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Shipping Goldfish Shipping goldfish is risky business. Packages have been known to arrive damaged, the box crushed, the  bag broken, the fish dead or dying. Some packages are routed to the wrong destination, and some never arrive at all, while the fish dies a slow, miserable death. This is why we must take every precaution The maximum time your fish can tolerate the container is 36 hours. Overnight shipping is the only way to go Six inches of fish body per gallon bag Shipping methods for fish The standard method for shipping fish is to bag them in water, fill it with oxygen, box the bag and stamp it. Some of the more expensive fish are lined with Styrofoam,  giving the box extra strength. This also protects it from heat and cold Contact your local pet shop, and ask if they having Styrofoam lined shipping containers available for fish. Your local UPS company may also offer similar boxes. If you can't find one, the next best thing is a one to two gallon ice chest, as they're insulated, and strong. You may need a little bubble wrap to support the bag, so it doesn't roll around in the shipping container. The ice chest will need to be boxed Obtain two plastic fish bags from your pet shop Shipping water for fish Do you know your water parameters? ammonia, nitrite, nitrates, GH, KH and pH? The water quality our fish live in is critical to their life, however, even more so during shipping. If ammonia or nitrite is present in the water your fish is to be shipped in, dilute with a freshwater change, and treat remaining levels with Prime or Amquel Plus. Remaining levels are not to exceed treatable levels Use a single dose of Prime for every 1. ppm; four doses max. Use a single dose of Amquel Plus for every 2. ppm; two doses max Parameters should be as follows Nitrates should be from 20 to 40 ppm Work your way up to the goal gradually, so as not to exceed Buffer KH to 120 ppm by dissolving and adding bicarbonate of soda to freshwater Buffer GH to 200 to 400 ppm by dissolving and pure Epsom Salt to freshwater Preparing for take off Chill one gallon of tank water the night before the fish is going to be shipped. Goldfish become dormant in cold water using less oxygen. Even though the water may warm during shipping, this could buy a few hours if need be Just before heading out, pull the chilled water; add 1/4 teaspoon of 3% hydrogen peroxide Add a single dose of water treatment unless ammonia or nitrites are present (see above) Beat water with a whisk to oxygenate. If KH is at 120 ppm, pH should be a min of 8.ppm Place one of the pet shop plastic bags in the shipping container, and open it up. Using the other plastic bag, scoop the fish up, and place it inside of the first bag. [...]

The birth of a goldfish keeper and how it happens by phillyn17 Once upon a time, around 1992 in deepest darkest South Wales (UK) a middle aged couple bought a new house. The seller asked them if they would be interested in keeping the large tropical fish tank which was currently installed in the living room; this would avoid him having to find alternative homes for the little critters, and would also eliminate the considerable extra work which removing the very large furniture tank would incur. He cleverly convinced them that the unit would be a very attractive feature in their new abode, and once the house had been fully renovated, it could be the flagship attraction in their new home. Gullible, they accepted, and the man (Phil) found a new hobby that was to cost him considerable expense and unhappiness. How to keep goldfish With the house renovations complete, Phil turned his attentions to the newly adopted tank; he cleaned it clinically and spent many English pounds on new fish and equipment. He had an array of residents, small shoals of Tetra?s, various types of Gourami, a Red Tail Shark, a Clown loach and many smaller varieties. Unfortunately, despite all his efforts, and regardless of the tank being constantly in a pristine condition, he found it necessary to regularly arrange funerals for the inhabitants, many only surviving several days after purchase. What was he doing wrong? The water was so clean you could drink it, all the ornaments and fittings were clinically clean and sparkly; it was a tank that any fish would love to live in......or so you would believe; in hindsight, he had a lot to learn!!! Birth of a goldfish keeper The final straw came several months later when the internal heater thermostat jammed, and one morning he awoke to discover the tank water boiling and all the residents cooked, bent, and very dead. He sold the tank and forgot about fish completely...........he was a completely sad, and thoroughly disillusioned human being. Fast forward eight years and following the death of the couples? beloved twelve year old Labrador (Harvey), Phil decided to reincarnate his fish tank hobby, but this time to avoid the possibility of a reoccurring frying of the inhabitants, he plumped for the idea of keeping cold water fish. Nothing could be easier, you keep the water clean and topped up, feed them now and again, or in reality when someone remembers......easy!!! But again, and in hindsight, he had a lot to learn!!! Understanding goldfish Birth of a goldfish keeper He purchased a moderate sized tank (24x18x12), all the compulsory equipment highly recommended by the very enthusiastic and informative pet shop owner, air pump, very bright novelty decorations, a small internal filter/pump, and regulatory lighting equipment. He spent an astronomical ?4.00 on four goldfish and returned home to set up his newly purchased fish residence. His maintenance regime was clinical, for the next eight years he regularly carried out a complete spring clean [...]

