The frequency of changing water for goldfish mainly depends on the season, the size of the fish tank, the number of fish being raised, and the water quality:
Seasonal Factors:
Spring and Summer Seasons: Due to the relatively high temperature, goldfish have a fast metabolism, and the water quality is likely to deteriorate. It is recommended to change the water every about 10 days, or once to twice a week, and adjust it according to the actual water quality situation.
Autumn Season: Similar to spring, you can change the water once a week.
Winter Season: With low temperatures, the water quality is not prone to spoilage. The interval between water changes can be appropriately extended. It is recommended to change the water every 10 to 15 days, or once every 2 to 3 weeks.
The Size of the Fish Tank and the Number of Fish Being Raised:
Mini Fish Tank (5-10 liters): With limited space, the water quality deteriorates easily. It is recommended to change the water every day or every other day.
Small Fish Tank (20-50 liters): If there is a filtration device, change the water every 3 to 5 days; if there is no filtration device, shorten the water change cycle, such as changing the water every 2 to 3 days.
Large Fish Tank (more than 50 liters): The water body has high stability, and it is sufficient to change the water once a week.
Precautions When Changing Water:
Amount of Water Changed: Each time you change the water, it should not exceed half of the volume of the fish tank. It is best to control it between 1/4 and 1/3 to avoid putting too much stress on the goldfish.
Water Temperature: The temperature of the new water should be close to that of the water in the fish tank. Generally, the temperature difference should be controlled within 1℃ to prevent the goldfish from experiencing "water temperature stress".
Chlorine Removal: Tap water contains chlorine, which can harm the gills of goldfish. Therefore, tap water should be left standing for 24 hours before changing the water, or a professional chlorine remover should be used.
Cleaning the Fish Tank: When changing the water, you can also clean the fish feces, leftover bait residues, etc. at the bottom of the fish tank. However, avoid over-cleaning to prevent damage to the microbial ecosystem.
Signs of Water Quality Deterioration:
The water body starts to turn yellow, green, or turbid, which may be caused by the accumulation of leftover bait residues and fish feces.
In conclusion, the frequency of changing water for goldfish needs to be adjusted flexibly according to the specific situation. At the same time, pay attention to the details when changing the water to ensure the healthy growth of goldfish.