AboutNathan Expertise I can answer all questions related to freshwater aquariums. If I am not available because I am maxed out, you can find me on the Aquarium Plants category. Fish care, fish behavior, feeding, breeding, and diseases are my specialty. To be specific, I am most familiar (though I am familiar with most species) with Livebearers, Tetras, Barbs, Danios, Loaches, Goldfish, Angelfish (freshwater), Catfish (corydoras, plecos, etc.), Bettas, shrimp, and even snails. I can help out with new tank setups, the cycling process (nitrogen cycle), acclimation of fish, and general care. I can also answer questions regarding many species of freshwater plants, including fish compatibility with plants. Additionally, I can lend a hand when it comes to aquarium support equipment questions, such as those regarding filters, heaters, lighting, and thermometers. Questions about aquarium water conditioners and products are also accepted. I will try to answer your question to the best of my abilities, and if I do not know an answer, I will do my best to find out.
I do not have much experience in saltwater aquariums, or pressurized CO2 systems, so I cannot answer any such questions. Best wishes, and good luck to your fish!
Experience I have kept freshwater fish tanks for many years, and I am experienced with a variety of different freshwater species and invertebrates, such as Tetras, Barbs, Loaches, Danios, Livebearers, Cichlids, Goldfish, Bettas, Catfish, Shrimp, and Snails. I have helped people set up aquariums, and I am very familiar with aquarium products and equipment. I have also bred many fish, and I always care for my fish in the best way possible.
What makes a good home for tropical fish? Well, all tropical fish, like guppies and Bettas, require filters, heaters, and a good-sized tank. Healthy fish should be actively swimming and feeding, with defined fins and clear eyes. Take a random check of some of your fish daily, to make sure they're thriving!
Education/Credentials I own an extensive collection of aquarium-related books and magazines, and have read all about, and I am experienced in, many aspects of humane and proper fishkeeping. Through these books and other articles, from reliable internet sources, and from personal experience with fish, I have a thorough knowledge of freshwater aquariums, fish, and freshwater plant species.
Question Howdy, I've had fish on and off for about a year, mainly because they kept not wanting to live. Actually, I'm sure they wanted too... but I had a small round bowl, and maybe the water wasn't cleaned enough... They were gold coloured fish. ANYWAY, that was then. I now have about a 6 gallon (perhaps) tank (don't talk gallons here - it's about 25 litres), with 4 Shubunkin in them. They are happy fish. I didn't do any research when I got them. Just grabbed 'em & bung them in. However, I've gravel and weeds, and they seem happy. I'm changing the water every 7 - 10 days as I've no filter & pump, usually about 2/3's of the water. They get new weed every week or two, weed from an established pond.
My question is - what tests do I need to do? I treat the water before I add it, let it get to room temperature (usually leave it overnight before putting it in), and have been to a commercial pet shop, but I didn't buy any tests or ask anyone because it was a big chain & I don't really trust staff that are still in grade 9 or so...
From reading the pack, the Ammonia test was mainly for tropical fish. Is that right?
Any advice is good, thanks. I think my fish are happy, they've been alive for 4 months and have a huge appetite. Not that I feed them too much... once every day, couple of days, have left it a week as I was away, and they are still happy...
Thanks,
Neil
Answer Hi Neil,
Unfortunately, you've got some big problems with your current setup. I'll list them below.
1) Tank Size. Goldfish need at least a 20 gallon tank. (76L). This is because they will eventually grow to an adult size of 12", or 30cm. Many people keep their Goldfish in bowls - and this is why they die. Small aquariums like yours are also not suitable for Goldfish, especially one without a filter. I'm surprised that your Goldfish actually managed to live this long.
2) Filters. Why do you need a filter? First of all, fish produce waste, and this waste will turn into toxic ammonia. However, beneficial bacteria will develop in your filter that remove wastes. Without the presence of a filter, bacteria must live in the gravel, where they are not sufficient. This lack of helpful bacteria causes ammonia poisoning, the #1 cause of fish death. This is why so many fish died in your bowl. No fish can be kept in a bowl. A good filter is essential to fish health.
You might be thinking, "All my fish are doing fine!" But, fish always try to make the best out of the situation, like humans, and they are delicate. If you do not upgrade your tank and get a filter, they will most certainly die prematurely. If kept in a proper tank of no less than 20+ gallons, they can live over 25 years!
Testing: The tests you need for any freshwater aquarium are:
-Ammonia (Very important! This is the most lethal toxin)
-Nitrite (Also important, toxin)
-Nitrate (Maintain less than 20 ppm at all times)
-pH (Acidity)
Those four can be bought separately, or in a kit. Liquid tests are the most accurate, and those are the ones I recommend. API's tests are a great brand.
If you test ANY ammonia or nitrite, or more than 20 ppm nitrate, perform a water change immediately to dilute the toxins.
For now, until you get a larger tank and filter, perform 10% water changes daily.
