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Goldfish Care- How To Take Care Of Your Goldfish

 Taking care of your goldfish is one of the most important things to do to providing your goldfish the proper care and a long healthy life. First thing to do when taking care of your goldfish when buying goldfish from pet stores is to make sure the tank has been set up in advance. When taking care of your goldfish or new pet make sure your the water in your goldfish aquarium has been treated with conditioner to remove the chlorine from the water and heavy metals. AquaPlus is a conditioner widely used by aquarium and goldfish hobbyist and distributed by Hagen and available at your local pets stores is used to help reduce and take care of the stress during transportation and makes the water safe for your goldfish.

Things you should do when taking care of your goldfish:

1. Never feed your goldfish more then they can eat in the first 2-5 minutes, discard any uneaten food as it will pollute the water in your aquarium.

2. Perform a 25% water change once a week to keep all water chemistry at proper levels and safe for goldfish. Add conditioner to remove chlorine and heavy metals.

3. Test your water with a test kit, testing PH, Ammonia, Nitrite, Nitrate. There are others you can test for but this is a great start at ensuring the proper care of the water chemistry at the beginning.

4.Clean your filters with luke warm water, as they hold beneficial bacteria that you don’t want to destroy. Add some Nutrifin Cycle to restore beneficial bacteria to keep the aquarium healthy for your goldfish.

5. Clean your the glass of the aquarium with either a brush, or a magnet scraper with you can buy at any local pet store. Keeping your aquarium clean for your goldfish at all times will reduce stress, illness and goldfish diseases.

Your goldfish need the proper care in order to reduce chance of illness and injury. Weekly maintenance and a keeping a close eye on your goldfish for any signs are a good way to enjoying your goldfish for many years. Take care of your goldfish, they’re relying on you.

Sincerely,

Jamie Boyle
The Goldfish Guy
“Helping Goldfish Owners With Advice, Fish Care and Fish Medication Treatments for Goldfish Diseases, Illnesses and Parasites”

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Aquarium Care Goldfish Goldfish Care How To Testing Water Quality Water Treatments

How To Raise or Lower pH Levels in Goldfish Tanks and Aquariums?

Having an aquarium involves regular maintenance such as water quality tests and you should know how to raise or lower pH levels in fish tanks if need be. Overtime your pH in your aquarium will lower and you will need to raise it depending on the type of fish you have. Certain species of fish like the water more of a acidic pH while others like the pH to be more alkaline. Aquarium owners should test their water quality at least once a week not only for pH but for ammonia, nitrite and nitrate.

Sometimes your water will get cloudy in your fish tank and you will know right off the bat that something is wrong. There are also times where the water is crystal clear and the water chemistry is at seriously dangerous levels for fishkeeping. You can’t tell just by looking at the water. I know it would be nice if we could, but we can’t. If you notice your goldfish showing signs of stress, testing the water quality should be the first thing you do. The more goldfish you have in your aquarium, the more waste is produced which will lower the pH if you don’t keep up with regular water changes.

Goldfish Tank, Aquarium With Large Goldfish and Koi

How To Raise pH Levels In Fish Tanks or Aquariums?

Sodium Bicarbonate ( Baking Soda ) Is Used To Raise pH Levels In Fish Tanks, Aquariums and PondsIf you notice that your pH is low or acidic after testing your water quality you will need to raise your pH. In order to do so you will need to have some sodium bicarbonate also known as baking soda on hand. This is the regular stuff you buy right from your grocery store. Simply add 1 teaspoon of baking soda per 10 gallons of water. It’s always best to not change the pH too drastically as it can stress out the fish even more. If your pH was off quite a bit do it on a gradual basis until your reach the recommended pH based on the species of fish you have in your aquarium. Neutral pH is what you should be looking to have for goldfish tanks.

How To Lower pH Levels In Fish Tanks or Aquariums?

Sodium Biphosphate Is Used To Lower pH Levels in Fish Tanks, Aquariums or Ponds
In order to lower pH levels you will need to buy some sodium biphosphate which you can buy right from your local pet store or online as well. To lower the pH simply add 1 teaspoon of sodium biphosphate per 10 gallons of water. More is not better when your dealing with changing water quality for fish. My rule of thumb is put less then re-test to see what the reading is and then add more if need be to get it within the acceptable pH range.

If you keep up with performing regular water changes, aquarium maintenance such as cleaning of the aquarium gravel and filters you shouldn’t have an issue with pH. If you do however you will now know how to lower and raise pH levels in your aquarium so that your goldfish can live a long healthy life.

Sincerely,

Jamie Boyle
The Goldfish Guy

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Aquarium Care Goldfish Goldfish Care How To Testing Water Quality Water Treatments

How To Lower Ammonia Levels In Goldfish Tanks, Aquariums or Fish Ponds?

Sooner or later new aquarium owners will face high levels of ammonia in their goldfish tank or fish pond and you will need to know how to lower or reduce ammonia levels. When new aquariums are set up many people will often see high levels of ammonia but this is because the fish tank is not properly cycled yet. It takes some time for all the beneficial bacteria to start working. A lot of the time even though the ammonia levels are high you can just leave it and it will slowly lower.

