Hi, doc,
WOW! spot-on , few goldfish are actually struggling with balancing problem, perhaps the 2.5 ft height is not very ideal (some people actually advise me to go with a shallower tank, but I bo-chap!).

With regards to fish appear under-fed, I fed them 3 times on weekdays (as I am working) and 5 - 6 time on weekend, with large quantity of food (I am not worry about the water conditions as previously mentioned). Maybe they are still fighting for food and survival.

My next plan is to trim the no. of fishes, have some theme and maybe some feng sui sense. Hopefully don't make my tank too bare

the ranchus I got it cheap and not enough std to show here

also, still learning on how to take a good picture of the goldfish. how to prevent the light reflection from the eyes, photography experts can advise. Some bros here can really take very good pic of goldfish.

This is one of the aesthetically pleasing tank that I have seen.
Thanks for the pics.

You really inspire me to explore setting up a goldfish tank. Have been holding back because thinking that tank can only hold a few fishes hence not worth setting. Now must reconsider.
Just wondering if I setup a sump tank and place all the sand/coral chip in the sump tank instead of in the main tank, let the water run thru mechanical filter before going thru' sand and then return to main tank, will this work as well? Something like some of the Marine setup. Any comment on this?

GoldfishHub,
The gist is "PLENTY of BB GROWTH".

There is local tank company (C**** R**f) that they able to help on setting up tank with minimum or NO water change . The trick they have is having an overflow system into a huge sump tank (hidden in the cabinet) with plenty of coral chips for BB to multiply and thrive. Refill is done on the sump tank without even disturbing the main tank. I have seen their setup and is pretty cool.

Your idea should work if you are able to provide that BB bloom!! ;)

On this will be project 2006... look out for it!!!

Remember to take care of the NO3 too.

Heard some strain of BB can even convert the NO3 to harmless N2, not sure it's true. Maybe some experts can advise.

Updates on my "aesthetic" tank :-
After couple of months of "pumping" & "spiking" the fishes indeed has grown, put on some weights and improve on the coloration. Noticed the difference b4 & after



But my photo taking skill still as lousy as b4

More pictures and start counting the goldfish :-











But my photo taking skill still as lousy as b4

wah, LFS

Juat wanna ask a question that has been bothering me for as long as I have kept goldfishes. Which is better? An empty tank or a tank that uses gravel? Personally, I find it difficult to keep the water crystal clear if I use an empty tank. It's easier to keep the water clear with gravel. But then, I heard that gravel can cause fish diseases.

Can someone enlighten me?
Which is better for the goldfish?
If an empty tank is better, how do I keep the water crystal clear?

Sounds like you have experience with both. What do you think

I think there is a chance that the water quality may deteriorate and go undetected if gravel is used. Maybe that's why some of my fishes develop red streaks rather often.

A bare tank will no doubt be more difficult to keep the water crystal clear. So, it will affect the pleasure of watching the fishes. However, I think having two Eheim Ecco filters may be able to solve the problem. I have just one Eheim Ecco running now. Going to buy another one soon. Hopefully, by having 2 filters, it'll keep the water crystal clear.

Personally, I think the Eheim Ecco is really good. I got if for $145 bucks but I think it's worh every penny.

Any bros out there who have good filtration methods, kindly share here. Thanks.

wow, Eheim ecco only SGD $145...i paid the AUD$ 145 for eheim classic. Funny how we get ripped off here. Anyway why do you preffer eheim eco or classic?given that its more costly n performs far less that an eheim classic.

I have got one eheim classic attached to an outdoor 150tub....works pretty good but the algea grows fast (direct sun)so i clean the tub every 2weeks other wise the water turns cloudy.