Video in Response to Zac’s Comments
Zac I’ve made this video in response to your comments. If you are willing to give criticism, advice, and support, I’d certainly appreciate it. I would love to have an outside pond however it gets below zero here during the winter and I’m not sure if I could keep them alive out there. Besides not too sure if I could afford an outside pond.
I’ve decided to record all my ups and downs with raising goldfish. If I do this over the next few decades and some of these fish actually survive, folks will be able to see these fish as they have progressed. I only learn by hard knocks. I have to keep making the same mistakes over and over again until it actually hits me I am doing something wrong. Then just like that, I got it. I’ve looked at forums but have a hard time figuring out all the threads, who is actually speaking, and what they are talking about. For the most part all questions and/or complaints about fish results in the forum person asking about your water cycle. My water cycle has never cycled, never… I’ve tried every chemical imagined and have killed the fish through the efforts. Right now I do a weekly water change of about 15 gallons of water. I change the cartridges in the overhang filter once a month and the canister I address about every month and a half. I do not do both filters at the same time. I feed my fish twice a day… just a wee bit. I’ve always used sinking pellets and am thinking of using just regular flakes for awhile.
The water from the tap comes out high in ammonia. I fill five-gallon containers with this water and treat the water using Chlor-No-More. This treated water sits in the containers until the next weeks water change. Then I refill the containers, retreat, and set aside for the next change.
I really do thank you for your comments.
Thanks for taking some time to make this video for me to see!
Umm… from observing from the video …
*Be sure to provide a day & night cycle for your fish. When the sun rises – turn it on. When the sun sets – Turn it off. It is important to replicate a day & night cycle. When gets come over to visit in the evening, thats the only exception when you want to show your fish off!!
You’re pride & joy!!! Once they’ve all had a giggle it’s lights out for your fishies!
*I would take out the pebbles to prevent any pathogens to manifest underneath the floor. This will also benefit you financially for having a UV sterilizer! You want to ensure all the aquarium water is circulating & passing through the UV light to kill off any nasties!
*Removing the pebbles will also prevent any rotting food lying around.
*Lower the water level so the filter hanging on the right can give off a “trickle” on the surface
* Open the lids for ventilation. Gases need releasing from the water & aquarium surface. Be sure to open a window often to allow fresh air to come in your home & aquarium.
*NEVER DO FULL WATER CHANGES!!! I would change half every 2-3 weeks. I would add beneficial bacteria solutions after every water change.
*Feed the fish the amount of the size of their eyes! Their eyes are the same size as their stomaches. (this does not count for Moors/Dragon Eyes or Celestial goldfish breeds)
Saki-Hikari is a good brand! I’ve just asked my local aquarium to order some in for me a few days ago! You’re fish are eating ROYAL PREMIUM FOOD!!!
Fresh foods – Give them mashed peas (cooked) just remember to take the skins off. Spinach boiled and mashed is good also.
Ryukins can have problems after eating. Its a genetic problem. They are unable to pass all the air out of their gills … and they start floating after eating. Eventually ends after pooing or farting. If you want to avoid this problem. Always ask the aquarium or petstore if you can feed them so you can observe & avoid purchasing a defect.
*If you want to ensure a friendly eco system I would suggest getting some plants. You can float a few Water hyacinth inside the aquarium. (this plant lowers ammonia very quickly) Or place some duckweed! Just be sure treat them for parasites before you place them in. Plants make a huge difference in an aquarium!
*When the new spring comes in, I would suggest getting a pond! There are affordable ponds out there! Check your classifieds, ebay!!! … I used to keep young fish in an old bath tub!!! It worked like a charm! You don’t have to spend a fortune!!!
*Don’t add anymore fish for the mean time. You can only fit 1 more in there or u’ll be creating more work for yourself maintaining their home!
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Don’t giveup!!! You’ve had your Oranda for 3 years!!! You’ve extented its life!!! You obviously bought goldfish because they make you happy!!!
July 25, 2011 at 8:45 pm
Zac, I will print up your comments and tape them to my wall. As I make changes I will check them off the list. I’ve attempted some of these things before like removing the gravel and feeding peas. Even with the gravel removed, the nitrites were high, however I didn’t have the algae build up on the back of the tank then. A pet store salesman told me the gravel helps with building the good bacteria as well as the bad. Since then I believe the media in my canister has started working so I probably can do without the gravel now. I’ve fed the fish peas before but just after warming them in the micro, not actually cooking them and I did not remove the peels. They didn’t eat what I fed them. I will cook some peas and spinach and give that a shot.
I have to go to work now but I will comment more later on all your other responses. If I could ever master raising these fish, I will get a 150 gallon aquarium for the living room and put them in it.
I really do appreciate your advise and will follow it to the tee. Let’s watch what happens.
Thanks.
July 26, 2011 at 5:01 am
This weekend I’m going to remove the pebbles and place in a few larger rocks. Also I’m going to change out half of the water and not fill it too high so the run off from the filter can agitate the water. I’ve already lifted the hoods so fresh air can get in and bad air out. Can you purchase water Hyacinth and Duckweed from Petsmart? How do you treat plants for parasites? You’ve got me thinking about a pond. Will ponder on that one. Thanks for all your comments Zac.
July 26, 2011 at 9:50 pm
Hi Preston,
Why thank me? Its me who should be thanking you! For sharing your blog!