GOLDFISH CURLED HIGH NITRATES by Shadow Day 1 I have just acquired 2 butterfly moors with Nitrate poisoning. I tested the water the fish came in from the store. PH 6.8 (not great) GH 80 (too low) KH 60 ( way too low) ammonia 0 nitrites 0 nitrates 60 (very high) All measured with api master kit (pretty accurate) Salinity 10 ppt (very high) measured with hydrometer One of them was very sick. I would say on the brink, on her side and curled. The other one was bottom sitting and not eating. I placed them in a plastic container, with the water from their original tank. I then is slowly reduced the nitrates over 10 hours using my tank water Goldfish curled temp 72 PH 7.6 Ammonia 0 Nitrites 0 Nitrates 5 As the white butterfly (I decided to call her Snowbell) was curled I knew that the only treatment that could possibly save her was the chlorophyll chamber treatment. First I had to look for a suitable container, the taller the better. My tank at 18? was not tall enough. My kitchen waste bin was looking good at 30?, but better still was a very tall 36? vase sitting in the bedroom with ornamental branches in it. Goldfish curled I moved her into 3' tall container filled with tank water and chlorophyll added as per instructions. I realized that some surface action was required and all the pumps I had were way too powerful for a 7 gallon container. I found an old marina hang on back filter and tried that. The surface action was still not good so some modifications were necessary. I removed the filter sponge and took the body apart. Inside was lurking a mini pond pump. I fitted the filter sponge using a rubber band and it worked a treat. Goldfish curling to side Day 2 I added chilled tank water to the chamber every 4 hours (10% water changes) and moved the chamber to the coldest room in the house. I made sure that the heating in that room was off. The white butterfly was still bent and laying on her side. Only movement was her gills. It was very hard to see her in the green water tank (3? vase). I had a strong reading lamp shining down the vase. She did move slightly if I taped the vase. Day 3 I carried on with water changes as mentioned above. The white butterfly was trying to swim, but just swam in circles, not eating gill movement slowed a bit. Day4 Still maintained the water changes Snowbell was moving more but still not much improvement, but still alive Day 5 She started uncurling, but looked a bit more emaciated from lack of food Still maintained low tank temperature of about 55f with chilled water changes. Day 6 She was swimming slowly about 1" from the bottom, and not eating. I still maintained 10% changes using main chilled tank water. All she managed [...]

Varieties of Goldfish are growing in numbers Buy the book Descendants of the gibel carp have been swimming upstream in China's icy cold rivers for centuries upon centuries; the 'goldfish' bred for it magnificent beauty; its brilliant coloration and splendid size, developing into a wide range of variations in the species Single tailed varieties of goldfish  Varieties of goldfish nclude the common, the comet, and the shubunkin, which are similar in body shape, easily housed together, and are the hardiest of the species. These goldfish are fast and sleek. They grow quickly and longer than the fancy variety Double tailed varieties of goldfish Include the wakin, jikin Double tail with dorsal fin varieties goldfish Varieties of goldfish include the fantail, black moor, panda moor, veiltail, demekin, ryukin, pompom, telescope, oranda, pearlscale, ranchu; these fancy goldfish are more delicate and demand pristine water conditions; they are also prone to digestive and swim bladder issues Double tail with no dorsal fin varieties of goldfish Include the bubble eye, celestial, ranchu, lionhead, eggfish Common Comet Fantail Oranda Ranchu Lionhead Pom Pom Telescope Moor Butterfly Moor Ryukin Pearlscale Veiltail Shubunkin

Moving goldfish and Koi doesn't have to be stressful Buy the book Moving goldfish is very stressful on goldfish and humans alike. When you relocate goldfish, you are also relocating the beneficial bacteria that create the nitrogen cycle. Friendly bugs are just as delicate as goldfish, requiring the same water conditions. With some effort and know how, you can relocate both safely Moving goldfish short distances; 1 to 2 hours Feed your fish normally up until the time you remove them from their tank or pond. Do not feed them in their transport container unless you're staying overnight at a hotel Pack a travel bag for the fish with all of their necessities, and keep it with the fish Choose a durable container that is suitably sized for your goldfish. A five gallon bucket with a lid, free of contaminants works well if you're moving across town. Moving a few hours or even a few days away requires an insulated ice chest Moving goldfish Test KH and pH The comfort zone for KH is 120 to 140 ppm. Buffer levels using bicarbonate of soda If you've been following the 10 Steps, your set up includes pond pumps. If not, perform this 911 water change to assure the water quality is at its best The less time your fish remain in the transport container, the better Reduce water temperatures and nitrate levels in the main tank just before the move. Perform small and frequent water changes to reduce the risk of nitrate shock. One pitcher at a time; chill tank water in the fridge or freezer. Pour all around tank slowly. Refill and repeat until temps are close to 54f The colder the water, the less oxygen the fish will require during transport. Goldfish use less oxygen in cold water being cold blooded Fill the transport container with tank water. Remove just enough water from your tank or aquarium so that it's light enough to carry. Leave as much standing water as possible so that the gravel remains in water. If your tank is a large one, place the gravel in a bucket with enough tank water so that it remains wet After the fish have been removed from the tank, filters and pumps should be placed in a separate bucket partially filled with tank or pond water. If you have a top loading filter, place it so the mechanics are out of water and the filter box is covered. Beneficial bacteria live in our filters and pumps. If they dry, they will perish Do not allow pumps and filters to dry It may be beneficial to collect as much old tank water as possible or is reasonable to transport. Tank water contains the food source for our friendly bugs. If you have algae on the sides of your tank, it could die off if it dries, or nitrates aren't available. Carry a mister filled with tank water, and moisten the algae every time you stop Keep plenty of ice on hand if the weather is warm, and [...]

