40 Gallon Goldfish tank

[goldenpuon]

I thought I'd start this thread to talk about my goldfish in my 40 gallon, particularly their growth.

I have had my newest fish, Wickren for about 3 years now and Puon (who is not in the 40 gallon) for what will be 5 years in late August.

Anyway, I was very surprised to see my fish going through a growth splurt as of late. I haven't really made an significant changes in cleaning or frequency of water changes (although I have been scrubbing the sides of the tank a bit more). People, including my mom who sees them often are commenting on how big they're getting.

I got a very rough measurement of my fish the other and I say roughly because all I did is put a ruler against the side of the aquarium and wait for the fish to swim close enough for me to get a reading.

The fish range in length from Salyme at almost 5 inches (this fish is growing like a weed) to Hansel who is only 2 1/2 inches (this fish is fat and healthy but grows very slowly.)

I noticed that the ones that grow the fastest seem to be the ones that eat the fastest/most. (All of them eat but some eat at a faster rate than others.)

I am curious how big each will get in the 40 gallon and how it will affect the smaller fish (a.k.a. Hansel lol) when the now large fish grow even bigger. All are comet goldfish with a maximum size of 12 inches. either way, looks like I'd need a pond a few years down the road.

I'm going to try to get some pics up here. As well, a picture of Salyme now and when I first got her so the difference can be seen.

[bikeguy33]

hmmmm....not sure why the sudden growth spurt. has the temp and ph remained consistant? have you changed or added to the feedings?

[Carl]

A thought I have for sudden growth is both the longer days and likely warmer water in your aquarium.
This type of growth spurt is quite noticeable in my client's pond goldfish, even in Southern California where winters are relatively mild.

Carl

[goldenpuon]

That's a goode idea for why. Either way, I'm not complaining. (It is a sign of good health).

I have actually cut back from 3 to 2 feedings a day (but I think they still get just as much). I also have not been giving them Spirulina or wondershells ( I need to do that). Although they do still have a very healthy diet and good water parameters.

Actually, come to think of it, the PH has been higher than usual, 7.8, from adding SeaChem Buffer. That is actually why I haven't added wondershells lately, I won't want to drive up the PH any more.

[Carl]

Jun 22, 2010 15:01:35 GMT -5 goldenpuon said:

That is actually why I haven't added wondershells lately, I won't want to drive up the PH any more.

Wonder Shells do not increase pH (or KH), they only aid in the maintenance of these parameters.

The main purpose of Wonder Shells is to add mineral and mineral cations (which generally increases GH)

See this article (especially the section just before the summary):
Aquarium Chemistry

[goldenpuon]

Oops. Guess I was wrong then. Sorry about that. I'll have to read up on it. I guess I was more refering to GH....

As for how the goldfish are doing, I decided to change the area in the tank I feed them, by feeding them in the opposite end of the tank for their morning feeding (They looke genuinely confused after this. lol)

Then for their afternoon feeding, I spread the food throughout the aquarium. I was very surprised after this. I observed a lot of pushing and nudging, minor nipping and chasing (or just following). Luckily the aggression (which I normally NEVER see in my goldfish) died down pretty fast.

It was rather interesting to watch though. Apparently these guys don't like change when it comes to food. lol