Aquarium help - All the information you need to create and maintain a beautiful aquarium
Goldfish and the Coldwater Aquarium
Introduction
Generally speaking, coldwater fish are hardier and more resistant to water temperature and pH variations than their warm water (or tropical) cousins. This makes them one of the best fish to start a collection as with.
However, they are still fish and they do still require fresh water that is full of oxygen.
As with any other living thing, a fish create natural wastes.
In their natural environment, there is usually a large body of water with a wide range of other organisms which provide an effective cleansing system.
In the aquarium, however, you control the quality of the environment your fish live in.
It is, therefore, up to you to ensure that waste materials are dealt with effectively. If they are not, then they will eventually hurt your fish.
But don't despair.
Maintaining a healthy environment for your fish is not that difficult.
You will need to add a filter to your aquarium, but you should also consider other living things which can absorb these wastes. Underwater plants, provide a dual benefit in that they help reduce the levels of some waste materials, and also produce oxygen as they grow. This makes them an excellent addition to any freshwater aquarium.
It's also a good idea to refresh the water in your aquarium - about 10% every 2 or 3 weeks is about right as long as you have a filter and some live underwater plants. If you don't, then a little more often may be necessary.
Don't forget that if you use tap water to fill your aquarium, then this must first be treated to remove chemicals that are often added to the domestic water supply.
Your local pet shop owner will be able to advise you on suitable treatments.
Things to consider as you are buying your tank is the type of light, hood, stand and thermometer you wish to use.
However, they are still fish and they do still require fresh water that is full of oxygen.
As with any other living thing, a fish create natural wastes.
In their natural environment, there is usually a large body of water with a wide range of other organisms which provide an effective cleansing system.
In the aquarium, however, you control the quality of the environment your fish live in.
It is, therefore, up to you to ensure that waste materials are dealt with effectively. If they are not, then they will eventually hurt your fish.
But don't despair.
Maintaining a healthy environment for your fish is not that difficult.
You will need to add a filter to your aquarium, but you should also consider other living things which can absorb these wastes. Underwater plants, provide a dual benefit in that they help reduce the levels of some waste materials, and also produce oxygen as they grow. This makes them an excellent addition to any freshwater aquarium.
It's also a good idea to refresh the water in your aquarium - about 10% every 2 or 3 weeks is about right as long as you have a filter and some live underwater plants. If you don't, then a little more often may be necessary.
Don't forget that if you use tap water to fill your aquarium, then this must first be treated to remove chemicals that are often added to the domestic water supply.
Your local pet shop owner will be able to advise you on suitable treatments.
Things to consider as you are buying your tank is the type of light, hood, stand and thermometer you wish to use.
How to choose an aquarium
Aquarium volumes are ususlly measured in litres or gallons.
You should aim for around 40 litres (10 gallons) as a minimum.
Tanks tend to be sold by their length and depth.
In general, you should try to get the largest tank you can comfortably afford, and have the space for.
Once established, a larger tank is easier to clean and you can have many different types of goldfish living in the same tank simultaneously without incident and with plenty of room to grow.
Choosing a good stand
You should aim for around 40 litres (10 gallons) as a minimum.
Tanks tend to be sold by their length and depth.
In general, you should try to get the largest tank you can comfortably afford, and have the space for.
Once established, a larger tank is easier to clean and you can have many different types of goldfish living in the same tank simultaneously without incident and with plenty of room to grow.
Choosing a good stand
If you are buying a smaller aquarium, you may well place it on some of your existing furniture, but in order to make an educated decision about whether to buy a stand at all, andif so, which one, you need to consider:
- will it be able to support the weight of not just the tank but the water that fills it?
- will the tank be in a level area or does it need to be leveled in some way?
- should the stand be connected to other forms of support to strengthen it?
Don't forget, even small tanks when filled with water are very heavy.
Choosing the right type of light
- will it be able to support the weight of not just the tank but the water that fills it?
- will the tank be in a level area or does it need to be leveled in some way?
- should the stand be connected to other forms of support to strengthen it?
Don't forget, even small tanks when filled with water are very heavy.
Choosing the right type of light
Lights are important to the health of the plants in your tank. They also enable you to see your fish more clearly.
The only problem is that what's good for the plants in your tank is also good for the growth of algae.
Algae growth will also be a problem if you keep your tank in direct sunlight. You will need to clean the algae away on a regular basis to maintain water quality.
The lights can also give off significant amounts of heat which may affect the water temperature. Use of flourescent tubes or modern 'energy saving' lightbulbs will reduce the amount of heat, but generally, it's not such a prob,
This is not such a problem for the coldwater aquarium. As a rule of thumb, coldwater fish (including goldfish) will be happy in warmer water, but warm water fish will not be happy in cold water.
Remember that warmer water will contain less dissolved oxygen, so the warmer the water, the less fish you will be able to keep!
The only problem is that what's good for the plants in your tank is also good for the growth of algae.
Algae growth will also be a problem if you keep your tank in direct sunlight. You will need to clean the algae away on a regular basis to maintain water quality.
The lights can also give off significant amounts of heat which may affect the water temperature. Use of flourescent tubes or modern 'energy saving' lightbulbs will reduce the amount of heat, but generally, it's not such a prob,
This is not such a problem for the coldwater aquarium. As a rule of thumb, coldwater fish (including goldfish) will be happy in warmer water, but warm water fish will not be happy in cold water.
Remember that warmer water will contain less dissolved oxygen, so the warmer the water, the less fish you will be able to keep!
The importance of choosing a good hood
The hood is the apparatus that acts as a lid for your tank and keeps the fish from making a jump for it and dying on your floor. Additionally, it keeps dirt particles, garbage, unwanted animals and other such things from getting into the tank. It also shields your light. Make sure that you get a hood that matches the size of your tank for the best results in protecting your aquarium.
Picking the right type of gravel
Picking the right filter
Picking the right type of gravel
In general, your choice of gravel will be determined by your personal preference. Traditional golden gravel will give amore natural look, but there are a wide range of coloured alternatives. The choice really is yours.
Picking the right filter
The easiest and cleanest filter is an internal box filter. This just clips to the inside of your aquarium. It draws water through a mechanical and biological filter medium and circulates the water in your tank very effectively.
Cheaper alternatives include under-gravel filters, or even, for small aquariums, small bubble filters.
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For more information on this and a range of other aquarium and fishkeeping subjects, subscribe to newsletter at
www.aquarium-help.com
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