Goldfish the Real Story might surprise you Buy the book Goldfish are delicate creatures Descendants of the Gibel carp swimming upstream in China's icy cold rivers for centuries upon centuries; the 'goldfish'  bred for it magnificent beauty; its brilliant color and splendid size, developing into a wide range of variations in the species. The Chinese first bred these highly prized goldfish in garden ponds, and often displayed them in glass bowls, but only temporarily to impress their  house guests. Perhaps this is how the tradition of keeping goldfish in bowls got started, but this is also where it should end Fish of a Different Color Their natural environment is a complex ecosystem that must be perfectly balanced, and this is only obtained after a great deal of labor, a great deal of added expense, and sometimes heartbreak too The tiny goldfish being sold in pet shops are called (very young babies) fry; they will double in size within a few short weeks and by the end of their first year they could easily measure 2" even 3" in length. After their first year of growth, they average approximately 1" per year If their growth is not interrupted or stunted by close quarters, they will keep growing for most of their life span, which averages 20 years, and some live for much longer, growing much larger. If their growth is stunted, their life span will be shortened What size goldfish aquarium? Although we've been led to believe that goldfish can be kept in bowls; this is not true. Goldfish need space; room to grow. The water they live in should be filtrated and oxygenated. Even a large aquarium is not a natural environment for the goldfish. They are more at home in a shallow pond that has plenty of surface area with plenty of surface activity, such as water fountains and falls. Extreme measures are to be taken if these creatures are to be housed successfully in glass aquariums How to clean Aquarium Use your imagination when considering housing for your goldfish; have fun with it, but be cautious. A large terracotta pot works well and is quite attractive. Wine barrels with plastic liners are fun; the plastic liner is a must if you are to avoid disaster, or you might consider a claw-foot bathtub. If cost is a big issue, consider a rubber or plastic tub. The most important factors in choosing a container is that it is large enough, strong enough to hold water and free of contaminants.  Whether or not your goldfish are in a glass aquarium, a pond, a tank, or a tub, it is mandatory to create as natural of an environment as possible, and this can be accomplished by following 10 Steps to GOLDFISH Koi Keeping The oldest known goldfish was proven to be 53 yrs of age When you first read through the 10 Steps, you may feel overwhelmed, wondering how you got yourself into this, but if you're persistent and do your homework, [...]

Goldfish Home Alone, right or wrong? Buy the Book Goldfish home alone is not recommended. We shouldn't leave our pets alone, however, sometimes it can't be helped. There are kennels for dogs, or we can take them with us. We can always enlist a friend or family member to feed the cat, but not just anyone can be trusted to care for a goldfish. The goldfish's environment is so delicate that over or under feeding can create a dangerous spike in the cycle Find a trusted friend or family member to help Leave instructions to feed one pinch at a time, taking a good half hour to disperse entire amount. Hold food below the surface and release in a spreading motion, making it difficult for the fish to find. This method of feeding will keep the fish from gorging, which may cause serious digestion issues. Wrap a day's feeding individually in foil packets to avoid guessing games Leaving goldfish in the winter Nitrates could rise to dangerous levels before you return home if you're going to be gone longer than a week. Your fish could be a risk. Perform a large water change using water treatment that converts the toxin before leaving. Treat the entire tank size using a double dose. Reduce the amount being fed to lower nitrate production. Gradually increase amount of food upon your return. Test daily for ammonia and nitrite. Prepare for a spike in the cycle Most importantly, turn the heat down to low setting; 54f to 64f. Once the water reaches 64f, the fish will need very little food. If the temperature is set at 54f, they won't need food at all. Goldfish begin dormancy at 64f and reach a full state at 44f. This is a perfectly natural condition they would experience in the wild. The good news; the beneficial bacteria that create the nitrogen cycle will also become dormant, and you'll arrive home without a spike Goldfish home alone Cold Fish Water treatments only convert toxins to a safer form, so expect to get a reading after using Leaving goldfish in the summer Write out detailed instructions for friends. Keep the air conditioner running whether you plan on returning in one day or one week Withholding food from goldfish Automatic feeders are used by some goldfish keepers, however, sometimes the mechanics fail feeding all or none Goldfish home alone Food blocks are also available, gradually breaking down as your fish nibble on it. This works in theory, but all too often these blocks pollute the water allowing the fish to gorge Saving the best for last. Leave your fish in a natural ecosystem rich in algae if you have to leave them. The fish eat the algae, and the algae feeds on nitrates. Depending on how much algae is available, fish can be left for weeks at a time. There are many advantages to natural goldfish keeping Read this article in the link below to find out what happened when goldfish were left abandoned for six weeks Fish left unattended Nitrogen Cycle If [...]

Goldfish Koi Care can be fun and easy Buy the book It's a myth that goldfish can be kept successfully in bowls. Goldfish grow rapidly throughout their lives and they require growing room. It's also a myth that goldfish do not need filtered or aerated water. Goldfish are river fish, so even if we keep them in a pond, we're compromising. Keep your pond like a river, and your aquarium like a pond, and your fish will be happy Goldfish information The goldfish information you find on the net may be misleading. All too often goldfish care information is copied from one site to the next without any research. Don't assume the information you have found is true. Use your common sense when it comes to your goldfish and Koi. The information on this site has been researched, not from other goldfish sites, but through hands on experience. Many years ago, when my fish were dying one after another, I followed the instructions I found online, but it didn't help. One day, I had an idea that I should research the history of the goldfish. I found out they come from the cold and fast moving rivers of China. I worked on recreating the same environment, and my fish began to thrive Caring for goldfish By creating a natural and healthy ecosystem in your goldfish tank or pond, no matter the size, your fish too, can thrive. Goldfish need water that is rich in mineral value; water that is heavily oxygenated, and these are the things I learned how to do. If you want your fish to live and grow, read the 10 steps to goldfish and Koi keeping. Follow each and every step, and this will lead you to a healthy environment for your fish How to care for goldfish Goldfish care is much easier than you think. Most new goldfish keeper exchange all of the tank water at one time, scrubbing everything down. This action destroys the ecosystem. An ecosystem consists of healthy microorganisms that help keep the environment safe. Exchanging all of the water eliminates these friendly bugs. Most new goldfish keepers believe that waste dirties the water and is unhealthy for the fish, but the opposite is true. From waste, ammonia is created; the food source for the friendly bugs. Friendly bugs make the environment safe for fish to live in 10 Steps to Goldfish Koi Keeping All rights Author: Brenda Rand

