Substrate
When it comes to substrate, there are many different kinds to choose from. The main ones are; gravel, sand, pebbles, nothing/bare and planting substrate. That's before we even look into grain size, colour and rock type!
With Goldfish, its easier to talk about what you shouldn't use, than what you should.
Avoid anything that your fish could choke on. If it could possibly become lodged in their mouths, don't use it. It's not worth the risk to your fish to use something which could be a choking hazard. As they grow, this will change but pea gravel is the usual monster when it comes to choking hazards.
Ensure your chosen substrate is much too small to be choked on or much too big to fit into their mouths.
Be sure your substrate won't alter your pH (unless you want it to). This can cause issues if swings are unexpected and unmonitored.
With Goldfish, its easier to talk about what you shouldn't use, than what you should.
Avoid anything that your fish could choke on. If it could possibly become lodged in their mouths, don't use it. It's not worth the risk to your fish to use something which could be a choking hazard. As they grow, this will change but pea gravel is the usual monster when it comes to choking hazards.
Ensure your chosen substrate is much too small to be choked on or much too big to fit into their mouths.
Be sure your substrate won't alter your pH (unless you want it to). This can cause issues if swings are unexpected and unmonitored.
Gravel
"Don't use gravel" is a common thing I hear with Goldfish. Given the correct size and adequate cleaning, it's still a good option in my opinion.
Ensure the gravel is too small to become lodged in the mouth of your Goldfish.
Use aquarium safe gravel. Other gravels may contain many things we don't want our fish near, heavy metals being a major factor.
Choose something that doesn't have a courier which will come off with time. This may not be a health hazard (unless your gravel is not aquarium friendly), but your gravel will quickly lose its colour and become unsightly. Not a problem really, but you're bound to end up replacing it as it begins to look old and worn.
Clean your gravel thoroughly and often. The main problem with gravel is those little nooks and crannies between the stones. In those nooks and crannies live all kinds of grobblies (please excuse my technical language!). Poop, food, plant debris and all sorts of yuck gathers in between the gravel so ensuring it is thoroughly vacuumed means less muck will accumulate. Dirty gravel can cause spikes in parameters and potentially major issues. If you are to use gravel, keep it super clean. You'll be surprised how quickly debris builds up in there, twice weekly vacuums are a good habit to be in, more would be better.
Fine gravel is good planting medium. It allows roots to grow happily and easily between the stones, and the muck that accumulates becomes fantastic fertiliser. Do not forget that it still needs to be kept clean. Beautiful plants mean nothing if they are in a tank of sick fish is things go awry with dirty gravel.
Ensure the gravel is too small to become lodged in the mouth of your Goldfish.
Use aquarium safe gravel. Other gravels may contain many things we don't want our fish near, heavy metals being a major factor.
Choose something that doesn't have a courier which will come off with time. This may not be a health hazard (unless your gravel is not aquarium friendly), but your gravel will quickly lose its colour and become unsightly. Not a problem really, but you're bound to end up replacing it as it begins to look old and worn.
Clean your gravel thoroughly and often. The main problem with gravel is those little nooks and crannies between the stones. In those nooks and crannies live all kinds of grobblies (please excuse my technical language!). Poop, food, plant debris and all sorts of yuck gathers in between the gravel so ensuring it is thoroughly vacuumed means less muck will accumulate. Dirty gravel can cause spikes in parameters and potentially major issues. If you are to use gravel, keep it super clean. You'll be surprised how quickly debris builds up in there, twice weekly vacuums are a good habit to be in, more would be better.
Fine gravel is good planting medium. It allows roots to grow happily and easily between the stones, and the muck that accumulates becomes fantastic fertiliser. Do not forget that it still needs to be kept clean. Beautiful plants mean nothing if they are in a tank of sick fish is things go awry with dirty gravel.
Sand
I'm a big fan of sand. There's no choking risk, as fish will spit it out, swallow it and poop it out or pass it through their gills (I love watching it fall from their gills through the water!). However, there is a very small risk that fish will swallow the sand and become impacted if the sand does not pass. This isn't common, but is something to keep your eye on nonetheless.
Choose aquarium safe sand. The last thing we want is a beautiful substrate and no fish as they've been poisoned.
