algee eater

Question
I have an approx 5 gallon tank, same water for 18 months with 1/3 top ups.
The water is clean tank appears normal. Only one fish in the tank for 6 months or more.
Last week we noticed the fish 'very active'this week he appears to be very sluggish and 'changing colour from dark brown to light brown
Any ideas?
What would be the effect if we removed him and placed him in the garden pond?

Thanks marc

Answer
Hi Marc;

Your tank needs some very small partial water changes. All tanks need a weekly change of 25% every week. The water chemistry in there is probably causing him to be sick after all this time. You DO NOT want to change all the water all of a sudden to improve it though. It will shock him because the new water is so much different than the old water. Replace 10% to 20% every day for the next 3 or 4 days to get things corrected and then do them weekly from then on. Here is a link to a pretty good article that explains why partial water changes are needed on a regular basis;

http://www.aquarticles.com/articles/management/greco_water%20changes.html

A 5 gallon is pretty small for algae eaters too. But, the pond may not be suitable for him at all. It depends on your climate. If the outdoor temperature gets below 70 in the winter I would not risk it. Algae eaters are tropical fish. Sounds like you need a bigger tank! Or, if you don't have time to care for a tank just take him to your local fish store and donate him. Sometimes our busy lives just don't give us the time that pets need, and that's okay. Just give them to someone who does have time and it works out just fine.

At Your Service;
Chris Robbins