Goldfish Behavior can tell us a lot about our fish Buy the book Throughout the day you'll see them pecking at gravel and stirring up the dust in search of an overlooked morsel. Goldfish are bottom feeders; constant grazers much like livestock, always on the hunt for a juicy bite to nibble. Much of their time is consumed by this activity. At feeding time, they become very competitive, pushing and shoving each other out of the way. If you have several fish in a tank you might consider it more of a feeding frenzy. You may notice that goldfish will grab a bite and head for the bottom of the tank before darting back to the surface for a second bite. In the wild, predators may be lurking at the surface; this behavior is a lifesaving instinct Goldfish omnivorous In rare circumstances goldfish have been known to lose an eyeball or a scale during this event, mainly from two fish making a play for the same bite. When feeding large schools, and even small ones; hold food well below the surface, moisten and release, but spread the food across a large area. The longer it takes for your fish to eat, the better. They'll greatly enjoy finding a leftover tidbit a little later on. A goldfish will gorge itself, so make sure not to overfeed a meal. Feed more often in smaller amounts Goldfish predators and prey Goldfish are fresh water fish. They prefer cooler and heavily oxygenated water. Even though there are several varieties of fish that prefer the same conditions, it's best to keep goldfish separate from other types of fish. Although goldfish aren't aggressive by nature, instinct drives them to eat anything they can fit into their mouths, or try, including smaller goldfish, so keep the small fish separate from the large ones. Goldfish continue to grow throughout their lifespan, unlike most fish kept in aquariums Goldfish personality The personality of a goldfish varies from fish to fish; some are less timid than others, and some very outgoing, some will spend a great deal of their time chasing the others away from food, actually getting less food in the process. True with any critter, they quickly become accustom to routine, preferring it. They can recognize faces, and might become bashful around strangers. Some goldfish will not come to dinner if it is not served by a familiar face Goldfish behavior If a goldfish does not come to dinner, there is a reason; its routine may have been disturbed or the water quality is poor. Feeding is an excellent time to look your goldfish over for any irregularities, such as torn fins, fungus, parasites, missing scales, discoloration or black patches on its body, or odd behavior Can goldfish be aggressive? Goldfish are typically non aggressive creatures to humans and to each other. If a goldfish is nipping at another goldfish; it may be bored; it may not have enough space and feel irritable, or the fish getting [...]

Goldfish Koi Ponds make fish keeping easy Buy the book Goldfish Koi ponds are rewarding. Both types of fish are much more at home in a pond that has plenty of surface area with plenty of surface activity, such as water fountains and falls. Goldfish average one inch of growth per year with Koi leading the way at three inches per year. There's no aquarium large enough to house even one mature Koi, reaching as much as three feet in length. Many people purchase Koi not realizing their growth potential. The same holds true with goldfish, even though they typically reach a third of the size of Koi at maturity, it would take a giant aquarium to house an old school of goldfish. Most common goldfish that survive their goldfish keepers end up being released in nearby lakes or ponds Goldfish and Koi Ponds The standard stocking level for both fish is 2.5 gallons minimum per inch of body length. Stay at or below this standard to keep a healthy natural balance of the ecosystem. Double the amount of water, and cut the inch in half to cut maintenance in half. The bigger your pond; the lower your stocking levels; the easier it is to maintain The larger the pond, the less maintenance required to keep the water healthy, but just like aquariums and indoor tanks, the stocking levels also dictates how much maintenance will be necessary Goldfish Koi ponds When your goldfish spawn, reduce the amount of food you're feeding. The fish will feed on the eggs and any small fry lucky enough to hatch, controlling their own stocking level. Keep in mind, your fish will never stop growing, and as they age, the size of your pond may need to be increased, or fish re-homed in order to maintain a healthy stocking levels. Exceed the stocking level for too long, and the ecosystem may become unbalanced, leading to an unhealthy environment Goldfish Koi Ponds Goldfish Koi Ponds Common, comets or shubunkins are much better suited to outside ponds than the delicate fancy variety, but even the fancies can fare well in a pond with the proper care Goldfish Breeding Goldfish are cold blooded; meaning they have no core body temperature, so it's important that the depth of your pond is below your regions freeze line. This provides an area that the fish can migrate to in freezing or even warmer weather conditions Goldfish Koi Ponds In some parts of the world it may be advisable to bring your goldfish in during the colder winter months; unless you have a heater for your pond Never chop a hole in a pond that has been frozen over; the vibrations may damage the fish internally by rupturing the swim bladder organ or the central nervous system Keeping goldfish save from predators Most predators interested in goldfish and Koi are nocturnal. Our freshwater fish are diurnal, meaning they [...]

