Inkozana Posted May 13, 2012 Report Share Posted May 13, 2012 Hello, me againnn I was talking to someone at one of my LFS and they advised me that it didn't really matter so much what kind of substrate I used with fancy goldfish as long as it was less than 1cm in depth so that it could be moved around by the goldfish (when they feed on the bottom) so no bubbles of gas would get trapped within the substrate. I asked him about obstruction via substrate and he said he hadn't heard anything about it but he did know that pots of gas under substrate can develop bad anaerobic bacteria that can kill your goldfish when disturbed. I am confused because the information I have been getting from people is conflicting. Substrate has been an issue for me because I originally started out with 2-3mm gravel and I lost a ranchu to what we think was impaction (parameters were fine) so I changed it to sand but I put in too much sand and I believe that I did have problems with anaerobic bacteria and that is probably how I lost my second ranchu.... Now I have a thin layer (just enough to cover the bottom) of 3-4mm gravel with two of my younger fish (one 5cm oranda and one 5cm black moor/nymph variety). Is this okay? I don't really want a bare bottom tank :-( Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
issh Posted May 13, 2012 Report Share Posted May 13, 2012 I'm pretty sure that sand-like substrate are not good for goldfish, as they goldies will tend to dig up and suck the substrate and usually will digest the sand, whereas bigger sized substrates(such as gravel) goldfish will spit out.(Just my thoughts though) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alasse Posted May 13, 2012 Report Share Posted May 13, 2012 I have pool filter sand in with my goldies....the spit it out same as gravel whilst foraging Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matmatmat Posted May 13, 2012 Report Share Posted May 13, 2012 I go for the better to be safe than sorry philosophy, I don't have any pebble or rocks that can fit into their mouths as it can turn sour here is a link to what I do if I want plants... Use a pot plant the plants in substrate of your choice then cover with river rocks. That way there is no chance of any drama http://www.qldaf.com/forums/goldfish-koi-46/baby-ranchu-tank-62242/ Not saying this is the only or best way to go, but it works for me. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fancygoldfish Posted May 13, 2012 Report Share Posted May 13, 2012 i havent ever heard of any issues with gravel. personally i use gravel and have never had any problems. mine has plants in it and gravel about 5cm thick. if you were worried about gas build up you could use an under gravel filter that should help. also i use a gravel cleaner to keep my tank clean as a part of my maintenance so id suggest that Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fancygoldfish Posted May 13, 2012 Report Share Posted May 13, 2012 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
goldenswimmers Posted May 13, 2012 Report Share Posted May 13, 2012 its not common but you can lose goldfish to "blockage" from things ingested....I personally wouldnt use sand for bottom feeders..I think after a while some sand could easily build up in the digestive tract... also I look at what conditions the guys are raised in overseas by the founders/top breeders of these guys...and they are raising them in bare bottom ponds...I dont think its common but I'd personaly hate for it to happen so just avoid it all together...I like mats layered style(in the pot plant base)...I aquascaped using play sand(bunnings) but then made sure I covered all the sand with rocks so the fish cant get to the sand...the plants are thriving...and I can still feed them on the bare bottom...reckon you could do something similar on the whole bottom...or have a covered area you feed them on(if sinking pellets)...I have also seen guys use a plate to feed them on yep true...they place a saucer on the substrate and then place the sinking pellets,etc on the plate... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
goldenswimmers Posted May 13, 2012 Report Share Posted May 13, 2012 Hey michael I notice you got different varieties in the same tank...what do you feed your guys??.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fancygoldfish Posted May 13, 2012 Report Share Posted May 13, 2012 Thats my main display tank in the house, In that tank hikari wheatgerm atm Mixed with hikari oranda and lionhead. they also get heaps of shelled peas, zucchini and they love oranges. personally there fav is earth worms, blood worms. they dont go to much on brine shrimp i think is to much work. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
goldenswimmers Posted May 13, 2012 Report Share Posted May 13, 2012 nice mixed diet mate do you worry about your ryukins,etc eating lionhead/oranda pellets?..with the high protein/aminos etc aimed to increase the headgrowth... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fancygoldfish Posted May 13, 2012 Report Share Posted May 13, 2012 na not really to be honest they go straight for the bigger wheatgerm or staple diet. it seems the others are to small for them to worry about to much.if they eat a little im sure it wont do them to much harm. this diet ive been using for over 12 months with no problems. they only have pellets once a day the other feeds are a mixed diet of veggies or worms Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Inkozana Posted May 14, 2012 Author Report Share Posted May 14, 2012 A plate to feed on, that's a good idea.. I put in some blanced cabbage today but my fish just ate it and spat it out a couple of times.. what part of the orange do you feed? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
goldenswimmers Posted May 14, 2012 Report Share Posted May 14, 2012 na not really to be honest they go straight for the bigger wheatgerm or staple diet. it seems the others are to small for them to worry about to much.if they eat a little im sure it wont do them to much harm. this diet ive been using for over 12 months with no problems. they only have pellets once a day the other feeds are a mixed diet of veggies or worms yeah mate wasnt worried so much it was bad for them more that your ryukins might get some headgrowth ha ha some dont like it on the guys Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fancygoldfish Posted May 14, 2012 Report Share Posted May 14, 2012 i cut the orange into 8 pieces and float it in the tank they love it you will be left with only the skin. havent seen any head growth on them yet. lol. might be interesting if they do. ive tried feeding the broccoli they dont seem to love it but they will tolerate it. has anyone ever fed you fancies frozen spinish saw it in the supermarket today i was thinking about cutting it into blocks and trying it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matmatmat Posted May 14, 2012 Report Share Posted May 14, 2012 I've been giving mine spinach frozen.. Same brand as my blood worms? They aren't that keen but will eat it, then do heaps of poo Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fancygoldfish Posted May 14, 2012 Report Share Posted May 14, 2012 guess it probably cleans them out the same way shelled peas do Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
