Fish Tank

[Mowbray]

I have 4 goldfish in a decent sized tank.  The problem is they all seem to be gulping for air, not at the surface of the water, but as they swim around. 

I have a Fluval 2 water pump. Would I need an air filter too? Also what price am I likely to pay for a decent air filter/pump?

Also, I am having trouble keeping the right 'climate' within the tank. After a few weeks the tank gets murky. 

Does anybody have an suggestions please?


Thanks very much in advance

[daddyg]

You need to find out the actual size of tank you have to check that your fluval 2 is the right size for your tank. It may be undersized and in the case of goldfish it is always best to get a slightly larger filter as they are such messy fish which produce alot of waste. Your Fluval should negate the use for an air filter as it filters the water and also keeps the water moving which is what aerates it. Don't worry that it doesn't blow bubbles the water movement is all that's needed.

The best way to keep the 'climate' right is to carry out regular water changes of about a 1/4 of the tank once a week. The best way to do this is to buy a gravel siphon which will also hoover up debris from the bottom of the tank and improve conditions. Also rinse out the filter sponge in some of the old water when you are doing this. Do not use clean water from the tap. Also think about a dechlorinator to add at water changes especially if you live in England where I believe the water can be a bit grim.

Buy a glass scraper to keep the glass clean. I use both a magnetic one and the razor blade type. 

Hopefully this will help you. It's nice to see someone who cares about thier goldfish instead of keeping it in a wee bowl without a filter or aeration.

Finally don't worry about the gulping as goldfish tend to do this anyway but you may find that all this maintenance aerates the water a bit more and stops them gulping. Good luck. G.

[Mowbray]

Thank you for your helpful answer daddyg.

The filter is the right size for the tank as I asked the pet shop for advice first. Will I need to buy a Nitrate testing kit?

Also, I think petshops should try and educate their customers when they purchase fish. When I bought my 4 Goldfish I was not advised about how to look after their water i.e, changing water, cleaning the filter sponge with water taken from the tank not tap water etc. This may help prevent those poor fishes from dying and possibly help people decide whether they want to commit to looking after their fish properly.

Any thoughts anyone?

[banana]

Yes definitely there should be more on-the-spot advice given before fish are sold. I have had goldfish for a good while now and yet only found out about washing the filter in old water last week.
My fish do the gulping action too - but as they save it for when I (or another human shape) hove into view I take it that they are 'begging' for food. They all crowd into the same corner and follow my every move- their mouths opening and closing just as if they are shouting. they are thriving otherwise so Im not concerned that it is anything other than greed.

[daddyg]

Hi again mowbray. I personally wouldn't bother with the testing kits as they are quite expensive and can lead to you worrying when there is not really any need. Goldfish are very hardy so there is not really any need for you to be checking the water unless you feel that your fish are unwell although I would hasten to add that this is a personal opinion of course. I have kept fish since I was a wee boy and back in the early 80's when I started no-one bothered and we got on fine. I used them for a while but have found that now that the tanks are matured and well maintained there is not any real need. You generally find that a water change works wonders if you are having health problems.

If you are interested in looking after them it is worth finding a local shop which specialises in fish rather than a general pet shop especially ones such as pets at home as alot of them are clueless. Practical Fishkeeping magazine has a list of recommended retailers countrywide who offer good advice.

[fly258]

Try this forum,

http://www.fishforums.net/

 there is a section on cold water fish. The people on it are extremley well informed and very friendly and can give you all the advice you will ever need.

[gus332]

hi,i know you have had an answer to this question allready but in my mind  ive got a feeling that you keep cleaning the sponge in the filter.if so do not clean sponge in filter atall .every time you cleans the sponge your actually killing the friendly bacteria that keeps your tank clean and breaks down the dirt.secondly gasping for air? is your filter nozzle situated above your water this way water will hit your water and cause air bubbles,or i suggest you use an air stone.from kev

[Mowbray]

Thank you all for your very helpful answers. I now have enough knowledge to help keep my goldfish happy. Regards

Katherine

[Phantaxus]

water changes - I was told never change more than 20% in one go

nitrate testing - our local aquarium centre will do this for free. take a water sample into your aquarium centre and ask them to test it for you

water getting murky - how long have you got the light on for. mine is set to go on at 16.00 and off again at 22.00 my plants look a lot happier

are you overfeeding your fish., this will soon turn the water murky - I was told no more than they can eat in two minutes