[Fresh water aquariums and veterinary practice. 1. Principles of fresh water aquariums]

Although aquarium fish belong to the most frequently-kept pets they are very rare as patients in veterinary clinics. Besides the fact that the cost of the single fish is usually low, one reason might be that a sick fish has always to be seen in the context of its aquarium conditions, and that most veterinarians lack knowledge of required parameters. The following summary is intended to give an overview of the factors that are important for an optimal functioning aquarium, and with that for the health and well-being of the animals. Knowledge of these factors will help in the recognition and prevention of diseases resulting from management faults.