Glossary of Fish Terms for a better understanding Buy the book Acidic: Softness of water; low or no alkalinity Air pump: Bubbler; motorized pump that pushes air Algae: Common varieties are; blanket, green water and substrate; plant organism that is found only in a cycled tank or pond; feeding on nitrates Alkaline: Hardness of water; high in pH Ammonia: The first toxin converted from waste without the assistance of living organisms Beneficial bacteria: Friendly bugs; single cell microorganism that splits every 10 to 12 hours; food source is ammonia; prefers cool, heavily oxygenated water; prefers darkness Carbon: Used in aquariums and ponds for absorption of ammonia Carbon dioxide: Gas found in goldfish tank or pond; created from waste Carbonate hardness (KH): The level of carbonate and bicarbonate ion concentrations found in water Charcoal: Used in aquariums and ponds for absorption of ammonia Chlorine or chloramines: Disinfectant found in most city tap water Cold blooded: Having no core body temperature Comfort Zone: The range of measurement that is suitable for goldfish Cycled tank or pond: The process of the nitrogen cycle complete with only nitrates being produced by living organisms Dormant: Body functions become slower over a period of time; deep sleep Ecosystem:  A community of living creatures and organisms and their association with each other in a particular environment Fasting Goldfish: To withhold food Fishless cycle: A means of encouraging the formation of bacteria in an environment 'without' the presence of goldfish Fresh water change: Replacing old tank or pond water with fresh. Friendly bugs: Beneficial bacteria Fry: Very young goldfish General Hardness: The level of minerals found in water Gravel Vacuum: Python; motorized or manual; used for siphoning waste from tank or pond bottoms Hardness of water: High alkalinity Harmful bacteria: Unfriendly bugs; single cell microorganism that splits every 20 to 30 minutes; food source is decaying matter; prefers warm, stagnant water; no preference to light or dark Immune system: Natural resistance to infection Live fish cycle: A means of encouraging the formation of bacteria in an environment 'with' the presence of goldfish Nitrate: The third and final toxin converted from nitrite with the assistance of living organisms Nitrifying bacteria: Microorganisms that convert ammonia and nitrite into nitrate Nitrogen cycle: The process of converting ammonia into nitrite, and then finally into nitrates by living organisms Nitrite: The second toxin converted from ammonia with the assistance of living organisms Parameters: A specific measure of the water and its conditions; standard tests for ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, pH, KH, GH, oxygen levels, redox levels, temperature Partial water change: Exchanging only a percentage of old tank or pond water with fresh Potential of hydrogen (pH): Meaning; how acid (soft) or alkaline (hard) the water may be Quarantine: Relocate fish in separate container to prevent contamination Redox potential: Reduction of oxidation reaction; quality of water Spawning: The development, release and fertilization of eggs; breeding Spike: Rise in water parameters; ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, pH or temperature Spike in the nitrogen cycle: Break or interruption of the [...]

Fish Out of Water can survive 36 hours without oxygen Buy the book Fish out of water; ever heard the expression? Even though it is uncommon, it's every fish keeper's worst nightmare; goldfish and Koi both have been known to jump out of their aquariums and ponds, quite often leaping to their death.  There are a few explanations for this suicidal behavior Why do goldfish jump out of their tanks? Goldfish and Koi become less active in colder water temperatures. They don't hibernate, but close to it, they become dormant. In warmer temperatures their activity is greatly increased. In a mixed gender school they spawn. Goldfish and Koi both are vigorous breeders. The males chase the females with the greatest of enthusiasm. In all of the excitement, a goldfish could unintentionally leap out of the water, falling prey to predators or suffocation Goldfish or Koi infected with parasites often swim sporadically; flashing against objects. In their desperation to escape the intense itching, they might be tempted to leap out of the tank, intentionally or unintentionally Fish out of water Maybe a little far fetched, but possible; a single goldfish, the lonely guy, may jump from an aquarium in an effort to get to the fish it sees in the reflection of a glass tank. Our fish swim in schools and feel much more confident with other fish A fish out of water may have been displaced by a predator. Just because they make the catch doesn't mean they'll make off with it. At that very moment, when they drag the fish to dry land, they become prey. Instinct tells them they're not the only hungry critter in the wild. A disturbance of any kind will cause them to drop the kill and run. They may be back later to check things out; when it's safe How to keep goldfish from jumping out of tank? Make certain that the water level in your aquarium or pond is low enough to prevent any of these accidents from occurring. To keep your fish safe, the length of your longest fish should match the space in between the surface and the top of your fish house. If you have a pond, a 12" gap should be sufficient for goldfish, but add a few inches if you keep Koi. Most aquariums come equipped with lids, but goldfish fare much better in open topped tanks with water surface exposed to greater amounts of fresh air. If you feel more comfortable with a top, consider a screen instead What to do if goldfish jumps out of tank In the event your goldfish jumps out of its water, return it home ASAP, even if you believe the fish has already expired. Gently guide the fish through the water in cupped hands. If after five minutes, the fish still isn't breathing, try the following procedure Fish out of water The following procedure only works for fish that have been deprived of oxygen If you need time to gather [...]

