Why did my goldfish die?

[Hedgehoggy]

I was given two goldfish 'hybrids' (whatever that means ) back in 1991 which I have kept in a largish tank indoors. One died about 3 years ago but the other is still very much alive, 20 years later! . I clean the tank regularly and replace with tap water and have never tested the water, so I guess I've just been lucky!

[Farplace]

Originally Posted by Hedgehoggy

I was given two goldfish 'hybrids' (whatever that means ) back in 1991 which I have kept in a largish tank indoors. One died about 3 years ago but the other is still very much alive, 20 years later! . I clean the tank regularly and replace with tap water and have never tested the water, so I guess I've just been lucky!

And is your water chlorinated?? We have natural spring water, and I have still occasionally lost water creatures. You must have one really tough old fish there!!

[Hedgehoggy]

Yes, it's chlorinated! I had NO IDEA goldfish could live for so long when they were given to me 20 years ago!!!!!!!! Definitely, one tough old fish! It is so cool though, and most definitely recognises me - when I approach the tank it swims to the surface to ask for food, when another family member approaches, it submerges to the depths!

[yorkieuk]

Chlorine in will leave tap water if you fill a bucket or cup or anything and leave it for 24hrs. No more chlorine after that.

[tom00_uk]

Originally Posted by yorkieuk

Chlorine in will leave tap water if you fill a bucket or cup or anything and leave it for 24hrs. No more chlorine after that.

unfortunately you will still have issues with chloramine which is widely used by water companies, so if using water from the mains best to treat with a "tapsafe" product

Was the tank fully cycled before the occupants were added? it can take over 6 weeks to get the water ready for stocking and the only way your sure is to test the water whilst carrying out the cycle.

[~T~]

Originally Posted by tom00_uk

unfortunately you will still have issues with chloramine which is widely used by water companies, so if using water from the mains best to treat with a "tapsafe" product

Was the tank fully cycled before the occupants were added? it can take over 6 weeks to get the water ready for stocking and the only way your sure is to test the water whilst carrying out the cycle.

Agree totally and for the tank to cycle the filter must have something to feed on during this process or you will just end up waiting weeks and weeks for nothing. Adding a source of ammonia (which is needed to build the filter bacteria) can be as simple as adding in some fish flakes every few days or a couple of prawns.

Bottom line for goldfish to be healthy in an aquarium they must be given a suitable sized tank (as large as possible really) and a powerful filter to deal with the large amount of waste they produce. The days of goldfish in bowls is long gone.