Contribute something to the Goldfish Report! Please provide any articles, news items, photos, comments and requests to the editor, Vince McCarty, for inclusion in the Report. Vince has offered a set of topics for future issues, to try and get all of you to dig back in your trove of experiences and create a contribution for the Report. Below is a list of topics due for the next issue:
Gary Hater has some words of wisdom for us all:
Breeding:
Bringing fish into breeding condition can be a difficult task if the fish are line bred or are kept indoors most of the year. Though timing is important, food tricks are also key. While maintaining water quality through water changes, up the quality and quantity of food daily. Here are a few ideas; defrost a handful of previously cooked cocktail or salad shrimp, chop or blend briefly in a food processor, feed as much as they eat in ten minutes. Steam more broccoli or cauliflower than the family can eat, after dinner, blend in a food processor or chop. This can remain in the tank for at least twenty-four hours. Gel food is the best way to add nutrients to your fish food that won't get lost in the tank water. Making homemade is too much of a mess for some; consider buying a premix from someone like Aquatic Ecosystems. Their formula can be improved by adding vitamin E & C, tuna fish, and raw wheat germ.. The fish will eat this all day long. Lastly, train your fish to eat steamed white rice. Keep track of the moon: most breeding takes place within two days of the full moon.
New Fish from Shops or Importers:
If you were shipped by road and air for 24 hours, in a plastic bag, in total darkness, you would be bruised and stressed and scared. Same for goldfish. Rest, fresh water, and calm are key for new fish. If the fish have no visible sores or infected fins try this; keep the fish in an unlighted aquarium, change 30% of the water every other day for two weeks, feed the fish only frozen food like brine shrimp and bloodworms and gel food. Do not over feed. If in doubt, place some duckweed in the tank. If the fish are panting, do a salt dip in a bucket of tank water. Remember, most medications stress the fish further; you must have some time to have the fish heal before adding chemicals.