Changing The Water...Tynk

Even common feeder goldfish can reach a foot in a large clean tank or
pond. Just look at my home page http://www.richdeer3pondsupplies.com
for a picture of 2 star rose (red and white one). She was almost a
foot and 8 years old in that photo and she was a $.28 fish. You should
really take a look at the articles on the site as well.
I agree that there is a lot of well intended but misinformed people in
regards to goldfish. Just because they start small and are cheap DOES
NOT mean they can live in anything. They do tend to tolerate a wider
temp and pH range than tropicals and can start in a smaller tank.
There is a good deal of debate on tank size for goldies. Filteration
is most important than tanks size. If you need a cheap filter, look up
homemade sponge filters which work great on small tanks.
If you can't upgrade the tank size, increase the filtration and water
changes. Overfeeding causes more problems than anything eles. In a 5
gallon tank you will find a small syphon hose ( about $4) the easiest
way to go. If you take out a little every day maybe and inch or so it
should keep things in balance. Keep a gallon of dechlorinated water
near the tank. It will always be the same temp and handy for small
changes.
Tanks are not meant to be spotless but and taking it all the way apart
isn't necessary every time.It's stressful on the fish as well. Think
about how you would feel if someone chased yo out of your home,
completely rearranged and threw you back in.
I hope this info helps. You can also email me directly at
Sincerely, Gail Hopkins, Owner Richdeer3 Pond
Supplies