GOLDFISH GROWTH

[davidchic8]

I want to add growth and size to my goldfish. I WANT BIG FISH ;D. How quickly do the goldfish grow and is there anything I can do to increase growth?

[bikeguy33]

well first off....big tank and high quality food

[Carl]

A minimum of 10 gallons of space, but really 40 gallons or more is required for a goldfish to reach their full potential.

Good filtration and healthy water chemistry such as low nitrates and adequate positive mineral ions are also very important for optimal growth.

Without the above feeding a good growth diet would simply be a waste and possibly even counter productive.

As for food, and food high in spirulina algae is easily digestible and will improve growth and overall health.
It is important to note that that feeding too high of a protein/growth diet to goldfish can cause intestinal issues, as goldfish have slower digestive systems.

I would read these articles for more:
*Aquarium Chemistry; The Importance of maintaining healthy positive calcium ion levels
*Fish Nutrition
*Goldfish Feeding

Carl

[davidchic8]

I have a 55 gallon tank and I use Legacy Mini Koi and goldfish microbe- lift pellets, Brine Shrimp cubes, Aqualand goldfish flakes("A Great Flakes Product"),Spirulina Sticks, and Aqueon Goldfish Granules. Is the a food that promotes growth and what tempature promotes growth?

[Carl]

Good food combination!

As to temperature, I recommend 60 -75 F (16-24 C); much warmer and goldfish burn calories due to higher metabolism,; much lower and the fish are not as active.

Low nitrates are a must too, as are adequate positive mineral ions for good osmoregulation as the proper parameters in these areas will result in better growth and health.

Carl

[davidchic8]

I clean the tank water weekly. To add minerals for both fish and plants I use Seachem Flourish in my water. Is there anything else I can do to promote growth?

[davidchic8]

I maintain the temperature around 72. I guess I am doing everything I can thanks for your help. Does anyone know the average growth rate? How much growth should I have per month or per year?

[Carl]

Sept 10, 2009 20:50:29 GMT -5 davidchic8 said:

I maintain the temperature around 72. I guess I am doing everything I can thanks for your help. Does anyone know the average growth rate? How much growth should I have per month or per year?

It does appear you are doing the best you can.

I do not know of an average growth rate; I know from my observations in dozens of aquariums and ponds that I have taken care of for clients, that the rate of growth is not all that predictable.
As well goldfish were used more than any other fish for my tests with Redox, UV Sterilization, filtration (such as bio wheel tests), etc. , however I never kept any reliable data that would allow me to answer this specific question well.

Carl

[kagome]

I have to agree with Carl that there is no predictable way to tell just how fast any fish will grow because so much depends on their individual genetic make up. But you are already on the right track to getting good growth because you are feeding them well, have them in a large tank, and do regular cleanings. Oh, and don't believe anyone that tells you to give them beef heart for faster growth. After what Carl and Bill told me about it I did some research and it really is a bad thing to feed to fish that they do not digest or utilize well. You'd be better off feeding an aquatic based food like you already are.

[bikeguy33]

Beef heart is actually a great treat....but not great for goldfish who are mostly into veggie matter. cichlids love it tho....with the exception of a few such as geophagus. but yes...it is very hard to digest for many fish...