We don't want anything too fine - really dusty sand will be tricky to clean, cloud water and get into filters. I've not seen this happen often, but some play sand has been known to cause a bit of chaos.
One of the major perks with sand is that there are no gaps for debris to collect beneath the surface, so everything sits on top where it can be easily vacuumed away or sucked up by the filter intake. If you adjust the filter flow, you may be able to set the current so it blows poop into the intake. Any decor is likely to have areas where waste builds up, so regular vacuuming (or using a turkey baster to suck up gunk) is necessary.
To clean sand, you don't need to dig in with a vacuum like you would with gravel. Instead, swirl the siphon (I use plain PVC tubing, no vacuum) an inch or so above the sand and it will suck up the debris sitting on top.
Deep sand can cause anaerobic pockets to form, which when burst can release toxic fumes which can be detrimental to the fish. 1.5-2" maximum should avoid this happening, thinner is better. Regularly rub your fingers through the sand to release and trapped gas before pockets can form or tie a chopstick to the end of the siphon and swirl during water changes.
Choose aquarium safe sand. The last thing we want is a beautiful substrate and no fish as they've been poisoned.
We don't want anything too fine - really dusty sand will be tricky to clean, cloud water and get into filters. I've not seen this happen often, but some play sand has been known to cause a bit of chaos.
One of the major perks with sand is that there are no gaps for debris to collect beneath the surface, so everything sits on top where it can be easily vacuumed away or sucked up by the filter intake. If you adjust the filter flow, you may be able to set the current so it blows poop into the intake. Any decor is likely to have areas where waste builds up, so regular vacuuming (or using a turkey baster to suck up gunk) is necessary.
To clean sand, you don't need to dig in with a vacuum like you would with gravel. Instead, swirl the siphon (I use plain PVC tubing, no vacuum) an inch or so above the sand and it will suck up the debris sitting on top.
Deep sand can cause anaerobic pockets to form, which when burst can release toxic fumes which can be detrimental to the fish. 1.5-2" maximum should avoid this happening, thinner is better. Regularly rub your fingers through the sand to release and trapped gas before pockets can form or tie a chopstick to the end of the siphon and swirl during water changes.
Pebbles
Pebbles are a good alternative to gravel, of you like the chunkier look. Smooth pebbles, like river rock are a good option. Use caution with rougher stone, particularly if you have fish with sensitive eyes, or that are particularly clumsy.
Not all pebbles are aquarium safe, ensure what you are adding is safe for your fish. Do not boil rocks. They may explode. Not good. Not good at all.
A vinegar test may be performed. If the rock fizzes when vinegar is dropped on it, do not use it. This doesn't test for everything though,so don't use this method alone when testing rocks. I would recommend buying something you know is aquarium safe, over picking freebies up on your travels. Better safe than sorry!
Debris will quickly gather beneath and around them, so be sure to vacuum regularly.
Not all pebbles are aquarium safe, ensure what you are adding is safe for your fish. Do not boil rocks. They may explode. Not good. Not good at all.
A vinegar test may be performed. If the rock fizzes when vinegar is dropped on it, do not use it. This doesn't test for everything though,so don't use this method alone when testing rocks. I would recommend buying something you know is aquarium safe, over picking freebies up on your travels. Better safe than sorry!
Debris will quickly gather beneath and around them, so be sure to vacuum regularly.
Bare Bottom
Simple and effective. Using absolutely nothing has little cons.
It's very easy to clean, you'll likely find all debris (if completely bare, no decor) any waste will be sucked up by the filter and given good mechanical filtration, will ensure your tank is always clean and sparkling.
No where for debris to collect unseen and cause potential spikes, no choking hazard, no risk of impaction due to swallowing. I'm finding it hard to find something bad to say about it.
It doesn't mean you can't plant! Tie Java fern and Anubias to wood and pebbles, or use pots/jars with substrate and plant root feeders in there. Don't allow yourself to feel limited because you have no substrate.
It's very easy to clean, you'll likely find all debris (if completely bare, no decor) any waste will be sucked up by the filter and given good mechanical filtration, will ensure your tank is always clean and sparkling.
