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9 Mistakes to Avoid as a Goldfish Keeper

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#1 Not Cycling the Tank

In order to keep fish, tank cycling must be done properly. Good bacteria eat trash and turn it into nitrate. Cycling with fish is not ideal.

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Cool water is what goldfish require, not warm. Fins can be torn by sharp ornamentation, and gravel is riskier than fine substrate like sand or big pebbles.

#2 Not Researching the Needs of Goldfish

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#3 Choosing Inappropriate Tank Mates

Poor living conditions result from selecting fish based solely on looks without taking into account their individual needs. Tropical fish and goldfish don't get along.

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The size of the goldfish should be taken into account while choosing the tank size. Overstocking can be uncomfortable and create resource rivalry, necessitating greater upkeep.

#4 Overstocking the Tank

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#5 Under-filtering the Tank

Goldfish have a high bioload, thus they require strong filtration. Underfiltering could be harmful to them. The optimum filter is a HOB/canister unit with a sponge filter. For further information, see The Truth About Goldfish.

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In addition to commercial pellets, goldfish require a diversified diet. Gel, freeze-dried, frozen, live, and fresh produce should all be consumed in moderation.

#6 Poor Dietary Decisions

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#7 Improper Tank Maintenance

To remove excess nitrates that accumulate in a cycled tank and can kill fish if not removed, regular water changes are required.

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#8 Don't berate yourself for making mistakes when keeping goldfish. For the sake of the community and your fish, learn, make repairs, and move on.

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#9 Treatment vs Prevention:

Poor water quality is a common cause of goldfish disease. Medication-assisted symptom management may increase stress. The best course of action is prevention through water stewardship.

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Replace filter cartridges less frequently by rinsing them in the soiled tank water. To keep bacteria alive, use ceramic rings and long-lasting sponges.

#10 Changing the Filter Media