I normally get water hyacinths & duckweed from the local suburban pond(s) or garden center. Its pretty common to find ponds in each suburb down here in Sydney, Australia. Might be different in your case?
If you can’t get them in your local area, I would suggest seeking online. There are many online sellers/stores that sell aquatic plants. Try searching under “Water Gardens” on google.
To disinfect the plants, you can dip them in a mix of bleach & water & then properly rinse. I would repeat this process 2-3 times. I would then leave them in a bucket of tap water for for a week… or 2 with a fish-lice/argulas, flukes, hook worm & protazone killing solution. You can get this from any aquarium retailer or petstore.
Did you say POND? hahaha! I say get a pond! Best investment ever! Everyone will enjoy the pond as much as the aquarium! You can grow your fish to their full potential! The last thing you want is to stunt the growth of your fish.
Just keep the goldfish indoors during winter. Having a pond is also a good way to inspire others to appreciate animals & nature in general. Its also great way to entertain your family & guests!
Think about it … how would you feel if you were kept in a glass tank with fluorescent lights all your life… ???
July 27, 2011 at 7:51 am
* Your fish are not gasping. They are eating which is good. I would just be prepared for the Oranda… The swim bladder seems to be failing. Thats exactly what happened to my 3-4 year old Orandas. Once my Orandas swim bladder failed, the immune system shuts down and pretty much the entire fish does too
… It’s sad.
When it happened to my first Red-Cap Oranda, I was traumatised for 1 week having to watch it deteriorate day by day. There was no way to save it. Once the bladder failed Its immune system shut down.
The 2nd time it happened, I was more prepared for it & was more accepting.
I couldn’t bare to watch another Oranda go through it… I had to get an aquarium specialist to euthanize it for me… because I just didn’t have the heart to do it myself. I’ve consulted many Oranda owners & breeders… & they too have experienced this problem. That is why I rule them off my keeps list.
They’re beautiful fish though!!!
I hope breeders out there are eliminating this genetic disorder.
But for the mean time, just make sure your Oranda is comfortable!!
July 25, 2011 at 9:24 pm
Sun, my Oranda, has been like this for his entire life. He has never swam around that much. Sometimes he gets a wild hair and will swim all around in a spurt of activity. I believe my Dragon Eye and some of my Ryukins suffered from this bladder thing. This is why I question the type food I’m feeding. Maybe the pellets are good, but are they causing this upside down, bloating, and death in my tank? Maybe not, it very well could be genetic as you have said earlier.
July 26, 2011 at 9:46 pm
Sun does look happy on the video! I’ve never seen an Oranda that wasn’t sick & that doesn’t swim .. until now! Thats a first!!!
Regarding the food … it could be that some of the fish weren’t metabolizing the calories from the Saki-Hikari pellets…
Saki-Hikari is a VERY AGGRESSIVE enhancer for growth & color … I would only recommend this food for Ranchus, Pearscales & Orandas… as they are big-bodied & need to consume more calories for regular function.
Try using the basic staple diet pellets by hikari for the slimmer breeds. If a ryukin starts floating after every meal, its the genetic issue i’ve mentioned earlier.
Most cases, goldfish tend to die from genetic issues caused by inbreeding.
July 27, 2011 at 8:37 am
* When buying new fish. Obviously you choose a strong active swimmer! Check for anatomy defects. Just avoid putting any of the water from the travel bag, into your aquarium or quarrantine tank/tub/bath tub. You should always observe new fish before you release them with the rest of the fish community! A good 2 weeks is enough … or 3. 4 if you really want to be sure! lol!
Sorry … its all over the place lol theres just too much to say about goldfish care! LOL!!
July 25, 2011 at 9:40 pm
I wasn’t thinking about how fast these little guys are now. I was thinking how slow they will be when they grow their egg shape. I’ll keep an eye out but so far everything appears ok.
July 26, 2011 at 9:41 pm
* Avoid feeding your fish flakes! It’s not enough to nurish their apetite & it spoils the water! Stick with the Hikari Pellets!
July 25, 2011 at 9:54 pm
I will avoid the flakes, Sun doesn’t appear to care much for them anyway.
July 26, 2011 at 9:39 pm
I’m so sorry about your other oranda. =/
I also have a suggestion, You could try some large rocks at the bottom, like 2-3, just so the beneficial bacteria have something to live on and it’ll still be easy to keep the tank clean.
It looks like there’s enough oxygen being pumped into the tank, but maybe try adding another? I know goldfish use up A LOT of it. Or a low maintenance plant.
For your filters do you add the ammonia neutralizing stuff? Not carbon, but there are special cartridges/bags you can put in for ammonia. I’m not sure if they actually work as I’ve never tried them before, but it might be worth it if you haven’t tried it yet.
My fish LOVE the peas. And they’re super good for there digestive systems. I feed them a few peas about once a week and skip a pellet/bloodworm feeding that day.
If I think of anything else I’ll post it.
July 26, 2011 at 1:17 pm
Thanks for the comment Madi. I like your idea about the big rocks. I have one large rock in there now. I will go find some other large smooth rocks to put in there after I take out the gravel. I am using neutralizing stuff for the ammonia. I am definitely going to get some peas for these fish. Thanks for helping me learn.
July 26, 2011 at 9:38 pm