Goldfish

[Kassee]

Any goldfish experts out there. My little one won a goldfish. At the moment its swimming round in the water it came in, looking dirty water now. Just bought a fish tank with plant, gravel etc and some Aqua Safe Tetra and a filter. One lady said I could add the Tetra AquaSafe and its ready to put the goldfish in after only 15 mins. In another shop they told me to leave the whole thing set up for at least a week before I add the fish.

What do you think ? Cant find any info on line.

[RATTER15]

I would get it all set up with the Aqua Safe, put the fish (still in its bag) in the tank to let it customise itself to the change in water temperature gradually, then release the fish from the bag after 12 hours.

[B00]

Won a goldfish? Where? A fair? How on earth are they still allowed to do that?

:-(

[Kassee]

Thanks, yes I thought it was illegal, but apparently not if you sell a tiny bowl and a tiny pot of food with the goldfish. They know how to get round the kids, my little one is delighted, and its now costing a fortune right on Xmas, apart from finding somewhere to keep it.

[pixie373]

We were told to fill the tank with water and leave it for 24 hours to allow the chlorine to evaporate and to warm to room temperature. Then put the bag in to let the temperatures even up, for 20 mins. We did that and had no problems. I think you should get it a friend though, they always seems bit depressed on their own.

[B00]

My goldy started off with 3 other friends- he's eaten them all!

[hammerman]

Tricky one this. The filter is there to harbour beneficial bacteria which break down the fish waste (ammonia) into less harmful....but still nasty stuff (nitrite) and then into not so bad stuff (nitrate).

Now filters can take a bit of time to get this bacteria....sometimes days, sometimes months, no set up is the same. Sometimes, the filter needs a bit of a kick start by introducing some "dirty" water from an established tank.

If you know anyone who has a goldfish or tropical tank, use a few litres from that tank and put into yours, it'll give the filter a good boost.

Keep the feeding low for a few weeks....just a small pinch a day and maybe add a small bunch of aquatic plants which might help to keep things moving nicely.

That's the theory behind all levels of fish keeping.....some fish are more tolerable of the ammonia than others but its not good to subject any fish to it for long periods.

Good luck

[Kassee]

well the little goldfish is doing well. New tank, a nice little plant, and a plastic plant and a little archway to swim under, and some pretty aquarium gravel and he is swimming around enjoying his new home.

[Chipchopper]

I bet, if you ask him his name, he will mouth the word 'Bob' ;¬)