goldfish trouble

Question
Hello, I have a Atman Power liquid filter AT-f101 filter. I have been having many problems with it over the past year. First of all it made loud rumbling noises. Then it quited down, as if nothing was happening. Now it is all of a sudden just letting out VERY small bubbles. They are very small and look almost like little bits of glitter or dots. But they are definately tiny bubbles. This may not be a problem but I just wondered if this was a problem for my gold fish who is about 4 years old and about 4.5 inches long. Well I got him about 4 years ago, so I suppose this is quite old for a goldfish? He has quite a large tank but sometimes the small bubbles stick onto him especially his eyes. I have to turn the filter off but I wondered if this was anything to worry about. Also I change the water every two weeks, do you think this is enough? And, sorry, also do you think there is anything I need to do to keep him healthy in his older age?? Sometimes he sits in his tank, next minute rushes around, whenever I put food in, grabs it!! Thankyou for your help, it is very much needed, sorry for wasting your time! Elinor

Answer
Hi Elinor;

The good news is your fish isn't old at all. Goldfish live to be at least 10 years old, some well over 25 years. They usually reach a length of at least 6 inches. He's got a lot of time left!

The bad news is that you probably need a more efficient and more powerful filter. The little internal filters like like the AT-f101 are just not adequate for the massive wastes that goldfish tend to make. The little bubbles may be from the filter sucking air into it somewhere. If any part of it sticks out of the water it may be causing it. The little bubbles aren't going to hurt him but the lack of oxygen from the filter being turned off certainly can. The filter should never be turned off unless it's being cleaned and should run 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

All aquariums need a 25% water change and gravel vacuuming every week. Especially goldfish. Very cute and fun fish with lots of personality, but they are very messy guys without even trying. Here is a web page about goldfish and what they need;

http://www.firsttankguide.net/goldfish.php

Good luck and I hope your little fish stays healthy for another 4.5 years....;-)

At Your Service;
Chris Robbins