Some Tips On Goldfish Health

Goldfish health is a serious subject matter. These fish are vulnerable in many ways and to many threats.

First we have issues related to water quality. Goldfish require lots of water, depending on the breed at least ten gallons. Goldfish also require high oxygen content, meaning at least thirty square inches of water surface. Goldfish are very dirty fish due to the absence of a stomach. Water must therefore be changed quite often, as much as forty percent of the water volume per week. Goldfish also prefer still waters. A slightly alkaline tank with a pH of 7.2 or slightly higher is best for the fish. Nitrate levels must stay below forty parts per million, but proper water changes will accomplish this. Detoxifiers and electrolyte replacement compounds are helpful.

Temperatures must be controlled. While goldfish can handle a surprising range of temperatures, they function best in water that is slightly above room temperature. When in pools, they need at least thirty inches of depth for sufficient insulation against changes in the temperature.

Goldfish need at least eight hours of light per day. Some breeds require the tank to be carefully set up to avoid sharp or abrasive surfaces as the fancy varieties can have eye sacs or complex fins which are easy to damage.

Food is another issue of importance. Goldfish need a variety of food including fruits and vegetables and meat. The fish are very susceptible to swim bladder problems, so surface food is discouraged. Pellets that fall to the bottom or dedicated goldfish foods are better, with occasional shrimp or bloodworms. When surface food must be used, it is better to let the food soak for a few minutes before letting the fish feed. Care must be taken to avoid overfeeding as this can kill or injure the fish.

Goldfish can be put in danger by power outages. If these last for more than six hours, the recommended procedure is to fill a container with water from the tank and pour it back into the tank from at least half a foot high every five minutes, taking care not to splash the sides of the tank.

When kept in ponds, care must be taken to avoid overbreeding. Fish that eat goldfish eggs are a common option, introduced to prevent excess goldfish from choking out the pond. Another plan is to introduce koi to produce sterile hybrids.

Goldfish have a habit of trying to pick up rocks, so those must either be too large for the goldfish to pick up or so small that they are not in danger of rocks stuck in the throat or gills.

Goldfish can catch a variety of diseases. A small aid kit containing salt, betadine and mercurocrome can be helpful. Given the ease with which goldfish can poison their own environment, an anti-bacterial is a prudent precaution. A net and possibly q-tips are also helpful. Many health issues can be dealt with easily if caught and treated soon enough.