Fancy Goldfish are more delicate than common Buy the book Fancy goldfish are still goldfish at heart, but they've been bred for different body styles with various features. It all started with the common goldfish bred from the Gibel carp, and ever since, the breeders have worked hard to create other more exciting varieties Common goldfish The comet goldfish is becoming more common than the common with its extended tail and sleek portions; it races through the water like shooting star; how it got its name. The comet is considered as a common type, but the first goldfish to hold this title with its name is the common goldfish as shown below Contrary to popular belief, the fancy goldfish can be kept with the common goldfish. Although the common fish are faster, the fancy fish are just as determined when it comes to meal time. The faster fish may spend most of its time racing around in excitement, while the fancy waits patiently at the bottom for the food to fall. If you're feeding appropriate amounts and often enough; all of your fish will get more than enough to eat Fancy goldfish have been bred to enhance what may be considered as an abnormality or weakness in the genes, such as bulging eyes like the fish in the photo above or a fat round body or a low flowing tail. In the wild, these fish would not be very successful Goldfish breeds Fancy fish with wens require a little extra attention as they mature. The wen may need trimming because it grows along with the fish; sometimes getting so large the added weight is difficult for the fish to support. Some of these fish with wens; Lionheads and Orandas may have their vision obstructed Whether you choose a fancy or a common goldfish, it will need the same conditions as a common goldfish or even a Koi, cold and heavily oxygenated water; free of toxins Common goldfish Although some of the fancier goldfish need special care and a special environment because of their delicate fins or body shapes, such as pearlscales, the moors, veiltails or bubble eye, most of the other fancy goldfish do very well in tanks or ponds. These fanciest of the fancy goldfish may require shallow water to control floating issues Fanciest goldfish Butterfly Moor Types of Goldfish 10 Steps to Goldfish & Koi Keeping Goldfish Behavior   All rights Author: Brenda Rand

Euthanizing Goldfish and Koi can be done humanely buy the book Most goldfish get sick at one time or another, and whatever ails your fish, it's difficult to know if its going to improve with the proper care and time, or if it's just going to decline; getting worse with each passing day. It's very difficult to know when and if it's the right time to euthanize a sick fish You'll know it's time when the fish's suffering is too much for you to bear You may hear someone say, just let nature take its course, but in the wild, a sick fish will quickly fall prey to a large and healthy one; it won't suffer for long. In captivity, our fish can linger for weeks, even months before passing. We all have to use our own good judgment here; trust our instincts Euthanizing goldfish and Koi Euthanizing goldfish and Koi can be relatively easy and painless; for the fish that is. Goldfish become dormant in colder temperatures; being a cold water fish it has no core body temperature. Its temperature is always the same as its environment. This can be a distinct advantage for the goldfish keeper. In a natural environment, the water temperatures may fall below freezing temperatures Humanely kill goldfish Although they cannot survive being frozen solid for long periods of time, they can survive close to freezing temperatures for an unlimited time. Reason being, their organs shut down and they no longer require food or oxygen; much like a bear in hibernation. You may think this would be painful for the goldfish, but keep in mind, only warm blooded creatures, such as dogs, cats, and humans alike find cold temperatures painful Death of a Goldfish Euthanizing goldfish and Koi humanely The Big Chill method 1. Scoop up the fish along with tank or pond water in a large disposable container; one that is opaque (for discretion) instead of translucent. Do not cover Container should be proportionately sized so that the fish can swim around a bit 2. Place in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 hours, so that the fish will become completely dormant 4. Cover and place the container in the freezer for a minimum 36 hours 5. Dispose of container at your discretion On rare occasions, goldfish have been known to come back from the dead. Read the story of how one goldfish leaped from its tank and was found dried out; rock hard hours later, only to come back to life when returned to its tank. There are many such goldfish stories. Every creature big or small has a very strong survival instinct. Euthanizing is often a very tough decision to make. Consider this option only when there's no chance for life, and their suffering is too much for the both of you Euthanizing goldfish and Koi Goldfish & Koi Care Anesthetizing Goldfish Author: Brenda Rand

Natural Remedies for goldfish and Koi Buy the book Natural remedies goldfish and Koi, chlorophyll is known as the green blood of plants. Plant nutrition is synthesized from the basic elements in their environment and from photo synthesis. This is how green plants use sunlight to synthesize food from carbon dioxide and water; producing oxygen as a result. Photo synthesis is the most critical biochemical process on earth since most every living thing depends on it. Like humans and other living creatures, goldfish need chlorophyll to live; to grow and to maintain good health. Green blood is found in almost every plant, including algae The water in this tank has been treated with chlorophyll as a tonic for prevention Algae living plant Prevents tooth decay; relieves sore throat, destroys unfriendly bacteria while encouraging friendly bacteria; relieves cold and flu symptoms; boosts immune system; fights infection; promotes good health; rich in nutrients; rich in vitamin E and C; excellent source of iron, prevents and cures anemia; excellent source of protein and amino acids; eliminates body odor and bad breath; cleans digestive tract; detoxifies liver; reduces cholesterol levels; antioxidant, which is a scavenger of free radicals and other oxygen reactive species which are linked with cancer, increases oxygen levels in blood stream; cardiovascular disease and aging. Free radicals have been related to Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease Benefits of Chlorophyll Promotes healing and is beneficial in treating ulcers; abscesses; open wounds; tumors; internal and external bacteria infection; enhances general health and boosts immune system. Increases oxygen levels in fish that have suffered from nitrite or nitrate poisoning. Chlorophyll may be administered orally by adding to gel food; or the fish may be given a green liquid bath; or the two combined doubling its effect Benefits of chlorophyll Your fish will experience a faster recovery from nitrite or nitrate poisoning with our Mean Green Remedy If you have no algae in your tank, and have no plans of growing it; consider adding chlorophyll to the diet as a safe and nutritious alternative Nitrates are often confused with toxins similar to ammonia or nitrite, but this is not the case. The toxin is  similar to nitrites, but much more dangerous in high levels. High nitrate levels create dangerous water conditions by oxidizing the iron atoms in hemoglobin, and by reducing oxygen supply to the blood stream and tissue. This condition is called Methemo globinemia; closely related to the effects of DCS. Chlorophyll increases the oxygen levels in the red blood cells, lessening the affects of nitrate poisoning Treatment for nitrates poisoning Nitrate; the gentle giant Benefits of chlorophyll Humans and goldfish alike share a common bond in their biological make up. They require similar nutrients, and like most creatures on earth, they all share a common need for chlorophyll, or what we call greens. Ever notice how outside cats enjoy chewing on grass; even dogs? It is a myth that dogs and cats only eat grass when they are sick; this is because they often vomit after [...]

