September 2001

Events

The British fall shows commence in September, with the Bristol Aquatic Society (BAS) leading the pack. These are on the events calendar.

GFSA Info

The GFSA officers and membership extend their support and condolences to all who have been touched by the tragic events on September 11th.

The September issue is out, the first regular issue in many years with color photos. Let the editor know what you think. One perennial challenge for the Goldfish Report editor is getting enough contributions to produce a full issue. 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. These are listed below, with the first on the list due by next month:

November/December 2001 (submit by September 2001)
Goldfish ornaments and decorations (how to make), Japanese and Chinese Goldfish art and collectibles, evaluating breeding results of the summer's breeding
January/February 2002 (submit by November 2001) 
Goldfish varieties (example: Tosakins and Celestial Pom Poms), Goldfish health management/disease control
March/April 2002 (submit by January 2002)
Buying Goldfish - How to find the best source/fish for you, what to look for, Breeding issue, culling
May/June 2002 (submit by March 2002)
Pond issue, filters, feeding, algae, pond preparation, poisonous plants, pre-show issue. Show times, requests for help, tips on judging, requests for items for auction from members and advertisers, volunteers for booth
July/August 2002 (submit by May 2002)
Tips on transporting fish, last minute show details, Fall feeding issue, preparing ponds for fall

Seasonal Advice

For those of you in the northern hemisphere, we are heading into fall. That means winter is next ... get ready! Here is a partial check list:

  1. Get ready to winterize your ponds

  2. Plan for a cleaning weekend to prepare the ponds for over-wintering

  3. Put out mesh covers to keep falling leaves out of the pond

  4. Switch soon to a higher carbohydrate, lower protein food, for fish that will over-winter outside

  5. Prepare aquariums for fish that will be brought inside during the winter

  6. Examine fish for flukes and parasites that may have been introduced into the pond environment. If needed, quarantine and treat fish that will be brought inside.

  7. Get rid of extra stock from this year's spawns that you know you don't want or need

  8. Keep you fish notebook up-to-date on the summer's results ... and see if there is an article for the Report in there somewhere :)