Pet sitting fish: aquarium care

Pet sitting fish might sound like a gill-iant gig for busy sitters, but once you learn how to pet sit a fish you’ll realize there’s more of an o-fish-al routine required than first thought. Like any pet, fish require a certain amount of maintenance, care, and monitoring to keep them happy and their fish owners who are their heart and sole.

Don’t worry, this won’t be as demanding as caring for a farmyard full of fainting goats, but small animal sitting requires a gentle touch, a keen eye for detail, and someone who can stick to a routine. Let’s make a splash about pet-sitting fish and find out how to pet-sit a fish.

Fish aquarium care and cleaning tips

A big part of aquatic animal care is all around their fish tank. Whilst it’s easy to presume you may need to change the water in the tank and spruce up their fishy abode, many fish owners will strictly ask you not to clean out their tanks whilst they a away. Let’s dive a little deeper…

Freshwater fish tank

First things first, find out what day-to-day aquarium maintenance is needed. The usual daily fish tank chores will involve:

• Make sure all pumps, filtration systems, and lights are working - some fish owners may ask you to test them each day
• Scoop out any excess food from the tank - this will help keep the fish tank 
• Ask the pet parents how often they top off the tank with treated water, this may come with additional water treatment instructions
• Check the water temperature - the majority of freshwater tanks should remain between 75° to 80°F or 23°to 27°C, but always double-check with the human fish family first
• If the tank contains live plants, you might need to top up their fertilizer each day and give them a tiny haircut if they start to fill the tank and block the filter

Keep an eye on areas of green algae build-up around the tank corners or on the tank decorations. If you notice it building up quickly, you can use a clean scourer or algae brush (ask the pet parents) to gently scrub it off. 

If you’re sitting on a long-term basis, you may be asked to partially clean the fish tank. Unless you’re an experienced fish expert, owners won’t ask you to do a full deep clean. However, you may be asked to do some light cleaning to remove algae and poop, gravel vacuum (yes, that is a real gadget), or remove and top up part of the water in the tank. Make sure you’re completely clear on how these tasks need to be done and be honest with the fish parents if you’re inexperienced.

Saltwater fish tank

Also called tropical fish tanks are home to fish on the more exotic end of the fish scale. Whilst the daily routine is similar to that of freshwater tanks, there are a few extra notes to take with saltwater fish tanks:

• Check the aquarium’s salt levels - these may need to be topped up with treated water
• Have a look at the tank’s pH scale and whether the fish owners need you to put in any additional minerals with their fish food
• Avoid any cleaning or anything that means you put your hand in the tank - saltwater aquariums have delicate mineral and chemical balances, meaning even the cleanest of hands can upset the habitat

Because of the delicate nature of saltwater fish tanks, avoid any direct contact with the inside of the tank or the fish unless it’s an emergency.

Outdoor fish tank or pond

Luckily, outdoor ponds and fish areas are pretty self-sustaining. Be sure to check the filtration system every day, check the plants aren’t blocking the surface of the water, look for any bits of debris or other animals that shouldn’t be in there, and make sure they’re safe from predators. Local birds and cats are big fans of fish, so many ponds have protective netting over them to stop the fish from becoming sneaky snacks.

How to take care of a fish

Now you’re an expert in aquarium care, let’s learn some more about the fish. Unlike other TrustedHousesitters pets, you can’t stroke, play, or sit on the couch with these little guys. However, they do need to be checked throughout the day. If you’re ever worried about how a fish looks or is behaving, be sure to call their vet and fish owners immediately.

Freshwater fish care

Many of us think of the traditional goldfish guppy when we think of freshwater fish, but there are some species with vibrant colors and fantastic fins. For example, the betta fish have become a household favorite in recent years. Whilst freshwater fish are technically the easiest fish to take care of, that doesn’t mean you should leave them to it.

Along with fish tank maintenance, have a good look at each of the fish every day. If you notice a change in the way they swim, their appearance, or how keen they are to eat, these can be clear signs something may be wrong. Keep watch, take notes, and update their fish parents each day.

Tropical fish care

The vibrant colors and spectacular scales of tropical fish make a wonderful addition to homes, but they are a bit trickier to care for. One thing to be aware of with saltwater fish is the temperature. These guys are super sensitive to the slightest drop or increase in surrounding air temperature, as well as water temperature. If you’re sitting during a heatwave, make sure all direct sunlight on the tank is blocked off and place a lightweight fan towards the glass. Similarly, during the winter months, keep an eye on the room temperature throughout the day.

Koi fish care

Some believe koi fish are the easiest fish to care for. Why? They’re tough! Outdoor fish are adept are surviving through winters and sudden cold snap. However, their Achilles heel is with aeration. These fish need a fully working filtration system pumping fresh air into their pond at all times. If the pond has live plants, make sure they’re cut back from the surface to allow additional air into the tank area.

Fish food facts

When we say fish food we don’t mean those cute little fish-shaped crackers that are very morish - never feed these, or any other human, to your fish friends whilst they’re in your care.

Luckily, most domesticated fishies have a similar diet of dry food which can be bought at most pet stores. Some foods are specifically designed for tropical fish and outdoor fish, so always check with the owners before heading out to the shops and read those labels. 

Remember, if you’re ever in doubt about fish friend care or pet concerns, always contact a vet. If you’re a TrustedHousesitters Standard or Premium member, do you already have free access to our 24/7 vet advice line? For additional fish facts or animal anecdotes, check out our Community Forum to connect with or share the love of other pet people.