Understanding how to euthanize a fish with baking soda is essential.
The idea of euthanasia is difficult to stomach and it’s something you’re never going to want to deal with. However, there are times when your fish’s health starts deteriorating rapidly making it important to take action quickly.
It’s about showing a bit of humanity and making sure they can pass away without prolonged suffering.
So, what’s needed when learning how to euthanize a fish with baking soda?
Before looking at that, it’s important to understand the benefits of using baking soda to euthanize a fish at home. It is these advantages that are going to stand out when trying to make the process as straightforward as possible.
The benefits include:
- Quick Process
- Cost-Efficient
- Easier on the Fish
Yes, it’s not easy to learn how to euthanize a fish with baking soda, but it often comes down to going down the humane route.
Anything else is going to be harsh on the fish and is the last thing you are going to want to do with your beloved pet.
Here’s a detailed look at how to euthanize a fish with baking soda, which baking soda to use, and what to think about during the process.
Table of Contents
Best Baking Soda for Euthanizing a Fish (EDITOR’S CHOICE)
- Arm & Hammer baking soda is pure, safe and natural
- For scratchless cleaning in the kitchen and bathroom
- Absorbs and eliminates odors on contact
Last update on 2023-09-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
How to Euthanize a Fish with Baking Soda
Tip #1: Use 3 Tablespoons per Gallon of Water in Tank
When figuring out how to euthanize a fish with baking soda, it’s recommended to first measure the amount of water in your fish tank.
For example, let’s assume you have a 10-gallon fish tank at home.
You are going to aim to use 3 tablespoons per gallon of water in the fish tank. In this case, it would be 10 gallons x 3 tablespoons = 30 tablespoons of baking soda.
Let the baking soda spread throughout the fish tank and it will eventually do the job quickly.
It’s a simple calculation and one that’s going to work with all type of fish tanks. Of course, it’s important to note that you should ensure the baking soda is allowed time to spread throughout the tank. It might take a few minutes, but the results are going to be fast.
This is what makes it the most humane way to euthanize a fish when it’s time to do so.
Tip #2: Look at the Fish’s Gills
When do you know that a fish has passed away?
It’s one thing to pour baking soda into the fish tank and another to know it’s worked. This is what makes people hesitate during the process because you don’t want to make the fish struggle for air by taking it out too early.
This is inhumane and is the last thing you are going to want to do.
In general, the first thing you are going to look at will be the fish’s gills. Are they moving? Is there some form of breathing going on underwater?
If so, this obviously means the fish is still alive.
Once the baking soda starts working in the fish tank, you are going to see the gills’ movement slow down.
This is a sign that the baking soda is starting to take a hold of the fish. From this point forward, it is going to take a matter of seconds for the baking soda to euthanize your fish.
Tip #3: Wait for Fish to Transition to Its Side
When learning how to euthanize a fish with baking soda, you are going to want to wait for it to flop to its side.
Why does this indicate the fish has passed away?
Most fish are going to go “limp” by flopping onto their side as the body stops moving. This is a natural reaction that happens whenever a fish passes away.
Just wait for the fish to transition to its side, so you know the process has worked.
It’s difficult to pinpoint these things when understanding how to euthanize a fish with baking soda, but this is a clear-cut indicator the fish has passed away.
Tip #4: Gently Remove the Fish
What should you do once the fish is on its side?
You are going to take the fish and gently remove it from the water. This will ensure the process is complete and you can move onto the next step.
It’s up to you what you’re going to do with your fish, but it’s always recommended to treat it with respect. Since you have decided to euthanize a fish humanely, you will want to make sure the next step in the process also works in the same manner.
Final Thoughts
Want to learn how to euthanize a fish with baking soda?
The steps mentioned above are essential when you try to do it the right way. Yes, it’s not going to be an easy process and there are going to be several hurdles along the way, but that’s a part of doing things humanely.
Just keep an eye on your fish and make sure it passes away without struggling.
Here are more articles on how to care for an ill fish – helping fish with a swollen belly, how to help fish stuck in the corner of the tank, how to remove white stuff on a fish, and how to use tannins in a fish tank.