Anyone kept/keep goldfish?

[Windle]

Not disputing what you say, but for over 20 years I just used to hose down the sponge filters from our pump (quite a large outdoor one) on the patio and it never seemed to have any adverse effect on the fish. Maybe because there was still a fair bit of gunk left in them and/or the pond itself even after a hosing down?

A pond is probably full of bacteria in the substrate so there'd be plenty left, same with big tanks with gravel on the bottom I suppose. It's a problem that seems to manifest itself in newly set up, spotlessly clean tanks.

 

[Stevo 666]

A pond is probably full of bacteria in the substrate so there'd be plenty left, same with big tanks with gravel on the bottom I suppose. It's a problem that seems to manifest itself in newly set up, spotlessly clean tanks.

Makes sense - thanks. Our was a long established (approx). 4,500l outside pond - with gravel on the bottom and plenty of plant life.

 

[swee'pea99]

Little update...

She loves it!

 

[stephec]

Little update...

View attachment 809014

She loves it!

Platys?

I love livebearers, you can't beat catching sight of a tiny thing moving in the tank, that's why I've got Swordtails in my tank now.

 

[swee'pea99]

Platys?

I love livebearers, you can't beat catching sight of a tiny thing moving in the tank, that's why I've got Swordtails in my tank now.

I didn't catch the name but the pet shop man definitely mentioned live-bearing, so I'm guessing you're right.

 

[Willd]

This is Fred, who is around 5 years old now, pronoun "they" (as I'm not an expert and can't tell). Does swim upside down and backwards occasionally, body shape not evolved for jumping though, so tank is open.

They're now over 6" long having started off at about an inch. Tank 1 31 l - lasted about 15 months, tank 2 65 l - lasted about 17 months, new tank 110 l - OK so far - rule number one for goldfish - make sure you get a big enough tank!

Now very easy to look after, top up water weekly depending on weather, feed daily and clean tank / filter each month, which only takes about half an hour. To avoid algae it's in a North facing room at the back of our house.

 

[rockyroller]

the hobby is addictive. at least it was for me. 7th grade, science class, end of the school year, me & my best friend Tommy inherited the class fish tank. he got the filter & I got the tank. wound up keeping, even breeding fish for most of my life 👍

 

[Beebo]

Little update...

View attachment 809014

She loves it!

They aren’t goldfish.
They are freshwater tropical fish. You will need a water heater.
I used to have a big tank before I got married with all sorts of tropical stuff. It’s a great fun hobby.