| This page was setup as a tribute and help for careing for Goldfish. Goldfish are fragile creatures who have attracted humankind for centuries... |
|
Goldfish history: Goldfish keeping has gone on for many ages and traces its' roots back to ancient China. Buddist monks dedicated to discipline kept goldfish in ponds to mimmick the natural environment of these peaceful fish, and as far back as the year 618 in the Asian calendar. Chinese royalty have well introduced this species and protected its' physical development and breeding since 265 as the ornamental gold colour of these particular fish were held in high esteem and environmental beliefs. In the year 1127 of the royal Nan Song dynasty the gold colours of these fish were only allowed place in the royal families and citizens were refused under law to have a gold coloured goldfish as it was a high taboo and has held a place in Chinese history. Goldfish became highly popular during this time and the belief in goldfish rose the citizens of China also began breeding these fish and at about the same time began the major influence of the red and white goldfish over the original gold colour. Goldfish bowls a century or two later were then introduced into the royal families and goldfish colouring began to change and become more predominated due to light differences. Goldfish are a domesticated species and cannot survive on their own. Goldfish also need special attention and a watchful eye as the domestication of this species causes serious breeding deformities due to the human popularity of the centuries.
Goldfish and your water: Goldfish cannot just survive out of water straight from your tap. Harmful chemicals are still floating around inside your tap water which may benefit us but will kill your goldfish. Chlorine, chloramine removers and water conditioners are probably better to use as they help with fins and scales while adjusting your water aswell. When you first setup your tank it is best to let the water you will use in your tank sit for 24 hours before adding the chlorine, chloramine remover or water conditioner. As the sun will remove by osmosis alot of harmful chemicals used in normal tap water naturally. The longer you wait to setup your water in your tank before you add your fish the better a week to two weeks is prefered to balance your water adding new water when needed with chlorine chloramine remover or water conditioner. Goldfish also survive best in alkaline waters with a ph range of 7.2 - 7.8. If you don't have a ph test kit for your aquarium it is recomended you buy one as any great change in ph could easily kill your fish, ph up and down is not recomended to use though as too much in your tank can hurt your fish too, it is better to just do a water change and add water conditioner or chloramine chlorine remover before pouring the new water into your tank. |
Goldfish and feeding: Goldfish are omnivorous eaters and naturally adventurous animals, so they are likely to try to eat just about anything even making themselves sick in the process. There are many brands of fish foods available in pet produce stores but Wardleys is of good quality, the recommended is flake and also sinking pellets which is mainly used by western world pet owners. Goldfish are to be fed very little and often two to three times a day once is ok, they are never to be overfed this can kill your pet, remembering a couple of those large flakes or pellets is enough for one feed and two pinches could overfeed. Goldfish need more than just pellet and flake foods and as good as they are really feeding these pellet and flake foods everyday is dangerous to your pet's health, as the flake and pellet foods swell inside the water and the fishes stomach, to much results in swim bladder bloating and death. It is recommended then that you introduce to your fish along with pelleted and flake foods lettuce and boiled cold peas to provide nutrient vegetative foods. Veggie clips from pet stores are good for lettuce to clip onto the side of your tank so the fish can nibble. When feeding though remember to get rid of any excess food as it will create ammonia in your tank. Goldfish are little pigs so they do create alot of waste so a good filter system is required to keep them. Goldfish also can't survive in dirty water no matter how hardy a fish some people make them out to be, no fish can survive in dirty tanks or unchanged waters, they do not swim in sewers but fresh lightly flowing waters. A strong water current is not advised in your tank for goldfish either as they cannot maintain a balance in the water with it. If you have any plants in mind when keeping your fish in your tank make sure the plants are the type to grow and root quickly, and are of good food quality and similar to their natural habitat for the goldfish as they eat plants, make sure that the plants will survive well in alkaline and cold water and they will do ok with a low heater. A word of warning about bowls: Goldfish bowls are pretty and have been used for many years, but todays' goldfish bowl is not a choice if you are on a cash budget as the goldfish bowl MUST BE LARGE a good 40 - 60 ltrs glass bowl to supply the need of a small heater, air pump and over or under ground filter system. Filter systems are IMPORTANT in todays' world as water quality has dropped dramaticly since the use of these goldfish bowls in ancient China with pollution and water issues felt world wide. There are many other glass tanks available and plastic made tanks can even make your fish sick so do not opt out for a quick fix. Types of goldfish: There are many different types of goldfish today. All goldfish today also are highly domesticated animals compared to other species of fish. Goldfish Types:
|
