As I approach closer to finishing my cycle I'm trying to learn as much as I can. What are common sicknesses and there symptoms? Are there any good links I could read? Also, what are signs of stress?
signs of stress might include hiding, clamped fins, poor coloring. As for sicknesse's, ther'e are many out there and fish lore has some forums for you to look at.
The best thing you can do is watch your fish to understand their behavior and get familiar with their habits. Then, when you see those habits abruptly change, you can guess something is going wrong. But definitely keep an eye open for clamped fins (fins that loop stiff or closed), heavy gill action or heavy breathing, lethargy, fading colors, disinterest in food, disinterest in the tank, or any obvious physical issues like popeye, velvet covering, or ick. Good job on doing the research and educating yourself!