The biggest thing that you need to do when you notice high levels of ammonia in your aquarium or fish pond is to observe your fish. Are they acting normal, normal behaviour, are they sluggish. not eating etc.. High levels of ammonia will kill your goldfish and if you notice any signs of stress or any goldfish that has died you need to take action right away.

Don't Be Fooled! Clear Water Can Still Have High Levels of Ammonia

Here are several things you can do to lower or reduce the ammonia level:
1. Perform an immediate water change. Changing some of the water in your fish tank or pond will reduce or dilute the ammonia. After changing the water, test it to see the new results and keep a record of the reading.

2. You can always add some Ammo-Lock by Aquarium Pharmaceuticals. This works great as it locks up ammonia in a non-toxic form. Whenever you happen to see a lot of fish die this is a great emergency fish product. This will reduce fish stress and help save your fish.

3. Add beneficial bacteria to your aquarium or pond. The beneficial bacteria is what breaks fish waste, ammonia and keeps your nitrogen cycle working properly. After every water change always add some beneficial bacteria.

If your looking to know how to adjust, lower, or reduce ammonia levels in fish tanks, aquariums or ponds you should first know what causes ammonia levels to increase. Knowing what causes it, is the first step in preventing ammonia levels from increasing in fish tanks or ponds.

The #1 rule in fishkeeping is to never overcrowd your fish tank or pond or it’s inevitable that you will soon face high levels of ammonia and possibly lose all your fish. Take proper care of your fish and you will have great success with your hobby.

If you have any questions concerning ammonia levels and how to deal with lowering or reducing it please feel free to comment.

Sincerely,

Jamie Boyle
The Goldfish Guy
“Helping Goldfish Owners With Advice, Fish Care and Fish Medication Treatments for Goldfish Diseases, Illnesses and Parasites”

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Algae Control Garden Ponds Goldfish Goldfish Care Goldfish Ponds How To

How To Prevent and Control Algae Blooms In Goldfish Ponds? Get Rid Of Algae!

Does your goldfish pond suffer from green water? If so then you need to read this article and learn how to prevent and control algae blooms. Green water in ponds can be frustrating but there are simple things that can be done to help control algae from occurring.

In spring and summer different things need to be done such as maintenance, using the proper equipment and using the right pond supplies.
Here are some simple things that can help you prevent, control and get rid of algae or green water:

Water Lilies, Water Lettuce, Water Hyacinths will help control and prevent algae blooms!

1. Clean your goldfish pond and remove any dead or decaying leaves from trees, water lilies etc.. If you don’t this helps feed algae and causes algae blooms.

2. In spring add in a bag of barley which works well towards algae control. If your looking to have crystal clear water in your goldfish pond then you need to buy some barley. I use this every year and it works amazing!

3. Add water plants! By adding water plants such as water lilies, water hyacinths, water lettuce etc.. will help shade your pond preventing sunlight from entering your pond therefore slowing the growth. Pond Plants also feed on the same nutrients as algae therefore starving it.

4. Use a UV Sterilizer to control algae. A UV sterilizer basically zaps algae cells with its ultraviolet light and prevents it from growing.

5. Stop over feeding your pond fish! By feeding your fish too much food it can contribute to algae growth. The more fish waste there is equals more natural fertilizer in the water, therefore more algae. Feed your goldfish less and they will search and eat algae in the pond and help control algae.

6. The last thing you can do to eliminate or get rid of algae is through the use of algaecides. This is one method of algae control that I will never recommend. It’s an option but I don’t recommend using it. The above methods of preventing and controlling algae work just fine. Algaecides are too risky in my books!

I hope that these above methods helps you to prevent and control algae in your pond. This will help you get that crystal clear pond water you’ve always been looking for! Stop algae once and for all and enjoy the water garden you’ve always dreamed of.

Sincerely,

Jamie Boyle
The Goldfish Guy
“Helping Goldfish Owners With Advice, Fish Care and Fish Medication Treatments for Goldfish Diseases, Illnesses and Parasites”

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Garden Ponds Goldfish Ponds How To Mosquito Control

How To Prevent and Control Mosquitoes in Goldfish Ponds and Backyard Ponds?

If your looking at building a goldfish pond in your backyard you should know how to prevent and control mosquitoes. Many people are not aware but controlling mosquitoes starts right from the building process of your new water garden and planning where you want your water plants, what type of aquatic plants and what type of fish.

There are many ways you can control and prevent mosquitoes in a goldfish pond and here are just a few examples:

Pond Mosquitoes - Learn How To Prevent Them

1. Have good water circulation in your fish pond using the proper size pond pump. Did you know that a pond should circulate 1 time every hour? Stagnant water is where mosquitoes are bound to lay their eggs.

2. Potted plants flush with the water level are perfect breeding grounds for mosquitoes. Your goldfish are not able to eat the mosquito larvae inside the potted water plant and it’s still stagnant water perfect for breeding mosquitoes.

3. Have enough goldfish in your pond that you are able to accommodate. The more fish you have in your pond the more mosquito larvae they can consume.

