Tag Archives: Coronavirus

The possibility of humans contracting the coronavirus from pets or pets contracting the coronavirus from humans is rare. Fish can carry several diseases, however, so it's important to follow safety precautions when handling aquariums.

admin    May 31, 2020   CATEGORY: Industry News and Tips

How to Prevent Fish Tank Owners and Livestock from Spreading Disease

Researchers are still analyzing what caused the coronavirus, and the possibility that it originated from an animal is still on the table.

Despite that, the risk of a human contracting the coronavirus from a pet or vice versa is extremely low. Pets can sometimes get their own strain of the coronavirus, which is not the strain involved in this pandemic. However, there have been a very few reported cases of pets contracting COVID-19.

As for the relationship between COVID-19, humans, and pet fish, the risk of spreading the disease is even lower, if not impossible. Transmission of diseases between fish and fish owners is very low overall.

It’s also highly unlikely for humans to contract the virus from pets. According to the Centers for Disease Control, in the United States, there is no evidence that animals are playing a significant role in the spread of COVID-19.  Based on the limited information available to date, the risk of animals spreading COVID-19 to people is considered to be low.

Preventing Spreading of Disease Between Pet Fish and Humans

Nevertheless, the pandemic serves as a reminder that pet owners should still exercise caution when handling livestock, both in order to protect the animals and themselves.

SEE HOW SEATECH AQUARIUMS IS TAKING EXTRA SAFETY PRECAUTIONS DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC.

Because all animals can carry germs that can make people sick, it’s always a good idea to practice healthy habits around pets and other animals.

Following are several pet owner safety tips from Seatech, based on recommendations from the CDC.

  • Wash your hands after handling animals, their food, waste, or supplies.
  • Practice good pet hygiene and clean up after pets properly. This is especially important for aquariums, as too much ammonia or algae in the tank can sicken fish in the tank.
  • Talk to our aquarium maintenance technician if you have questions about the health of your livestock or the cleanliness of the fish tank.
  • Because it may be slightly possible for pets to catch the coronavirus from you, avoid close contact with your dogs, cats, or other pets if you are sick. If possible, ask someone else to maintain your fish tank, walk your dogs, and feed the animals.
  • If your pet is sick, you should make every effort to keep it away from other pets as well. This is especially true for pet fish; if your fish is sick, take it out of a shared aquarium and create a quarantine tank for it until it can heal.

 SEE MORE ABOUT HOW TO CARE FOR A FISH WITH BLOAT.

SEE MORE ABOUT HOW TO CARE FOR A FISH WITH FIN ROT.

Function of Quarantine Tanks

Quarantine aquariums can be used for animals who are sick, to transition pets from the pet shop to your aquarium, and to keep highly predatory fish from harming your other animals.

Quarantining new additions to an aquarium reduces the chance of introducing snails, diseases, and other undesirable elements to your tank. A 20-gallon tank is typically ideal, and it should have all the filters and maintenance that your main aquarium has. Keep new fish in a quarantine tank for about 30 days before introducing them to the main tank.

Having this tank is not a requirement when introducing new fish to your aquarium, but it can be helpful.

HERE ARE THE BASIC STANDARDS FOR ADDING NEW FISH TO A TANK.

The goal of a quarantine tank is to get rid of parasites and bacteria, so don’t add decor or rocks in the tank that trap bacteria or medications. Some hobbyists prefer not to include gravel in a quarantine tank as well, because it could actually harbor parasites. You may also wish not to include artificial lighting, as a natural environment may make the fish more comfortable during their transition from one tank to another.

Maintain water changes, and use separate cleaning equipment for the quarantine tank in order to avoid contaminating the main tank. As noted above, wash equipment and your hands thoroughly before handling the main tank.

For more information about the relationship between pets and the coronavirus, visit the CDC’s COVID-19 and Animals page.

TAGS: Coronavirus, Fish Disease, Sick Fish,

Seatech Aquariums is still available for fish tank maintenance, but our aquarium technician has implemented several guidelines to ensure social distancing and disinfecting of fish tank equipment.

admin    April 30, 2020   CATEGORY: Industry News and Tips

Seatech Aquariums Enhances Safety Guidelines due to Coronavirus Pandemic

The beautiful, peaceful pets in your aquarium can be a source of comfort, solace, and serenity inside your home, and that may be exactly what you need when life is so challenging outside.  As we continue the fight against the coronavirus pandemic, we want you to know that Seatech Aquariums is still here for you and for your pets.

In a letter recently sent to our customers, Seatech Aquariums and Seatech H2O Owner Jimmie Hernandez discussed enhanced safety precautions he is taking to keep customers, himself, and his family safe.

In addition to wearing a face mask, gloves, and foot coverings during home visits, Jimmie has implemented social distancing measures in an effort to keep everyone safe.

“These are some trying times,” the letter states “I want to be upfront with you about my plan to keep you and your family/coworkers safe. I also know you want to keep your fish/corals happy and aquarium clean.

“I am healthy and want to keep it that way, so that my service to you isn’t interrupted.

“So, to ensure everyone’s safety, I’m going to ask that no one be in the same room/area while I’m cleaning your tank. For most of you (almost all of you), this already occurs. No one is home and/or no one is around me at your place of business. So, in that regard there will be no changes.

“I will just alert you when I’m there.  And if I have to, I can come before or after hours to make it easier.”

Seatech Aquariums Owner Jimmie Hernandez has implemented several guidelines to help ensure his safety and the safety of others during the coronavirus pandemic.

Seatech Aquariums Owner Jimmie Hernandez has implemented several guidelines to help ensure his safety and the safety of others during the coronavirus pandemic.

Jimmie will make an effort to be in and out of the home as quickly as possible. He also will call or text customers when he’s on his way, and they can inform him when it’s safe to come in. To accommodate schedules, Jimmie can work on Saturdays and Sundays if possible.

“If it’s a place of business, I’ll make sure the area is clear before entering,” he adds.

“I think just being proactive and being safe will benefit us all and our families in the long run. I hope this doesn’t last long because I like talking to you.  It makes my day. However, let’s just err on the side of caution for the time being.

“Here’s what I’m doing to stay healthy. I’m using hand sanitizer and/or washing my hands before and after every cleaning. I wipe down my equipment and inside my truck after every cleaning with (sanitizing) wipes. I also spray my moving blankets with a fabric disinfectant between each cleaning. I don’t think you can be too safe,” he writes.

“We are all in this together. Let’s all do our part to keep each other safe and healthy. Let’s enjoy this wonderful hobby for many years to come. We will get through this, but let’s do it proactively, smart and together.

“Remember, aquariums are very calming. Take some time, sit back and enjoy your wet pets.”

Please contact Seatech Aquariums if you have any questions or concerns.

Contact Seatech Aquariums for more information.

TAGS: Aquarium Maintenance, Coronavirus, Safety Guidelines, Stay at Home,