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THE YOLOLIFE CARE GUIDE

Fish Health & Care

Something different about your fish? Start with the water, find the signs you can see, and take the next step with confidence.

For freshwater aquariums. Marine and reef systems need a separate treatment plan.

Before you reach for a treatment

  1. Check water & equipment
  2. Observe the whole aquarium
  3. Choose care for the cause

01 / Observe the whole aquarium

What are you noticing?

Choose a sign to jump to its checks. Similar signs can have different causes.

01 White spotsSmall spots on the body or fins 02 Rubbing & scratchingFlashing against rocks or decor 03 Damaged fins & patchesFraying, sores or cottony growth 04 Gasping & fast breathingStaying at the surface or by the outlet 05 Poor appetite & weight lossMissing meals, hiding or getting thinner 06 Swelling & balance changesBloating, raised scales or unusual swimming
YoloLife Fish Health and Care illustration showing fin, eye and skin changes beside a water test vial.

Illustrated care guide

API Fish Care Chart: Reading Symptoms, MELAFIX and PIMAFIX

Learn how to read nine visible signs and compare API MELAFIX and PIMAFIX manufacturer-listed purposes. Start with water checks and the right questions.

Read the illustrated guide
See the symptom chartCompare API remedy purposes

02 / Check water & equipment

Start here: check the water

Clear water can still be unsafe. Write down actual readings and when you took them.

01

Test

Record ammonia, nitrite, pH and temperature. Add nitrate and source-water readings when relevant.

02

Inspect

Check filter flow, aeration, heater and recent changes. If fish are struggling to breathe, stop CO₂ injection while investigating.

03

Stabilise

Use conditioned, temperature-matched water if a partial water change is needed. Avoid sudden pH or temperature shifts.

Understand your test results View water conditioner
01

White spots

Back to symptoms ↑
What to check
Note where the spots are, whether fish are rubbing, and whether breathing has changed. Check water readings and recent introductions.
Next step
White spots can suggest ich, but appearance alone is not a diagnosis. Get the cause confirmed before selecting a product and course.
Avoid
Do not automatically raise the temperature, add salt or stop a treatment as soon as spots disappear.
Read the full guide Check ParaGuard suitability
02

Rubbing & scratching

Back to symptoms ↑
What to check
Test the water and review recent water changes, additives and new fish. Watch for rapid breathing or excess mucus.
Next step
Irritation can come from water conditions or parasites. Persistent flashing needs fish-health assessment; record a short video and your readings.
Avoid
Do not choose a parasite treatment from scratching alone, or combine medicines to cover every possibility.
Read the full guide What to record before asking for help
03

Damaged fins & patches

Back to symptoms ↑
What to check
Look for aggression, sharp decor and worsening tissue loss. Photograph the same area to track changes, and test the water.
Next step
Injury, fungal growth and bacterial disease can look similar. Spreading lesions or deep sores need prompt veterinary assessment.
Avoid
Do not assume every torn fin is fin rot, or that a water conditioner treats an infection.
Read the full guide Care supplies and compatibility
04

Gasping & fast breathing

Back to symptoms ↑
What to check
Check filter flow and temperature immediately. Increase safe surface movement, stop injected CO₂, and test ammonia, nitrite and pH.
Next step
Severe or persistent distress is urgent. Better aeration can help while you seek advice, but it does not rule out contamination or gill disease.
Avoid
Do not add ice, household chemicals or an unselected medicine. Avoid a strong current that overwhelms the fish.
Read the full guide View the aquarium air pump
05

Poor appetite & weight loss

Back to symptoms ↑
What to check
Check whether every fish can reach food, whether tankmates are chasing it, and whether the diet fits the species. Record the timeline and water readings.
Next step
Persistent appetite loss or weight loss needs investigation. Stringy waste alone does not prove worms; get advice before choosing a dewormer.
Avoid
Do not keep adding food to tempt a fish if it remains uneaten, or treat every fish without identifying the problem.
Read the full guide Prepare your fish-care notes
06

Swelling & balance changes

Back to symptoms ↑
What to check
Record swelling, scale position, breathing and swimming. Check the water and note recent feeding or other changes.
Next step
Raised scales, loss of balance or rapid deterioration need urgent veterinary advice. Swelling is a sign, not a diagnosis.
Avoid
Do not assume constipation or use a generic salt bath. A hospital tank must have suitable water, temperature and aeration.
Read the full guide Read the quarantine setup guide

03 / Choose care for the cause

Choose supplies for the task

These products serve different purposes. Check the exact label, aquarium type and livestock before use.

Build a healthier routine

Keep these guides close for prevention and everyday care.

01

Read your water test results

Ammonia, nitrite, pH and hardness explained.

02

Make water changes safer

Prepare replacement water and protect your filter.

03

Quarantine new fish

Plan a separate system before new fish arrive.

04

Choose a water conditioner

Match the product to the water-care job.

Sources & further reading

General care references and current manufacturer instructions. Reviewed for this guide in October 2026.

MAYIN A006452 three-part aquarium water care set

MAYIN WATER CARE

Three essentials.
One care set.

MAYIN Water Care Set

3 × 200 mL (approx. 6.8 fl oz each)

AED 50 excl. VAT

Shop the care set
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