No where for debris to collect unseen and cause potential spikes, no choking hazard, no risk of impaction due to swallowing. I'm finding it hard to find something bad to say about it.
It doesn't mean you can't plant! Tie Java fern and Anubias to wood and pebbles, or use pots/jars with substrate and plant root feeders in there. Don't allow yourself to feel limited because you have no substrate.
Plant Substrate
If you have plants, a plant substrate may be something you consider. Though not necessary (root tabs in am inert substrate are a game at alternative), plant substrates are a popular choice for planted tank enthusiasts.
Ensure it will not leach when first added to the aquarium. If it does, you'll need to cycle the substrate/tank before adding fish. Spikes in ammonia are normal for some substrates so make sure you aren't exposing your fish to these toxins when you set your tank up.
Plant substrate will expire, generally 6months or so after set up (depending on the brand) so you will need to add nutrients in the form of root tabs at some point.
Ensure it will not leach when first added to the aquarium. If it does, you'll need to cycle the substrate/tank before adding fish. Spikes in ammonia are normal for some substrates so make sure you aren't exposing your fish to these toxins when you set your tank up.
Plant substrate will expire, generally 6months or so after set up (depending on the brand) so you will need to add nutrients in the form of root tabs at some point.
Dirt
I LOVE DIRT! Truly, madly, deeply.
I do not, however, think it is a good choice for Goldfish.
Ensure your chosen dirt is aquarium friendly. I use John Innes No.3, which I cycle before use (something else to consider! Many will leach ammonia for a good few weeks).
Dirt works best when you leave it be. Letting poop and waste fall through the cracks in the gravel, to rot away and add nutrition to the soil beneath. With waste producers such as Goldfish, the lack of cleaning can cause issues.
I've got dirted Goldfish tanks and with a good, solid cap you can clean and keep everything running smoothly. I won't deny it's a total pain and something I only do in one of my tanks as I couldn't bare the thought of giving up dirted tanks! It isn't something I would ever consider for all my tanks though, it's just too much work and to be honest, I don't think it's really worth that pain!
Sand works as a cap, but no where near as well as gravel. I have another dirted goldfish tank with a sand cap, to which I add osmocote and clear up all waste. It's not how a dirted tank should run, but my plants get the benefits of the soil for their roots and they love the ease of rooting in that lush, soft substrate.
Being bottom feeders, and total pigs, Goldfish will easily pop a cap. So ensure your cap is solid and deep enough that the Goldfish won't wreak havoc if they reach soil. If you have a serious digger, write off soil. It will be messy and horrible.
I do not, however, think it is a good choice for Goldfish.
Ensure your chosen dirt is aquarium friendly. I use John Innes No.3, which I cycle before use (something else to consider! Many will leach ammonia for a good few weeks).
Dirt works best when you leave it be. Letting poop and waste fall through the cracks in the gravel, to rot away and add nutrition to the soil beneath. With waste producers such as Goldfish, the lack of cleaning can cause issues.
I've got dirted Goldfish tanks and with a good, solid cap you can clean and keep everything running smoothly. I won't deny it's a total pain and something I only do in one of my tanks as I couldn't bare the thought of giving up dirted tanks! It isn't something I would ever consider for all my tanks though, it's just too much work and to be honest, I don't think it's really worth that pain!
Sand works as a cap, but no where near as well as gravel. I have another dirted goldfish tank with a sand cap, to which I add osmocote and clear up all waste. It's not how a dirted tank should run, but my plants get the benefits of the soil for their roots and they love the ease of rooting in that lush, soft substrate.
Being bottom feeders, and total pigs, Goldfish will easily pop a cap. So ensure your cap is solid and deep enough that the Goldfish won't wreak havoc if they reach soil. If you have a serious digger, write off soil. It will be messy and horrible.
Overview
☆ Stick to aquarium safe substrate.
☆ Ensure it won't alter the chemistry of your water - monitor closely.
☆ Avoid substrate which poses choking risks.
☆ Keep the layer thin to avoid anaerobic pockets and debris build up.
☆ Ensure it won't alter the chemistry of your water - monitor closely.
☆ Avoid substrate which poses choking risks.
☆ Keep the layer thin to avoid anaerobic pockets and debris build up.