water & tanks & all kinds of stuff

Question
Howdy, I've had fish on and off for about a year, mainly because they kept not wanting to live.  Actually, I'm sure they wanted too... but I had a small round bowl, and maybe the water wasn't cleaned enough... They were gold coloured fish.  ANYWAY, that was then.  I now have about a 6 gallon (perhaps) tank (don't talk gallons here - it's about 25 litres), with 4 Shubunkin in them.  They are happy fish.  I didn't do any research when I got them.  Just grabbed 'em & bung them in.  However, I've gravel and weeds, and they seem happy.  I'm changing the water every 7 - 10 days as I've no filter & pump, usually about 2/3's of the water.  They get new weed every week or two, weed from an established pond.

My question is - what tests do I need to do?  I treat the water before I add it, let it get to room temperature (usually leave it overnight before putting it in), and have been to a commercial pet shop, but I didn't buy any tests or ask anyone because it was a big chain & I don't really trust staff that are still in grade 9 or so...

From reading the pack, the Ammonia test was mainly for tropical fish.  Is that right?  

Any advice is good, thanks.  I think my fish are happy, they've been alive for 4 months and have a huge appetite.  Not that I feed them too much... once every day, couple of days, have left it a week as I was away, and they are still happy...

Thanks,
Neil

Answer
Hi Neil,

Unfortunately, you've got some big problems with your current setup. I'll list them below.

1) Tank Size. Goldfish need at least a 20 gallon tank. (76L). This is because they will eventually grow to an adult size of 12", or 30cm. Many people keep their Goldfish in bowls - and this is why they die. Small aquariums like yours are also not suitable for Goldfish, especially one without a filter. I'm surprised that your Goldfish actually managed to live this long.

2) Filters. Why do you need a filter? First of all, fish produce waste, and this waste will turn into toxic ammonia. However, beneficial bacteria will develop in your filter that remove wastes. Without the presence of a filter, bacteria must live in the gravel, where they are not sufficient. This lack of helpful bacteria causes ammonia poisoning, the #1 cause of fish death. This is why so many fish died in your bowl. No fish can be kept in a bowl. A good filter is essential to fish health.

You might be thinking, "All my fish are doing fine!" But, fish always try to make the best out of the situation, like humans, and they are delicate. If you do not upgrade your tank and get a filter, they will most certainly die prematurely. If kept in a proper tank of no less than 20+ gallons, they can live over 25 years!

Testing: The tests you need for any freshwater aquarium are:

-Ammonia (Very important! This is the most lethal toxin)
-Nitrite (Also important, toxin)
-Nitrate (Maintain less than 20 ppm at all times)
-pH (Acidity)

Those four can be bought separately, or in a kit. Liquid tests are the most accurate, and those are the ones I recommend. API's tests are a great brand.

If you test ANY ammonia or nitrite, or more than 20 ppm nitrate, perform a water change immediately to dilute the toxins.

For now, until you get a larger tank and filter, perform 10% water changes daily.

Good Luck, and Happy fishkeeping!