The spring season is a critical time for goldfish care, focusing on insulation, proper feeding, and disease prevention. As temperatures rise to around 10°C, it's the ideal time to "take the fish out of the pot," which helps them recover from winter dormancy. With careful management, goldfish can regain their health quickly. However, strong winds during this period can be harmful. After hibernation, their immune systems are weak, and poor handling can lead to mortality. To maintain warmth, it's best to use "old water" as much as possible. When cleaning the tank, remove only the dirt at the bottom, leaving the upper middle layer of old water untouched. After washing, return the old water to the tank, add new water up to 30 cm, and reintroduce the fish. This method helps maintain stable temperatures and provides a familiar environment that supports recovery.
Feeding should be done carefully. Observe the color and quantity of fish waste daily to adjust the next day’s feeding. If the fish show good digestion and appetite, gradually increase the amount of food to support growth. Disease prevention is crucial during this time. Avoid frequent water changes or moving the fish unnecessarily, as this can stress them. When handling fish, use a net gently, approaching from the front to avoid startling them. Rough handling can damage their scales and increase susceptibility to diseases. For larger females, especially those carrying eggs, avoid sudden water changes or overfeeding, as this can trigger premature spawning and lead to complications.
Summer is the peak growth period for goldfish, but high temperatures—often reaching 37°C—can cause serious issues like oxygen depletion and "hot-tailing." To prevent this, keep the water level deep (35–40 cm) to allow fish to seek cooler areas. Regular cleaning, water changes, and shading help regulate temperature and maintain oxygen levels. After rain, it's advisable to completely replace the water, as cool rainwater can mix with warmer water, causing convection and polluting the tank. Overfeeding in summer is risky, as excess food can spoil and harm water quality. Also, dead fish should not be left in the water, as they can spread disease. Common summer ailments include fin rot, white spot disease, and ulcers, so early isolation is essential.
Fall is another important season for goldfish growth. With stable temperatures, focus on feeding them well and increasing protein and fat content in their diet. Feed as much as they can eat, digest, and assimilate to ensure healthy development and prepare them for winter. Water changes can be spaced out compared to summer, and using "old water" is still recommended. Gradually reduce cover time each day to help them adapt to cooler weather.
Before winter, set up a dedicated wintering area—preferably a south-facing, sheltered space with heating and lighting. A semi-underground room is ideal. When temperatures drop near 0°C, move the fish indoors into tanks or pots. Keep indoor temperatures between 2–10°C, where goldfish remain inactive and eat little. Focus on insulation, minimal feeding, and maintaining clean, disease-free conditions. Water changes should be limited to once a month, and cleaning done every two to three days. Handle the fish as little as possible to avoid injury and disease spread. Winter diseases are hard to treat, so prevention is key.
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