Training

This module covers the factors involved in water quality such as the physical characteristics of water e.g. temperature, density and salinity, and water chemistry e.g. pH, water hardness, dissolved gases, ammonia, nitrite and nitrate. You will also develop a greater understanding of how water types can be modified for the aquarium via mechanisms such as reverse osmosis, distillation and ion exchange media.

On completion of this module, you will have a comprehensive understanding as to the importance of maintaining good water quality for fish welfare, the factors which determine water quality and how good water quality standards can be achieved and maintained in the aquarium/pond.

Ornamental fish are entirely dependent upon those who are responsible for their welfare to maintain their aquatic environment. Aquariums and ponds must therefore be managed to ensure that the aquatic environment remains suitable at all times for the fish and other aquatic organisms in it. This module will provide you with a strong foundation in understanding the difference between owning a filter and having effective filtration, the key principles of filtration, the different types of filtration and the science that underpins each type and the types of sterilisation equipment used. In addition, you will also develop a greater understanding of filter system design, tap water filtration, the safety considerations necessary for filter system design and environmental responsibility.

On completion of this module, you will have a comprehensive understanding as to the importance of filtration for maintaining good water quality and therefore high standards of fish welfare. The key principles behind the different types of filtration and the factors that need to be considered in filter system design and why filtration systems are considered to be the Life Support System (LSS) of an aquarium/pond.

In countries such as the UK, there is a legal requirement that goods which are sold to consumers are “as described”. This requirement also applies to the identification of fish (together with plants and invertebrates) at retail outlets. Being able to provide an accurate identification of a species will make it easier not only to determine their origin, but also to provide the conditions in which that species thrives. This module will provide you with a good grounding in the methods used for the identification of fish such as taxonomic classification and how a fish’s body shape can provide a useful indicator of species identification. In addition, you will develop a greater understanding of fish anatomy and how a fish’s body shape is adapted to a particular habitat, fish physiology, fish feeding and nutrition and fish reproductive mechanisms/breeding. This module will also provide a useful introduction to wider issues such as ecology and ecosystems.

On completion of this module, you will have a greater understanding on the methods which are used to identify fish species. In addition, you will be able to recognise the external and internal anatomy of fish and aspects of fish physiology such as the circulatory system, the immune system and osmoregulation. With regards to feeding and nutrition, you will have an understanding as to the importance of diet and nutrition. In terms of fish reproduction and breeding, you will be able to describe the most commonly used reproductive mechanisms utilised by various fish species and an understanding of genetic terms commonly used in breeding.

Fish which are healthy and have been well cared for are an obvious asset to a business in terms of profits and increased confidence to customers. The welfare of fish is an absolute necessity and countries are increasingly introducing legislation to which both those in the ornamental aquatic industry and hobbyists have legal obligations to meet. This module will provide you with a good understanding of the importance and necessity of maintaining high standards of fish welfare in order to prevent disease outbreaks. You will understand why a state of dis-ease can be detrimental to the health of ornamental fish and the importance of identifying and treating the underlying cause and not just the presenting symptoms. Stress has a significant role on the health of fish and such stress can be caused by overstocking, overcrowding or poor handling during packaging for transport/unpackaging on delivery.

On completion of this module, you will have a greater understanding of the health/disease balance and the factors which can cause disease in ornamental fish. You will gain a knowledge of the signs that a fish is under stress and how to identify normal/abnormal behaviour, as a change in behaviour is often the first sign that something is wrong. In addition, you will gain an understanding of how both the physical and chemical environments can impact on the health of fish, the various causative agents of disease, guidance on the treatment of fish and acceptable methods of fish euthanasia.