How often to change water

[KevinVA]

Getting that high of a reading on your test strip, while 0 on your tap, is enough to tell me that your nitrates are especially high right now. Do at least a 50% water change (70-75% would be better). If all you've been doing is 35% all this time, it's a safe bet that nitrates have been steadily growing into the realm you're suggesting. Wait about an hour after your water change and test again. If it's still high, then clean your filter out.

Don't forget to use dechlorinator!

Also, when you're cleaning out your filter, save a bucket of tank water and dump the filter media in that (shake it around, squeeze the sponges out, etc), then rinse the filter baskets/canister/etc, and you'll be good to go. Check your params in another hour and you'll probably be back to normalcy. If not, you'll need to do another water change.

Then go buy one of these: http://www.amazon.com/API-Freshwater...aster+test+kit

[KevinVA]

GF's are messy! Lol, little boogers.

Goldfish are pretty messy, too!

[Jeremy]

Thanks guys I appreciate it. Where should my nitrate level be?

[imma24]

Nitrates should be 20ppm or less BEFORE you change the water. I agree that with goldfish, water changes should be at least 50% each time as they produce a lot of waste.

If someone is having difficulty keeping nitrates at a safe level even with frequent, large water changes, that can mean the tank is too small for the stocking or feedings need to be reduced.

[Jeremy]

Thanks again guys, learning alot.

That brings me to another question. Just how much food a day should goldfish get? I give them a pinch twice a day. Is this okay? or too much?

[Indian Woods Angels]

Goldfish are pretty messy, too!

Ha ha....and now it's a dozen roses and "two"!!!!!! pounds of chocolate to keep her happy for another year.

[Jeremy]

Also, when you're cleaning out your filter, save a bucket of tank water and dump the filter media in that (shake it around, squeeze the sponges out, etc), then rinse the filter baskets/canister/etc, and you'll be good to go. Check your params in another hour and you'll probably be back to normalcy. If not, you'll need to do another water change.

Then go buy one of these: http://www.amazon.com/API-Freshwater...aster+test+kit

Thanks Kevin,

Also on the subject of cleaning my filter, I notice it gets dirty and clogged fast ( usually in between water changes ) I know I need to get a better filter but is there any harm every other day or so training some tank water and rinsing it out in that? just to keep it unclogged. I assume it wont wash away any beneficila bacteria seeing as it would be rinsed in tank water?

[Cermet]

Feeding depends on both the tank temperature (warmer water requires more food) and how fast they eat the food you give them. Do not try and feed fish until they stop - they aren't built that way and will eat far too much. Feed enough food that they can eat all of it in a minute or so (average value; at colder temps could take longer.) That amount should be done at most twice a day for large fish. Only once a day for small fish; this is per what I have read relative to tropicals - goldfish may differ a good bit.

For filter cleaning - either use treated water or old tank water and just rinse out debris. Can get as clean as you want - the bacteria can not be rinsed out to any significant extent (cold/cool water. Never use hot water! and no, I don't mean tank water is hot.)

[KevinVA]

is there any harm every other day or so training some tank water and rinsing it out in that? just to keep it unclogged. I assume it wont wash away any beneficila bacteria seeing as it would be rinsed in tank water?

Nope, no harm done. To echo Cermet - no amount of cleaning your filter (so long as you're doing it correctly) will effect your beneficial bacteria.

[CrunchyLeaf]

Goldfish are pretty messy, too!

LOL Kevin!