Page 315 - Encyclopedia of Aquarium and Pond Fish, 3rd Edition

COLDWATER FISH IN THE HOME 313

so that the fish can be brought indoors before the temperature
dips dangerously low. To transfer fish from the pond to a Flake foods float
tank, simply net them out of the pond and transfer them to Fish tilts its body on the surface
to reach food
a suitable container, such as a clean plastic bowl. They can more easily of the water
then be brought indoors and introduced into the aquarium.
Even hardy varieties of goldfish may benefit from spending
their first winter in an aquarium. If left outdoors, the decline
in temperature deters them from feeding and so slows their
rate of growth. Moving them indoors also provides an
opportunity to tame the young fish.
Goldfish that have been housed indoors during the winter
months can be returned to their outdoor accommodation
in the late spring, once the risk of cold weather has passed.
Before transferring the fish, ensure that the temperature
of the water in the pond is close to that of the aquarium,
so as not to cause them undue stress.
An aquarium also provides an ideal environment to
quarantine newly acquired fish, to ensure that they are
healthy before releasing them into the pond. This is especially
important for controlling parasites in a pond; these pests can
be transferred into the pond on a new fish and may multiply
unchecked and harm other pond occupants before their
presence is identified. As a general guide, newcomers should
be kept in an aquarium for a week or so, until it is clear that
they are feeding well and appear to be generally healthy. Try
to plan ahead if you are buying fish for a pond; set up the
aquarium well in advance, and start the maturation of the
filter by adding an existing fish, if possible. Larger coldwater
fish, including bigger goldfish, will need a more powerful
filtration system, such as a power filter, in addition to a Goldfish feed readily on floating food, such as flake or
pellets. Feeding fish like this helps to prevent food from
simple undergravel filter. being wasted and makes the tank easier to maintain.

COLDWATER TANK CHOICES TANK MAINTENANCE
Always choose a tank that is larger than is needed at first, which will Regular partial water changes are important for the health of the
then allow goldfish to be accommodated without being overcrowded occupants of a coldwater aquarium, because they reduce the levels
as they grow. Avoid goldfish bowls, which offer a limited surface of pollutants, such as nitrate, in the tank. Partial water changes
area for gaseous exchange (although some have built-in aeration should be carried out every two weeks or so, with up to a third
systems) and little swimming space. Pay attention to the type of of the tank’s volume being replaced each time. The water is easily
goldfish that you are intending to keep in the tank, as some (below) removed from the tank using a length of siphon tube (see pp.50–
with long fins will benefit from being kept in relatively deep water. 51), and if a gravel cleaner is fitted to the tube, mulm that has built
up on the surface of the gravel can be removed at the same time.
Pour water slowly into the tank,
taking care not to disturb the plants

When carrying out a partial water
change, the water to be used to fill
the tank must be treated with water
conditioner. It is a good idea to use
water that has been allowed to stand
overnight so that it is the same
temperature as the water in the tank.

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