Hi guys, I have a question. I admit I'm fairly new into the Oranda world. I've owned koi for almost 10 years now. I know as a koi ages it will change color. I'm sure the same is true about goldfish. Now take for granted in this conversation I am a stickler for water parameters. I preheat and condition water for 3 days prior to weekly 20% water changes. I have a 75 gallon aquarium, using a Fluval FX6 with 5 Orandas. BTW, my plants, bonsai and inside fruit plants love the recycled aquarium water. I have found on web pages that Goldfish put more energy into growth in warmer waters. At the same time they will put food energy's into color in cooler waters. I have not tested this theory of cold water yet. But my temp is at 80 degrees and my goldfish are growing. I also treat with a monthly light dose of Melafix. This is just a habit that I have picked up with my koi ponds as a preventative measure. I also keep a salt level of 0.05%. I know people will argue of the salt level. I usually run a level close to 0.1% in my koi pond. Diet: I feed once daily pre-soaked Fluval goldfish pellets. and at night a gel cube of my own cooked food. Here's all that's in my receipt: One fillet of salmon, Kale, Carrots, Peas, Red Peppers, Acidophilus, Spirulina (good for coloring), and Agar Agar.
Here are some pics, I think my Red's and Orange's are doing good. However my blacks seem to be fading. A tri-color Oranda is now only white and orange. Also my Panda is turning all white. Does this have anything to do with water parameters or diet?
Craig