5 Tips for Caring for Pet Fish

Vibrant and sleek, calmly drifting along, circling the mini-treasure chest...could there be a more peaceful pet than an aqua pal? "Fish are beautiful to watch and naturally therapeutic," says David Boruchowitz, the editor-in-chief of Tropical Fish Hobbyist. Here's how to set up an aquarium the whole family will enjoy:

Consider the tank size It's true that if you're just starting out, a large tank can seem like a lot to deal with. But there are advantages: If the filter clogs or the heater breaks, the water will remain stable much longer in a spacious model, giving you a chance to fix any problems.

Plan ahead Think about buying freshwater fish -- they're easier to maintain than saltwater ones. But first get the tank ready: Ask a pet-store employee (or read a fish-care book) for tips on pretreating the water, setting up a filter, and creating the healthiest environment for your future finned friends.

Pick a swimmer who's a winner Small, peaceful fish are best, like neon and cardinal tetras, cory cats, gouramis, and zebra danios. (Goldfish need more attention.) An aquarium light enhances fishes' colors, but don't leave it on all the time -- it can encourage algae.

Feed frugally Whatever food your fish get (ask the salespeople at the store for advice), whether it's flakes, pellets, or freeze-dried or live treats, don't overdo it; uneaten bits make the tank dirty. Your kids can still handle feedings -- just help them measure out the right amount.

Go with the flow You'll need to change at least a fifth of the water in the tank every week; it's even better if you change half. But don't take out more than that -- it'll disturb the delicate balance of beneficial bacteria that keep your fish healthy.http://likesplanet.com/promote.php?ref=veerapathiran

                                         

                Fish Pedicures

Fish Pedicures or Garra Rufa fish foot treatment consists of small amphibians that eat the dead skin leaving the skin healthy and clean. These fish live in river basins in Turkey, Syria, Iraq and Iran immersed in water at high temperature. Its main objective is to eat the dead tissue of the body and help to regenerate new cells in the skin, allowing the wounds to heal

                          The Garra Rufa fish are called have healing properties and even help us to prevent and cure some of the diseases in this area of ​​the body. These small amphibians medicinal Garra Rufa, about 12 inches long and live in waters up to 40 degrees. These fish were used for the first time in the Kangal hot springs in the Turkish province of Sivas. This treatment was prescribed for those suffering, especially in the feet psoriasis, a painful disease, which, however, this revolutionary treatment of patients improved dramatically.

These Garra Rufa treatments quickly spread and was adopted successfully in spas and hot springs in China and Korea. In 2007 it landed in Japan, Singapore and Croatia gaining wide acceptance. In fact, in Croatia there is a Doctor Fish Cafe, where to enjoy a drink while you immerse your feet in a fish tank while you get this special pedicure. The Garra Rufa fish is protected by Turkish law, however, it is allowed to keep them in special tanks automatically regenerate the water, giving them hygiene and constant high temperature have in their natural habitat. In the case of not having this climate they would die. Young Garra Rufa are able to remove the dead skin with an enzyme in the mouth and these are their only food and no other should be given so that they come to perform their duties.The feeling you have when the fish are close to our feet or hands is a slight tingling, similar to placing the feet in a stream. Thus, the session becomes a hugely enjoyable micro massage to the client. However, care must be taken in the market because there is a fish version of “imitators” who are not of the same species. The Chinese who have launched a version of this fish which they call “Chin-Chin” and Doctor Fish. These fishes, which in this case do have teeth and cause irreparable damage as they can byte off skin.
Each treatment session with Garrra Rufa should be 15-30 minutes. Such sessions do not replace regular pedicures. The results are spectacular in terms of smoothness and hydration both hands and feet.

“Step by Step” Garra Rufa treatment:
-Remove nail polish to inspectfeet well, especially if it is the first time they visit the center to make this innovative treatment.
- Make sure feet of the customer does not have no fungus or ringworm infections.
- Disinfect feet by washing well.                                                                                                                                                                                           

                                                - The feet are then introduced into the tank, a built-in cabinet with filter, which is designed as a spa, where guests feel comfortable.

- After entering the feet, small Garra Rufa begin to approach your feet. The customer should not move so they can perform their duties.
- At first a tingling that then becomes a micro-massage.
- We recommend a dive at least 15-30 minutes.
- Dry your feet well the client.
- Your feet can then be filed and nail polish can be applied for beautiful feet             http://likesplanet.com/promote.php?ref=veerapathiran

Garra rufa fish can spread HIV

Health authorities in Britain are afraid that trendy pedicures in which fish are used can spread HIV and hepatitis C.

UK tabloid The Sun reported that the country's Health Protection Agency said risks from the treatment in which fish nibble the client's feet "could not be excluded".

And it said that people with illnesses such as diabetes or psoriasis, or those with a weakened immune system, were especially vulnerable and should not indulge in the latest pampering craze.

Infections and bacteria might be passed on by the tiny garra rufa fish or through water used in the pedicure of a previous client.

Blood-borne viruses could be transmitted if an infected client bled in spa water that was re-used.

The report conceded that the risk was "extremely low".

                                                An agency spokesman said: "We have issued this guidance because there is a growing number of these spas.

"When the correct hygiene procedures are followed, the risk of infection is low.

"However, there is still a risk of transmission of a number of infections, including viruses such as HIV and hepatitis."

                                                        

Some parts of the US and Canada have banned fish pedicures.

Equipment cannot be sterilised because this would kill the fish.

After a six-month review, the agency said in its report that pedicure salons must follow "strict standards of cleanliness" and ensure that fresh water is used for each client.

They should also check customers for health conditions that might make them vulnerable to infection, and for cuts and grazes.

Hundreds of beauty salons, malls, hairdressers and fashion shops offer the treatment, which celebrities have been spotted enjoying.

A spokesman for HIV charity the Terrence Higgins Trust told the tabloid: "The risk of picking up infections is minimal but people must be careful about where they choose to go for a pedicure." - Staff reporter           http://likesplanet.com/promote.php?ref=veerapathiran