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Tropical Fish

Goldfish

 

Minimum Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . A Goldfish Bowl without aeration, filtration, or frequent water changes is nowadays widely considered inappropriate for the long-term well being of goldfish. In a bowl or unfiltered tank, toxic pollutants produced by the fish can quickly build-up to dangerous levels resulting in stress, disease or even death. See the Nitrogen Cycle in a bowl, aquarium or pond.

Oxygen becomes rapidly depleted, and if left unfiltered the fish can become stressed when the bowl is cleaned each week. Invest in a filter, because after a few weeks, the filter will have become home to billions of friendly bacteria that convert the highly toxic chemicals in the fish wastes into less harmful chemicals. It is important to change at least 25% of the water every week during the early stages, before the bacteria have build-up.

This will reduce the levels of pollution in the water. Remember to dechlorinate and get the water to room temperature before use in bowl. If you do want to keep a goldfish bowl, purchase the biggest one you can afford with at least a under gravel filter and air pump. Always treat new water with a conditioner to neutralize chlorine/chloramines and harmful minerals.

It's far better to purchase a tank with a filter than a bowl. See Aquarium Sizes for more info on tanks, weight of water, capacity of Aquariums etc. Most shops sell starter kits, which include a pump and a filter, in addition to other essentials like dechlorinator at reasonable prices. Always purchase the biggest tank you can afford. You're likely to be more successful if you have a bigger tank, since the pollution produced by the fish is much more dilute.

Setting Up . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Before setting up the bowl/tank thoroughly rinse the bowl/tank, filter, ornaments, gravel etc. with clean water. Never use detergents or commercial cleansers.

•• Place bowl/tank in position away from drafts, heating ducts and direct sunlight.

•• Put filter (For under gravel filters) on base of bowl and cover with gravel (grain size of 3- . . 5mm ideal).

•• Connect filter to air pump by means of tubing. Do not plug into power. Air pump to be . . . outside bowl on a level higher than the water level to prevent water from flowing back . . . . into pump if an electricity failure occurs. If the pump can only be placed on a level . . . . . lower than the bowls water level, then you must use a non-return valve between the . . . . . filter and the pump (to prevent water damage to pump). Select the correct size air . . . . . . pump. The pump should not be to strong, because then you will have to reduce . . . . . . . airflow to the filter by means of a G-Clamp or Control Valve. This will put . . . . . . . . . . . . backpressure on your pump that can damage your pump.

•• Add plants and decorations; keep in mind that bowls are to small for bulky ornaments . . .or big plants.

•• Gently fill bowl/tank with water, using a saucer to break the force of the water. Check . .. .that it does not leak and ensure water has been conditioned.

•• Position Canopy. Plug in Pump, Filter and Lights. Follow instructions on Adding Fish.