Temperature
You'll often hear that Goldfish are a cold water fish. This isn't true, they are in fact a temperate fish. This means that whilst they don't need warm, tropical temperatures they also don't need super cold temperatures- they do best in the mid range, but can tolerate a wide range of temperatures.
The ideal temperature for a Goldfish tank is 16-24. Any lower and you'll see reduced activity, higher and you'll speed up the metabolism which can shorten the life of the Goldfish
The ideal temperature for a Goldfish tank is 16-24. Any lower and you'll see reduced activity, higher and you'll speed up the metabolism which can shorten the life of the Goldfish
Maintaining a stable temperature
Your aim is to keep a relatively stable temperature. That doesn't mean the temperature can't change throughout the day. Goldfish are a pond fish and will be quite happy with steady daily fluctuations as the house cools at night and warms up during the day. What we don't want is very quick swings in temperature. A sudden increase (perhaps it's a small tank by a large radiator) can cause stress and even death in Goldfish, so we want to try and keep the temperature as stable as possible.
Avoid placing the tank by radiators, windows (this will also help algae control), near cookers and hobs... anything that could alter the tank temperature drastically, should be avoided. This is much less of an issue if your tank is big. The bigger the volume of water, the slower the temperature will change. Those with large tanks can get away with where they place their tank more than those with smaller tanks. If you are unsure, fill the tank and monitor the temperature without goldfish. A bucket will work and will show you how quickly things can change, but a bucket has much less volume than your tank (hopefully! If not, it's possibly time to upgrade!).
Avoid placing the tank by radiators, windows (this will also help algae control), near cookers and hobs... anything that could alter the tank temperature drastically, should be avoided. This is much less of an issue if your tank is big. The bigger the volume of water, the slower the temperature will change. Those with large tanks can get away with where they place their tank more than those with smaller tanks. If you are unsure, fill the tank and monitor the temperature without goldfish. A bucket will work and will show you how quickly things can change, but a bucket has much less volume than your tank (hopefully! If not, it's possibly time to upgrade!).
What happens when it's too warm?
Warmer water golds less oxygen. As Goldfish require oxygen rich water, warmer water isn't ideal for them. If your tank is on the higher end of the recommended temperatures or above, ensure maximum surface agitation and aeration, to prevent oxygen deprivation.
Increased temperatures increase metabolism. Whilst this isn't necessarily a bad thing, it speeds up the life cycle of the Goldfish as they "age" faster, meaning their life will potentially be cut short as they reach maturity (aged old age) faster than those kept in cooler temperatures.
Increased temperatures increase metabolism. Whilst this isn't necessarily a bad thing, it speeds up the life cycle of the Goldfish as they "age" faster, meaning their life will potentially be cut short as they reach maturity (aged old age) faster than those kept in cooler temperatures.
Heat treatment
Sometimes, we need to use heat to our advantage. Heat can be used in the place of some medications especially in the case of some parasites and constipation issues and whilst we don't necessarily use it to kill parasites, the warmth speeds up their life cycle allowing us to treat the fish faster.
Ich can be treated by raising the temperature to 30c (and increasing salinity alongside daily water changes). Whilst this temperature may seem high, the Goldfish will tolerate it for the duration of the treatment and beyond if necessary. I do not recommend keeping your Goldfish in such high temperatures long term, for the reasons listed above. Of course, during heat treatment, increase aeration.
Constipation and related Swim Bladder Disorders can also be treated by raising the temperature to increase metabolism. A good temperature to raise to is 25-27c during treatment. Constipation related buoyancy issues are often caused by a blockage. The heat speeds up the metabolism, flushing the system of the fish faster than in cooler temperatures. Sometimes, this is all that's needed to clear the way!
Ich can be treated by raising the temperature to 30c (and increasing salinity alongside daily water changes). Whilst this temperature may seem high, the Goldfish will tolerate it for the duration of the treatment and beyond if necessary. I do not recommend keeping your Goldfish in such high temperatures long term, for the reasons listed above. Of course, during heat treatment, increase aeration.
Constipation and related Swim Bladder Disorders can also be treated by raising the temperature to increase metabolism. A good temperature to raise to is 25-27c during treatment. Constipation related buoyancy issues are often caused by a blockage. The heat speeds up the metabolism, flushing the system of the fish faster than in cooler temperatures. Sometimes, this is all that's needed to clear the way!
What happens when it's too cold?
Cold temperatures decrease metabolism, if it's below 10c, the metabolism pretty much stops completely. At these temperatures and lower, cease feeding completely. Continuing to feed Goldfish in such cool temperatures can cause significant damage to their intestinal tract as they struggle to digest food and pass it through their system. Buoyancy Issues will be common. Constipation and related stress could lead to further secondary issues.
In cooler temperatures, Goldfish will be much less active, almost lethargic. In a pond setting, overwintering is common, however in an aquarium keeping the temperature above 16c is a good idea to ensure active, healthy fish.
In cooler temperatures, Goldfish will be much less active, almost lethargic. In a pond setting, overwintering is common, however in an aquarium keeping the temperature above 16c is a good idea to ensure active, healthy fish.
Overwintering
In a pond environment, it is possible to overwinter your Goldfish. This will depend on the size of your pond (shallow ponds will freeze much faster) and your location. However, given ample surface agitation, aeration and potentially a heater keeping fish outdoors year round is possible. Ensure he water does not freeze over completely. Increased agitation and aeration should help stop the pond freezing over - features like fountains and water falls greatly reduce the risk of ponds freezing.
Breeding
Goldfish naturally breed in the spring time, when there is an increase in the water temperature. Increasing the tank temperature a few degrees (from 14-16c to 18-22c) will trigger the females to produce eggs. If possible, it’s advised that the tank temperature be on the cooler side for a few months, to give the fish a winter period.
Grooming
When we talk about grooming Goldfish, we are talking about growing them a certain way. Whilst there are many, many methods, temperature is something that plays a role in most of these grooming techniques.
The aim is to grow fish, allowing certain body parts to develop in certain ways at certain ages and times during their growth.
Many grooming methods will include a slightly in ceased water temperature (somewhere around 24-26c) to grow fry a little faster. This is not a "blanket policy" for all grooming techniques, but is one widely used amongst other methods.
The aim is to grow fish, allowing certain body parts to develop in certain ways at certain ages and times during their growth.
Many grooming methods will include a slightly in ceased water temperature (somewhere around 24-26c) to grow fry a little faster. This is not a "blanket policy" for all grooming techniques, but is one widely used amongst other methods.