About Christy Expertise I can answer some questions regarding freshwater fish ranging from their care to diagnosing common diseases or problems with the fish. I can also answer questions regarding the care and maintenance of an aquarium. I haven't had much luck with live plants, so can't help in that area very much. Not real good with explaining salt water or brackish set ups too well either. Also regarding goldfish, I have some comets, and have a little experience with them but mostly just general info on them. I AM NOT THAT FAMILIAR WITH ANY OF THE FANCY VARIETIES OF GOLDFISH. YOU MIGHT BE BETTER DIRECTING THOSE QUERIES TO AN EXPERT MORE FAMILIAR WITH THEM. If I can't answer or don't know something, I'll let you know, so don't be upset if I reject your question, I'll always explain why. I would just rather not answer then give an answer I'm not confident about.
Experience All personal, first hand, general fishkeeping experience. I've had fresh water aquariums now for about 7 years. I've had tropical/community fish tanks, African cichlids, South American cichlids, brackish water puffer fish, and a lot of other varieties in between.
Education/Credentials None, all personal experience
Question How does amonia and nitrates affect fish growth? And does having a large tank help fish grow larger? or is it all in the water changes?
Answer Hi Richard
I've never heard of ammonia or nitrates affecting a fish's growth rate. Of course, that doesn't mean it's not possible, I've just never heard that before over the years. Nitrates aren't as bad on a fish, and ammonia can affect their gills and damage them.
Having a larger tank, or a tank appropriate for the fish will not make a fish that is supposed to be about 6 inches grow to 12 inches. But, it'll allow that fish to grow to it's full potential of at least 6 inches. Keeping a potentially large fish in too small of a tank will cause it to be stunted though. I used to have a great link with a photo of a stunted oscar and goldfish, but it's no longer working. But, they looked awful, very round, fat, and short, just not right looking at all. I've always read that when a fish is in too small of a tank, they have a hormone that tells their body to "stop growing", but their insides continue to grow-which is what I saw in the photos of the rounded looking fish.
Water changes are necessary to keep the water quality good, so the fish can survive. If you let the water quality go, the fish will develop excess slime coat as a "protection" so to say of their skin. That's because the ammonia and nitrites are also irritating to their skin. I don't want to say water changes will make a fish grow or not either, it's kind of all together. Do regular weekly water changes, feed the fish a varied diet, don't overstock the tank, keep the fish in an appropriate sized tank, and the fish will generally stay healthy and should live to it's full potential and also grow to it's proper size.
