Pumps & Filters

Question
QUESTION: Is there a difference between pumps and filters? I got an teeny aquarium with, supposedly, a "filter", and says "aquarium pump" on it. I was wondering if it is because it ain't filtering NOTHIN.

And is it true that fishes like playing in the bubbles that the pumps make? or is it just a coincidence that they're repeatedly going back and forth in the stream of bubbles one by one? :) Much thanks!

ANSWER: Hi Anna,

Sorry for taking forever and a day to get back to you on this one, I've had a bit of trouble with some of my tanks this week.

Basically an aquarium pump will fill the water with oxygen, these can be asthetically pleasing and prove useful when keeping fish that require high oxygen levels. Your fish will like playing in the bubbles, Zebra Danios in particular are renown for chucking themselves into any strong current. I'm not entirely sure why they do this but it can be funny to watch. I own a huge goldfish that loves throwing himself in front of the filter outlet pipe, he doesn't seem to mind that he is blow across the aquarium.

A Filter maintains water, it takes in water that is full of waste, ammonia, nitrites etc and returns clean, healthy water to the tank. The Nitrogen cycle is critical in Aquariums and real plants and a good internal/external filter can keep the cycle balanced.

You should get a small filter into your aquarium as soon as possible (due to the fact you asked this question 4 days ago, I'm sure you already have).

Sorry on my slow response.

Tom

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi Tom! Anna again, my fish Nemo is a particularly big goldfish compared to the regular sized ones you'd see in a grungy Chinese alleyway petstore. I've had it for a while and it's been quite active when also had another goldfish, Marlin. Marlin was ill and suffered from fin-rot, and only wanted to sit behind the pump. Eventually Marlin died, and I somehow believe that it was related to Nemo's aggressiveness, as it would continually nudge Marlin from the back with it's head. After I got 3 more goldfishes and 2 pearlscales, it's be very calm, although somtimes it'd have moments where it bucks up and down. There's also a goldfish in there (whom i have not named yet :]) that seems to harass Nemo with the nudging as well as to my black, white, and orange pearlscale, Blimp. Also, Nemo's dorsal fin seems to be slicked back all the time now. What should I do?

Anna :)

Answer
Hi Anna,

How big is the tank that these goldfish are being kept in?? Goldfish need a large area to swim into and large amounts of water surface for optimum oxygen exchange.

I'm guessing Nemo is a common Goldfish (elongated, with a short caudal fin). Common Goldfish are generally more boisterous and aggressive than fancy varieties such as pearlscales. Goldfish can also be territorial so it could be that Nemo is exerting his dominance over the others. Technically speaking common goldfish shouldn't be kept with fancy varieties but all fishkeepers have fallen into this trap before.

With regards to Nemo's aggressiveness it's probably just him establishing himself as top dog. Goldfish can be fin-nippers so it's possible he was responsible for the death of Marlin. When placed in close proximity fish establish a hierachy and sometimes rivalry's can get out of hand.

Sometimes ill fish clamp their fins to their body. However, I think it is more likely that he is pee'd off with the new arrival taking his place as top dog. Clamping the fin down is basic fish body language, it screams submission.

You can either separate the goldfish (it sounds like your tank is overstocked anyway, your fish will encounter health problems in the future) or you can let it run it's course.

Good Luck

Tom

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