Selecting healthy fish

[g30rg313]

This is a great post with lots of great information.  I'm just a little concerned now about a good local reputable dealer for my fish stocking.  The local dealer I have I am not sure they can be trusted.  Does anyone know of any good dealers of fish in the North Wales area thanks

[TropicalFishForums]

[Andy]

Great post Andy.

Difficult to refuse an unhealthy fish when its the one you have been wanting for a long time, but no pleasure if it affects the rest of its tank mates.

As an aside, wanted to tell all of a recent experience. Was having a coffee with Mrs A in a local Dobbies and couldnt resist having a look at their fish stocks. Just the usual, some good, some average and some that should not be on sale. Most too expensive.
While browsing, overhead a conversation with a couple and a shop assistant. The couple had just purchased a new tank and the assistant was advising them it was ok to throw in some "safestart" and then buy some hardy fish a few days later to help the cycle.
I was so desperate to jump in and tell the couple to buy some books or access some web sites and read up a bit before racing ahead. I'm not saying I would preach to cycle the tank before adding fish, but having a bit more knowledge before starting must help all new fishkeepers.

Very frustrating, and I'm sure a common experience for many.

Happy New Year to all members.

Andy

[Ciijae]

WOW this is great, thanks for the info.
I will defiantly be more observant when selecting my next fish 

You mention "a healthy fish should have all its fins erect " is this even whilst swimming? My Danios pelvic and pectoral fins  are kind of against their bodies when they swim. Also they almost scrunch their tail fins too. Is that normal?

[plankton]

If you don't see it's fins go up at some time, then you need to be wary. My fish don't always have their fins raised, but, as long as they do raise them, it doesn't bother me.

[Ciijae]

If you don't see it's fins go up at some time, then you need to be wary. My fish don't always have their fins raised, but, as long as they do raise them, it doesn't bother me.

Brilliant thanks 

[aqualife2u]

Always ask the shop how long they have had their fish, some retailers will offer the fish for sale straight from import, i usually wait 2 weeks.

[Liam87]

totally agree i have recently stopped looking in one store as i found sorry to say a few dead fish in tanks. this tends to carry risks with the whole tank does it not?

great advice though

[DannyD91]

Thanks for the post. Its going to help me alot now im choosing which fish to have in my tank.