Anesthetizing Goldfish is easier than you think Buy the book Anesthetizing goldfish or Koi is easier than you think. Sometimes it's necessary to put our fish under in order to perform simple procedures, such as removing a lodged stone or trimming a wen Big chill method It's only natural for goldfish and Koi to experience a state of dormancy, just as they would in the wild. We can use this attribute to our advantage. Dormant fish have slower blood flow, need less oxygen and feel less pain. Reducing the temperature of a goldfish or Koi can be done safely, giving us an opportunity to perform minor procedures, causing less discomfort and much less risk Prepare by storing a gallon sized pitcher of tank water in the fridge; chill to 45f (this may take a few hours) Mix one teaspoon of Oop Boost Add one tablespoon of Garlic Remedy to pitcher water, and one teaspoon of Oop Boost and mix well Anesthetizing goldfish  Scoop the fish up along with just enough tank water to make the fish comfortable; using a gallon sized container Anesthetizing goldfish  When you're ready, pour pitcher water in slowly and all around container with fish, mixing with your hand as you do so Place container with fish in the fridge for 30 minutes to one hour (for larger fish) give it time to reach dormancy; chill to 45f After chilling the fish it will be in a dormant state, and a stone can more easily be removed or a wen more easily trimmed. Even in a state of dormancy, the fish will have gill movement, breathing slowly. It may respond to your touch, and being handled, but will feel no pain Larger fish may require more time to chill, however, do not exceed 1 hour in fridge Allow container water to warm to tank or pond temps before returning fish home or acclimate fish by exchanging one cup of container water with main tank or pond water every five minutes, until the temperatures are close to the same. This method oxygenates container water which is necessary for the fish to recover from the procedure If the procedure is more intense, putting the fish in a deeper state of sleep is recommended, such as using clove oil Clove oil method In a separate container prepare a bath using main tank water; premix 5 drops of clove oil per gallon of water Recommended temperature 72f Place the fish in the bath, and wait patiently for it to tip sideways, indicating it has lost consciousness Place fish on clean towel in well light area for treatment or examination If the fish seems to be flinching return it to the clove oil water for just a minute longer After treatment, place fish back in the chilled water; free of clove oil. It will revive in just a few moments Treatment time should be no longer than 7 minutes Cold fish all rights reserved Author: Brenda Rand

                                                        Goldfish emergency services Goldfish emergency was created for goldfish and Koi keepers around the world. If your fish is sick or showing signs of distress, click on the red button 911 emergency in the menu to view options. Call our Hotline, and talk to  one of our master goldfish keepers, or opt for One on One via Email, and get unlimited emails addressing your issues or concerns. Help yourself by utilizing our Diagnose Symptoms and Treat section Tried and true, our methods of goldfish keeping are organic, focusing on building a healthy ecosystem. Your goldfish will thrive in the natural environment you create if you follow our lead. Most sick fish are suffering from water lacking in minerals and oxygen. Improve the water, improve the fish Many fish will be poisoned by ammonia by unknowing goldfish and Koi keepers. The nitrogen cycle takes place where there are life forms in water. Learn why and how it works so your fish can benefit from its magic. If your fish have been poisoned by one of the toxins created in the cycle, we offer treatments and remedies Goldfish 911 The information in our site articles are founded on many years of hands on experience, passion for goldfish and the desire to know more We are experts in diagnosing the majority of issues that plague goldfish and Koi, however, we are also experts in bringing these fish back to good health. We leave it up you to take our advice and follow our instructions, and if you do, the reward is great goldfish emergency Excellent goldfish health depends on excellent water quality, and this is why we focus heavily on their care and maintenance. The theories we teach work with Mother Nature, not against her The pet shop shelves are filled with various medications. Made up of dangerous chemicals, these products often push sick fish over the edge. In most cases sick fish suffer from poor water quality, improper feeding or maintenance routine. Top these types of issues off with chemicals, and the prognosis is negative Sick goldfish Scroll through our many pages of posts and articles. Check out the books we offer that contain all of the information on our site. Learn everything you can about your fish. Check out our shop. We sell organic remedies for just about anything that ails your fish. The remedies first started out as treatments and tonics we recommended on our old site. By demand, we started bottling them for your convenience, and now it's become our passion. It's our goal to change the industry Dying goldfish The goldfish and Koi industry have used and abused our fish by recommending chemically based products. The very products you believe are helping your fish are slowly killing them. Most fish that survive the nitrogen cycle will die from organ failure due to overuse of water treatments. Made up of dangerous chemicals, these products are deadly. Don't let this happen to your fish Goldfish emergency Don't [...]

