Stocking rates for goldfish

[ian1506]

Hi folks. As you can see I am very new here but have been reading posts with a great deal of interest. I have cobbled together a very small system comprising a 160Litre FT with a 50 Litre Deep water raft and a small 100 Litre grow bed.

I am a little confused about stocking rates as most of the posts seem to deal with the larger type of fish. As I am only keeping goldfish at the moment, which obviously will not reach the size of perch/trout etc, could someone suggest what stocking level may be suitable for my small system.
Thanks for any help you may be able to provide. Great site with a huge amount of info.

Cheers Ian (Victoria)

[GaryD]

Hi Ian,

In responding to your question, I'm assuming that your grow bed is set up in such a way that it is acting as a bio-filter. Is this correct? Is it flood and drain or continous flow?

How many fish you use will depend on lots of things....not the least of which is the size of the goldfish.... so you need to run your system according the results of regular water testing.

Before you add fish, I'd recommend that you cycle your system using sulphate of ammonia or urea. You can add the fish once your system has cycled.

Since you can get them pretty much any time you want them......and in whatever numbers you want at any time......I'd suggest that you start off with a small number (say 8) and see what effect that has on your water test readings. You can add a few more later when you've got a handle on what they are producing in the way of nutrients.

Gary

[ian1506]

Hi Gary and thanks for responding so quickly.

My grow bed is a continuous flow so I guess it is acting as the bio filter. I also have a small pad trapping any solids just before they go into the DWC.

I didn't mention this in the previous post but I already have 10 goldfish in the tank and have been going now for about 2 weeks. I currently have an aquarium inside the house so have been using some of the change over water to top up the FT. Water in the FT is reasonably clear and smells quite good. I think I have been bitten by the bug as I can already picture my next setup. Minister of fincance is waiting for her first lettuce before she commits.

Cheers and thanks for the advice.
Ian

[GaryD]

OK......then it's a good idea that you start testing the water. That will confirm whether or not your system has cycled....there's a good chance that it has given your use of water from an existing fish tank and taking account of the weather.

The presence of nitrates will indicate that it's a good time to throw your plants in. I suggest that you start with something other than lettuce since the hot weather may cause them to bolt to seed. Plant some herbs.....like parsley, thyme, chives, coriander and sage. That will keep the Minister impressed enough until the cooler weather comes around.

Once you get things settled down, you can use your water test to determine how many fish you can add to the system.

Gary

[Cecil]

Minister of fincance is waiting for her first lettuce before she commits.

Ian

Too funny!