Cleaning my Goldfish Fry Tank

Python Squeeze Syphon Starter available at
http://www.bigalspets.com/Python-Squeeze-Siphon-Starter/dp/B0017JHPA6

This is how I clean my goldfish fry tank. After vacuuming the fish waste and uneaten food with a mini siphon, I change 80% of the water EVERYDAY. Yes, everyday for the first 3 months. Diluted waste contaminates the water and can cause flukes that will attack the fry. Optimum water quality ensures that the baby fry will grow steadily and healthily. You need a gentle inflow of water so as not to damage the fry. By the 3rd month, they can be moved to a bigger, deeper tank and you can reduce the water changes to about 2x a week. (When using a power filter, remember to block the intake tube with a sponge to prevent the filter from sucking your baby fry.)

Although goldfish are generally coldwater fish, I keep the fry's water at 72 to75F to prevent bad bacteria from building up. (Sometimes even 80F). Because there is less dissolved oxygen in warm water, I use an air pump and air stone to aerate the water. You can begin using a sponge filter after a few weeks. Daily water changes will replenish dissolved oxygen.

Category:

Pets & Animals

Tags:

• Cleaning
• Goldfish
• Baby
• Fish
• Fry
• Tank
• Mini
• Vacuum
• Siphon

[braska19]

....even though I have been using tank water for a month? Won't it hurt them?

[huntawunta]

@braska19 Yes! Again, you need to be doing frequent water changes when caring for fry. Old tank water is contaminated water that harbors pathogens. Poor aquatic care will affect their growth. Use a plastic scoop/spoon to transfer them temporarily into a small bowl of fresh dechlorinated water. This way they are out of the way when you are changing water in the main tub/tank. Or if you can't transfer, just be careful when siphoning old water out + use a gentle spray for incoming fresh water.

[braska19]

Sorry got predictive writing on my iPad and I don't notice till I send it...what I mean is, my two remaining fry are in a fruit bowl...large one....I have filled my 30 ltd clearsil tank with 20 plus added decloranated water and added some bacteria to quicken up the process....and a heater cos I think maybe alot off my fry died because off the cold water ....do I still have to wait for 3 weeks for it to cycle before adding the fry?

[huntawunta]

@braska19 Cycling tank water in a fry tank is moot - there is no point. Because you are changing upto 100% of the water everyday to provide FRESH clean water. Cycling for 3 wks means you are subjecting your fry to toxic ammonia buildup. Also, nitrifying bacteria is NOT free floating - meaning it's NOT in the water. Nitrifying bacteria adheres to surfaces like tank walls, filter media etc. So change your water everyday when caring for fry. Maintain temp at 75 degrees to prevent pathogen buildup.

[huntawunta]

@braska19 Someday, when your fry is about 4-8wks old, you can move them to a regular tank that has been cycled and has regular filters installed. Once transferred, it's still critical to do FREQUENT water changes to prevent nitrate buildup. The first 3 months is a lot of work if you want healthy goldfish babies. Never compromise water quality.

[braska19]

WTF I mean lol....some have even tried to move with the crooked spine...it looks so pitiful and I think I will give up now as it's upsetting.

[huntawunta]

@braska19 Goldfish can spawn upto 1500 roe eggs in one go. Of that number, if the conditions are right in your water - you could have 500 to 1000 live fry. From that number, they would get culled down to a manageable batch (say 25 - 50 of the best, healthiest & largest without Deformities) because you can't possibly take care of all that fish. We get in over our heads & think we can cuz they're so tiny at first. But @ 5 months, those guys will be 4" each. It's a LOT of work & it will cost $.

[braska19]

Shall I just change with dechloranated water even thought

[huntawunta]

@braska19 My advise would be to use Fresh Dechlorinated water (not old cycled water) for newly hatched fry. This is to avoid any contamination. When they hatch from roe, you'll notice they will swim once to the surface to get oxygen & settle at the bottom. They need this to fill up their bladders with air so that they can swim freely later. If the water is TOO DEEP they will have difficulty. And yes, some fry will have deformities (especially when cross-breeding 2 different types of Goldfish).

[braska19]

All my next batch off fry have either been born and died instantly or they seem to have crooked spines and have died within a few hours...ETF happened.