Nitrogen cycle explained in depth STEP 2 Buy the Book Nitrogen cycle explained covers the event from beginning to end. The cycle is vital to the well being of our fish, and if you don't understand it, your fish are at risk of being poisoned. Goldfish produce a tremendous amount of waste which converts to ammonia in a very short time. Ammonia is extremely toxic to goldfish, but thankfully, beneficial bacteria guard the front lines, soldiers with a cause. Friendly bugs have a voracious appetite for ammonia. The smallest amount of ammonia can quickly poison goldfish. This toxin must be removed by means of a freshwater change and converted with water treatment unless beneficial bacteria are present Ammonia is the first toxin to convert in the nitrogen cycle Nitrites, the second toxin to convert in the nitrogen cycle, is also toxic to goldfish. Nitrites are being produced by one type of beneficial bacteria as another type forms to feed on it, converting it into nitrates. Closely related, both toxins are created by living organisms Healthy fish live in healthy water Nitrates are the third and final toxin to form in the nitrogen cycle. This toxin can only be removed from the water by means of a partial water change or by using water treatment, however, a thick lining of algae on the side of your tank will also share in the responsibility of removing the gentle giant. Algae forms naturally in a cycled tank or pond, making for an almost perfect ecosystem Creating a perfect union, the friendly bugs will keep growing in numbers, matching the amount of waste created Beneficial bacteria The life span of a friendly bacterium is 2 to 4 months, taking 10 ro 12 hours to reproduce. Friendly bugs require ammonia created from waste that contain enzymes as their food source. Only waste produced by living creatures contain enzymes. We refer to this ammonia as ionized Enzymes the building blocks of life Nitrates in tap water Nitrate the gentle giant We think of the nitrogen cycle as being complete when only nitrates are present, but in a natural body of water, little if any nitrates would be measurable. This is because other microorganisms called diatoms appear when nitrates are present, feeding on the so called final toxin in the nitrogen cycle Nitrogen cycle explained These diatoms are what we call algae; the living plant. Algae is a very important part of the cycle, feeding on nitrates, reducing levels. Nitrates provide a valuable food source for fish, who then in turn make waste that converts to ammonia, starting the cycle again. The circle of aqua life Algae the living plant Plants absorb Co2 (carbon dioxide) from water freeing it for oxygen to enter, although, the same plant releases Co2 at night. Thankfully, being diurnal, goldfish sleep in the dark of night. It's a myth that plants produce oxygen What are friendly bugs? There are two kinds of bacteria in a goldfish tank or pond; the beneficial and the harmful. Bad bugs are everywhere just waiting for an opportunity to multiply. Good [...]

pH Potential of Hydrogen is often misunderstood Buy the Book pH Potential of hydrogen is the most misunderstood of all the parameters. The definition of these words apart, and what they mean together is argued by experts, and may always well be. You may see it written that the neutral zone is 7. ppm, with levels below meaning the water is acidic, and anything above being alkaline, but only carbonate mineral readings should be measured to see how base or acidic water is, and this is because pH potential of hydrogen is a measurement of oxygen and carbonate mineral combined. pH is not actually a water parameter, however, it is the parent of two parameters; O2 and KH Carbonate mineral (KH) alone is responsible alkalinity, giving water the ability to support oxygen by breaking down the O2 molecule, so that the fish is able to utilize it in the bloodstream. A carbonate mineral reading of 70 ppm should be considered as neutral, with a reading above 70 ppm being alkaline, and a reading of less than 70 ppm being acidic KH and pH parallel each other’s performance if oxygen is not being blocked from entering the water KH               pH 50 ppm      6. ppm 60 ppm      6.5 ppm 70 ppm      7. ppm (neutral zone) 80 ppm      7.5 ppm 90 ppm      7.8 ppm 100 ppm    8.0 ppm 120 ppm    8.2 ppm pH potential of hydrogen Carbonate mineral give water the ability to support oxygen, although it's up to us to make certain the body of water is free to absorb it. There are many things that block oxygen, or take up space in water. At the top of the list are gases created from waste; mostly carbon dioxide, but green water algae, supersaturated gases and even a bacteria bloom have the ability to fill water, pushing oxygen out. In a natural body of water, the surface is much broader than deep, and always moving, pushing gases out, and pulling oxygen into the water pH and KH, closely related Water movement alone is responsible for clearing water. The deeper the water, the more movement required. If the water has healthy carbonate levels and is free, it will absorb oxygen if the surface is exposed to fresh air and even slightly agitated, which makes for a healthy pH; potential of hydrogen KH comfort zone for goldfish; 70 to 120 ppm with the higher side of the zone being preferred for optimum health. Acidic water leads to sickness and disease Healthy pH readings alone do not oxygenated water make. The levels in your tank or pond may be depending solely on KH for the measurement. Those living in regions with high concentrations of carbonate mineral in their water may be fooled. Cities or towns close to the ocean may have too high of levels, making conditions dangerous for our fish pH comfort zone for goldfish; [...]