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Do goldfish need a air pump??

15 replies

BonkeyMollocks · 05/05/2013 22:07

Ok help me please - t'internet is giving me all sorts!

Yay or nay? Confused

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lovelilies · 05/05/2013 22:08

no we lied to pets at home some say you do but our fish are very happy in their bog standard aquarium with no filter Grin

LittleBells · 05/05/2013 22:23

Most definitely. They might survive in non-filtered water, but it won't be pleasant for them, at all.

LittleBells · 05/05/2013 22:26

I just had a quick look on the internet for back-up and I can see probably 95% responses to the same question as being "yes, you do need a filter, especially for goldfish" Smile

LittleBells · 05/05/2013 22:28

From World of Fish (for example) "Many people do not realize that goldfish, like all other fish, require proper filtration in order to remain healthy. Keeping them in a bowl without filtration requires a lot of maintenance and can be frustrating. If the bowl does not have a filter, nitrogen based toxins build up which can severely harm or even kill your fish.". Basically even if they do manage to survive it will be a toxic unpleasant environment for them.

Please get a filter.

I am a bit passionate about making any pet that we choose to live with us as comfortable and healthy as possible.

CharlieMumma · 05/05/2013 22:29

Yes you do. People are always surprised my goldfish lived for over 10 years - if they are well looked after with good air filled water then they will! Annoys me why lie about it u you clearly felt there was something to lie about? Just get a little pump doesn't have to be expensive!

BonkeyMollocks · 05/05/2013 22:33

Thankyou , pump then yes!

We have one already but its a fecking noisy beast but I may have to get a better one...


Next question - does it have to be on 24/7 or is it ok just in the daytime?

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LittleBells · 05/05/2013 22:41

It should be on all the time, they shouldn't be so noisy though? Confused Is your pump an old one? If so perhaps a new one would work more efficiently and be quieter. Are your fish in or near the bedroom area (I am guessing they are if the noise disturbs you at night!) If so could you move them somewhere further away?

EauRouge · 06/05/2013 08:38

Yes, they do absolutely need a filter (all fish do) and it needs to be on all the time. This is not the same as an air pump which just blows bubbles. Which do you mean? Air pumps can be noisy but filters shouldn't be. Also you should never, ever clean a filter sponge with tap water. This explains about filter bacteria and why you need them.

You didn't say how big your tank is, but goldfish grow very, very large- contrary to popular belief they do not grow to the size of their tank. Keeping them in a tank that's too small can cause all kind of health problems and premature death. Have a read of this but make sure you're sitting down first!

Grockle · 06/05/2013 09:14

No, they don't need one. Our fish are 3 years old and live in a tank with no filter. They do have lots of pond plants and we top up the water frequently but they are big, happy (as far as you can tell with goldfish), healthy fish.

NO-one ever used to have pumps with goldfish & they survived.

EauRouge · 06/05/2013 09:44

All fish need filtration. There is little difference between goldfish and any other kind of aquarium fish other than goldfish always used to be tougher (not as true these days).

Goldfish used to live in unfiltered tanks before everyone knew better. They survived in miserable conditions and lived very short lives. They should live for 20 years+.

For anyone that doesn't know what filters are for, here's a short explanation- filters are not just for keeping the water clean so you have to do fewer water changes; filters provide an environment for nitrifying bacteria to grow. This is important because fish are constantly excreting ammonia from their gills and from their waste. Ammonia is poisonous to fish and a build up can cause painful burns, damaged gills, a lowered immune system and death. The bacteria in the filter process ammonia into nitrite and then nitrate which is much less harmful to fish. Nitrate is then removed by doing regular water changes.

Fish are protected under the 2006 animal welfare act, which gives them the same protection as other pets.

Without a filter, fish may appear OK but they are slowly being poisoned.

LittleBells · 06/05/2013 13:32

Nobody used to know any better back in the day re filters and goldfish, and they survived a few short years at most. Probably unhappily and unpleasantly, but can they tell us they are suffering? NO. Sad
What I don't understand is why not have a filter? Filters are proven to improve tank conditions. Who wouldn't want that for their pet? Confused It's not the expense surely - they are cheap enough.

BettySwollocksandaCrustyRack · 07/05/2013 12:41

Yes they need a filter, I don't think they need an airpump although I have them in both my tanks and I think they do help the water.

Are you talking about a filter or an air pump?

BonkeyMollocks · 08/05/2013 14:20

I think I was talking about a filter . It gives off bubbles hence the air pump bit.

We went out and bought a newer one which has seemed to sort the problem - we can hear it but it no longer sounds like a digger Hmm.

Thankyou all :)

OP posts:
EauRouge · 08/05/2013 14:26

Did you move the sponge from the old filter into the new one? It's very important to do this ASAP if you haven't already.

BonkeyMollocks · 08/05/2013 14:45

Yep all sorted! :)

I swear the fish are happier without the racket too!

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