This makes sure you don’t interrupt your biological cycle, especially with high-turnover reliant filters such as Hang on Back filters. Many fishkeepers have told me that simply reducing the filter current for their fish results in much more active fish – fish that before seemed like they were sick or afraid for no reason.Īs always, monitoring the water quality is a good idea when turning down your filters. Only that if you use a mechanical filter that creates current, it’s something that might require a bit of fanangling. I’m not saying by any means this is the only good way to keep goldfish. In fact, people have been keeping fish for hundreds of years without them. But over time, the energy bills usually dwarf the cost of the filter. I mean, an electricity-driven filter may seem less expensive than buying live plants at first. In some cases (when properly balanced), plant-only filtration can power an entire tank without the need for an electrical filter altogether. Plants are the ultimate low-current water filter.Īnd not only that, they oxygenate the water as well. Especially if you couple it with live plants. ![]() You’d be surprised how much water turnover is really necessary for a good filter to function properly. It covers everything about creating the most ideal tank setup and more! If you're a new or even experienced goldfish owner who is having issues understanding the intricacies of water filtration, or just wants a bit more detailed information on it, we recommend that you check out our best-selling book, The Truth About Goldfish. Submersible pumps can have the flow rate manually turned down if they are designed to be adjustable, though the more electricity-efficient method would be to get a lower-rated pump. (Or an air control valve really helps.) Filter outlets can be placed on the water level and undersized filters used instead of oversized ones (unless you have some way of mitigating the flow, such as using a sump). (Obviously keeping fish indoors there is going to be some inevitable difference.)Ī post shared by Gills to Greenery can be positioned near the surface with a small or adjustable air pump providing a minimal push. Generally, going back to the more natural habitat of the goldfish tends to yield better results for the species. Other fish like the hillstream loach may appreciate more swift-flowing river-like conditions. In the wild, their homes are stagnant ponds. Many people say you can never have too much oxygen and filtration and this is usually true. While higher flow rates mean more efficient biological filtration, they can mean unhappy goldfish! Many people may tell you that a 10x turnover flow rate is what you want for a filter. Any wonder that so many new fish die in a week just from the shock? While some of the hardier goldfish may adapt to this… Some people even add a “wave maker” or underwater pump just to add even more current. Then they are put in a home fish tank with a power filter and maybe an airstone as well. They are then shipped to pet stores where they are blasted with strong water currents from mega filter systems and simultaneously exposed to disease. Now, most pet store fish are born and raised in massive outdoor ponds with practically zero current. ![]() ![]() The proper way to keep fish is in pure standing water, to which the necessary oxygen is supplied by the action of aquatic plants…” ( T he Goldfish and Its Systematic Culture with a View to Profit, Hugo Mulertt) Goldfish are intended to live in standing water, and should not be made accustomed to the contrary, as the reversing again of the character of the water often proves fatal to them. “One way, the most in use, although the worst for the retail customers, is to keep a steady stream of water constantly flowing through the tank. This is interesting (from one of my older books on goldfish): ![]() So, how much current should goldfish have? I truly believe that for them, the less current-the better. Today I want to talk about something that often gets overlooked in the hobby.
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