The most common way for goldfish diseases to spread from tank to tank is through the use of the same equipment in 2 or more aquariums. The only surefire method of prevent cross contamination is to have a separate set of equipment for each tank. However this can be expensive and impractical, so it is important to sterilise equipment properly.
Hollow pond or aquarium ornaments come in all shapes and sizes, from sunken ships, to model houses, chinese temples, slightly open treasure chests, divers helmets, artificial wood, rocky caves, fake skulls, sea shells, or purely decorative. Unfortunately they are a bad idea.
Out of control pond algae looks like thick green pea soup, feels like slime, and smells of stagnation. Not only is it unpleasant, it is harmful to a pond and its inhabitants. It uses up too much oxygen for goldfish, wildlife and plants to thrive, and may eventually result in their death.
The following table sets out the relative merits of glass and acrylic aquariums.
The heron is one of nature’s most beautiful sights. It stands tall and elegant with a striking colour pattern, and in flight looks like it has the wings of an eagle. As a fisherman, it has great skill – hours of perfectly still patience followed by stabbing its prey in a flash with a snap of the neck.
However, that is in a natural setting. When a heron visits a goldfish pond, it doesn’t need any patience. There is crystal clear water with brightly coloured goldfish that can be picked off at will. No need to wait for a fish that is the same colour as the murky water it is swimming in.
Crystal clear water that looks like it has been polished can be achieved with proper filtration. Getting it wrong, on the other hand, can lead to cloudy, dirty, smelly water that will only do harm to your goldfish.
With so many different types of filter available – each with very persuasive marketing all over the packaging – it is hard to know which is the right one for any given goldfish tank.
Testing water quality in a goldfish aquarium or pond is an essential element of routine maintenance. It provides advanced warning of problems, reassurance that problems are less likely, and elimination of possibilities when diagnosing a problem.
Winter can be hard on a goldfish pond, and it is essential to start preparing for its onset a couple of months beforehand. Use the following checklist to ensure a goldfish pond is ready for what Winter can throw at it.
A lush green and red underwater world for goldfish to explore, hide, rest and play can really make an aquarium stand out. The same is true for smelly rotten plants, but for totally different reasons.
Toxic waste can quickly build up in an aquarium with potentially dangerous consequences for goldfish. It is important to keep the water clean and healthy with regular weekly water changes.