change of 0.5 units can cause stress. Temperature and dissolved oxygen are also very important: the higher the temperature of the water the less oxygen it can hold, thus the fish may cease to feed in tanks that are too warm for the setup.
Routine Maintenance for Appetite and Health
Water testing on a weekly basis is a good practice. Swap out about 20-30 % of the water every one to two weeks, and make sure that the water is dechlorinated and that its temperature corresponds to that of the tank. Do not use tap water to clean the filters, as it may kill the bacteria that have proven to be very beneficial and are the ones responsible for the recycling of waste.
Do not overfeed: feed only what fish are capable of eating within two minutes or waste will accumulate and this will lead to water quality deterioration. Keep an eye on the likes of heaters and air pumps to make sure they are functioning well if the water is not circulating properly it means low oxygen. Keep records of your tests so that you will notice the patterns and can take action before fish stop eating.
Conclusion
Usually it is not the food that fish turn away when they stop to eat, rather it is the conditions of the tank that cause this. In fact, regular testing and good upkeep not only aid in bringing back their hunger but also keep them fit. Yewhick provides great quality test kits and water testing services which are user-friendly and give fish the best possible living conditions in your aquarium.
