🐠 Diseases in freshwater aquariums – causes, symptoms & what really helps
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🩺 When fish or invertebrates become ill…
Sooner or later, every aquarium owner experiences it: a fish stops eating, swims strangely, develops white spots, or shrimp behave oddly. 😟 Diseases in aquariums are a common problem – and often a sign that something in the ecosystem is out of balance .
The good news: Most diseases can be detected early, treated effectively, and even prevented with proper care . 🩹 In this article, you'll learn which diseases are common, how to recognize them, how to treat them, and how to prevent them in the future.
🔍 Common diseases in freshwater aquariums
❄️ White spot disease ( Ichthyophthirius multifiliis )
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Symptoms: White spots on body and fins, fish rub themselves against objects, breathe heavily.
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Causes: Sudden temperature changes, stress, new fish without quarantine.
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Solution: Slightly increase the temperature (approx. 28 °C), treat affected fish specifically, optimize water quality.
🪸 Fin rot
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Symptoms: Frayed or shortened fins, sluggish fish.
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Causes: Bacterial infection due to poor water quality or stress.
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Solution: Stabilize water parameters, separate affected animals, and use natural care products.
🐟 Fungal infections
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Symptoms: Whitish, cotton-like coatings on the body or fins.
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Causes: Injuries, weakened immune system, or poor water conditions.
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Solution: Isolate affected animals, treat them with natural preparations, and improve water hygiene.
🪱 Parasitic infestation (e.g. gill worms)
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Symptoms: Fish gasp for air, rub themselves frequently, and exhibit unusual swimming behavior.
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Causes: Introduction by new animals or plants, weakened immune system.
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Solution: Quarantine new animals, targeted treatment, optimize water quality.
🦐 Molting problems in shrimp
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Symptoms: Shed skin remnants remain stuck, animals die after shedding.
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Causes: Mineral deficiency, incorrect water quality, stress.
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Solution: Supplement minerals, ensure stable water parameters, minimize sources of stress.
🧪 Causes – why diseases develop in the first place
Diseases almost never appear "just like that." In over 90% of cases, a stressed or unstable aquarium environment is the underlying cause. Common causes include:
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📉 Fluctuating water parameters (nitrite, nitrate, pH)
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🍽️ Overfeeding → waste products pollute the water
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🪸 Overcrowding or stress → weakens the immune system
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🐠 New animals without quarantine → Pathogens introduced
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🌡️ Sudden temperature changes
✅ How to treat illnesses correctly – step by step
🧪 1. Check and stabilize water parameters
Poor water quality is the most common cause of disease. Check nitrite, nitrate, and pH levels and perform a partial water change immediately if necessary.
🩹 2. Separate sick animals
Isolate infected animals to prevent the spread. Quarantine tanks help you treat them in a targeted and stress-free way.
🍀 3. Use natural support
Chemical medications should always be the last resort. Instead, opt for natural care products, mineral supplements, and stress-reducing accessories to strengthen your animals' immune systems.
👉 In our shop you will find a selection of water conditioners, minerals and natural care products that can support your fish and invertebrates and prevent diseases.
🪸 4. Strengthen the immune system
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Feed a balanced diet
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Avoid stress
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Maintaining stable water parameters
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Change the water regularly
🧠 Avoiding illness – prevention is better than cure
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🧪 Check water parameters weekly
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🪸 Always keep new animals in quarantine for 2 weeks
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🐌 Ensure stable conditions: temperature, pH, nitrite, nitrate
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🌿 Avoid overstocking
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🍤 Adjust the amount of food
✅ Conclusion: Illnesses are a signal – not the end
Diseases in freshwater aquariums are annoying, but almost always a sign of an imbalance . With a quick response, targeted care, and regular monitoring, you can easily manage them. 🐠💧
👉 Discover natural care products, minerals and accessories in our shop now that will strengthen your animals and keep your aquarium healthy.