4. Buy mosquito dunks! You can place them in your pond, they are safe for fish and plants and help controls the mosquito population. It releases a mosquito larvicide that mosquito larvae eat and kills them. Works for 30 days! Kills mosquito larvae in ponds, birdbaths and standing water.

5. Stop feeding your goldfish in your pond! Did you know there is enough food in your pond that you don’t really need to feed your goldfish. The hungrier they are the more mosquito larvae they’ll search for an eat.

6. Want the perfect fish pond with no mosquitoes? Buy some mosquito fish! Mosquito fish will eat mosquito larvae in the pond as well as eat mosquitoes flying in the air by shooting water at them. The mosquitoes will land on the water surface and the mosquito fish will eat them.

I hope these above suggestions gives you some insight on how to control and prevent mosquitoes in your goldfish pond so that you can enjoy your water garden for years to come.

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How To Clear Up Cloudy Water In Aquarium Fish Tank?

Cloudy water in aquariums is quite common and there are several things you can do to clear up your fish tank and help prevent this from occurring. How to clear up cloudy water is quite simple and the answer is proper aquarium maintenance.

What causes cloudy water to occur in fish tanks is the nitrogen cycle not being properly in balance. This means that there is more bad bacteria instead of the good beneficial bacteria that helps break down fish waste and helps keep your water safe and healthy for fish to live. If your nitrogen cycle is out of whack then cloudy water will occur in your fish tank.

Cloudy Water in Aquarium - Get Rid Of Cloudy Water Today!

Frequent Water Changes Helps Reduce Cloudy Water

What can you do to stop cloudy water from happening is easy! Frequent water changes and maintenance will help. You should also never overfeed your fish in your aquarium. Overfeeding goldfish or other types of fish helps contribute to cloudy water in fish tanks. Another thing people should do is reduce the amount of time that your have your aquarium lights on for. Leaving your lights on for extended periods of time causes algae blooms and growth over aquarium glass and contributes to cloudy water as well. People should have timers on their aquariums and never leave it on for more then 6 – 8 hours a day.

Never Overfeed Goldfish

If you want to know how to clear up cloudy water fast in your aquarium then you will need to purchase aquarium products on the market that specialize in this. When buying aquarium products that clears cloudy water in fish tanks just make sure on the label that it does not disturb beneficial bacteria and make sure it’s not harmful to fish and plants. These products will help clear your water usually in a few hours. Remember more is not better, follow proper dosage on the bottle.

Cloudy water in aquariums usually occur in newly set up fish tanks.

Have you ever had cloudy water in your aquarium?

Sincerely,

Jamie Boyle
The Goldfish Guy
“Helping Goldfish Owners With Advice, Fish Care and Fish Medication Treatments for Goldfish Diseases, Illnesses and Parasites”

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Goldfish Goldfish Care Goldfish Diseases Goldfish Medications How To Ich Fish Treatment Ich White Spot Disease

Prevent Ich Fish Disease – How To Prevent Ich ( White Spot Disease)

By Jamie Boyle

Many people often wonder ” How Do I Prevent Ich ” from reaching my aquarium and infecting my fish. There are ways in which you can prevent ich from reaching your tank. Here are some simple ich preventative measures you can do to keep ich away and how to prevent white spot disease from reaching your fish:

1. Never buy fish from an aquarium that contain sick fish at a pet store. Look for signs of ich, other external parasites or fish diseases before you make a fish purchase. You may be bringing home more then fish, some hitch hikers as well.

Sarassa Comets2. Before adding new fish to your aquarium or pond you need to quarantine new arrivals for minimum 2-4 weeks to make sure fish are okay and healthy. If not, you may be introducing ich, other external parasites or fish diseases to already healthy fish.

3. When buying aquarium plants or pond plants be sure to disinfect them before placing them in your tank or pond. To do so you can use Potassium Permanganate solution and dip the water plants in it. By doing so you can reduce the chance of introducing ich and other parasites to your aquarium.

4. Never add water to your aquarium or pond from the pet store where you may have bought fish or water plants. Fish should be netted out and water discarded. Water may contain parasites like ich (white spot disease) or other external parasites.

5. Never use the same netting and equipment from other tanks if you have more then one. By using the same net from one tank to another you risk introducing ich and other parasites from a tank that may have been sick. Have a seperate net for each tank.

6. Use an ultraviolet steriliser to help kill ich parasites. As the free swimming ich parasites known as tomites gets killed as they pass through. This may be away to help prevent ich or white spot disease in a way but there is no sure way that all tomites have been killed or destroyed. May help prevent ich but not a 100% sure way to do so.

7. Use CopperSafe From Mardel Labs fish medication to help prevent ich from occuring. One treatment last over a month. It not only helps prevent against ich but velvet and other external parasites as well.

These are just some simple ways you can help reduce the risk, and prevent ich disease from infecting your fish. Preventative measures are the best way to prevent against ich or white spot disease. In case your fish have developed ich or white spots seek ich medication and begin treatment right away.

Sincerely,

Jamie Boyle
The Goldfish Guy
“Helping Goldfish Owners With Advice, Fish Care and Fish Medication Treatments for Goldfish Diseases, Illnesses and Parasites”

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