How to Keep Goldfish? Detailed Guide to Breeding Methods and Precautions
SummaryBreeding methods: Select robust, disease-free goldfish fry; the suitable water depth for the fish tank is about 20-25cm; the water temperature is best at 20-28°C; the PH value is 7.5-8.5; a filtration system can be set up in the fish tank; feed can be a combination of animal-based feed and plant-based feed; when changing the water, 1/3 of the original water volume needs to be replaced. Precautions: Feed at fixed times and in fixed amounts; leftover bait and excrement should be removed promptly; aquatic plants can be planted in the fish tank to purify the water quality.
I. Methods for Breeding Goldfish
1. Selecting Fry
It is suitable to buy goldfish fry in autumn, when the fry grow robustly, the market is large and the quantity is plentiful, and the probability of selecting high-quality fry is relatively high. High-quality goldfish fry have a full body shape, rounded fins and tail, a body that is symmetrical left and right with relatively complete scales, bright colors, and a relatively high survival rate.
2. Choosing a Container
Common containers for breeding goldfish include porcelain basins, aquariums, storage boxes, glass tanks, small fish ponds, etc. Goldfish are suitable for breeding in shallow basins with wide openings. If an aquarium is used for breeding, the water depth is generally 25-30cm for breeding large fish, and 20-25cm for breeding goldfish fry.
3. Hardware Equipment
Hardware equipment includes a siphon tube for changing water, an oxygen-increasing pump, lighting tools, and a filtration system. Among these, the filtration system is very critical for breeding goldfish, as it can maintain the normal activities of goldfish. Filtration styles include top filtration, side filtration, built-in filtration, external hang-on waterfall filtration, external brand filter canisters, self-made trickle top filtration, and biological filtration that plays a supplementary role. Commonly used filter materials include physical filter materials and biological filter materials. The principle of filtration is to produce circulating water flow in the tank.
4. Water Quality Treatment
(1) The suitable water temperature for breeding goldfish is 20-28°C, and the PH value is 7.5-8.5. Tap water used for breeding goldfish should be exposed to the sun for about 24 hours, or left to stand for 2-3 days. Baking soda can also be added to the water to remove chloride ions; add it to the water for about 2 days before adding water.
(2) Two small fish can first be placed in the tank. If the water becomes turbid, it can be left untreated at first; generally after about 7 days it will gradually become clear. At this time, nitrifying bacteria have begun to gradually establish, and then goldfish fry can be added. It takes about 30 days for nitrifying bacteria to fully establish; after about 30 days, the water will become clear and transparent.
5. Matching Feed
Goldfish are omnivorous animals, so attention should be paid to reasonably matching food for feeding; food that is too single should not be fed. Animal-based foods include bloodworms, fish worms, tubifex, etc. Plant-based foods include bran, soybean cake, noodles, rice, bread, diatoms, green algae, yellow-green algae, duckweed, aquatic plants, small duckweed, etc. Commercially available ready-made goldfish feed can also be fed.
6. Maintaining Water Quality
During the breeding period, change the water and clean the filter cotton in a timely manner. When changing water, replace 1/3 of the original water volume. In summer, change the water once every 3-4 days; in spring and autumn, change it once every 7 days; in winter, change it once every 15 days. When changing water, remove leftover bait and excrement, thereby reducing water pollution. During this period, adjust the fish tank water temperature according to climate changes, and regularly test the PH value of the water.
II. Precautions for Breeding Goldfish
1. Goldfish do not know hunger or fullness, and most goldfish die from overeating, so feeding must be done at fixed times and in fixed amounts. Uneaten food should be removed promptly, otherwise it will cause water pollution, oxygen deficiency, etc.
2. The fish tank can be placed in a place with direct sunlight, which can play a sterilizing role, but it may also cause crazy growth of moss, so it should be dealt with promptly. It is not suitable to change all the water; changing 1/3 each time is enough. Tap water needs to be left to stand for 1 day before being used for water changes.
3. The density of goldfish breeding should be reasonable to ensure that the goldfish have enough space to move around. During this period, some aquatic plants can be planted, and a small amount of sand, stones, and rockery can be laid at the bottom of the fish tank for the goldfish to frolic and play. When breeding different varieties of goldfish, understand their habits and avoid mixing species that harm each other.