GOLDEN WHITE CLOUD

Golden White Cloud Mountain Minnows (Tanichthys albonubes), also known simply as White Cloud Mountain Minnows, are small, peaceful fish native to China. The "golden" variety features a striking golden-yellow coloration that makes them a popular choice for aquariums. Here's a comprehensive care guide for Golden White Cloud Mountain Minnows:

Tank Size and Setup

• Tank Size: A minimum of 10 gallons is recommended. They are small fish but appreciate having ample space to swim.
• Aquascape: Create a well-planted tank with open swimming areas and some hiding spots. Use live plants like Java moss, Anubias, and Cryptocoryne. Adding rocks and driftwood can also help create a natural environment.
• Substrate: A soft substrate such as fine gravel or sand works well. They are not bottom dwellers, but a soft substrate will help if they occasionally forage or rest on the bottom.
• Lighting: Moderate lighting is sufficient. Ensure that lighting supports plant growth and highlights the fish’s coloration without promoting excessive algae growth.

Water Parameters

• Temperature: Golden White Cloud Mountain Minnows prefer cooler water temperatures between 64-72°F (18-22°C). They are well-suited to unheated tanks or tanks with a cooler room temperature.
• pH: They thrive in slightly acidic to neutral water, with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5.
• Hardness: They prefer soft to moderately hard water, with a general hardness (GH) of 4-12 dGH.
• Water Quality: Maintain good water quality with regular water changes (20-30% weekly). Ensure ammonia and nitrite levels are at 0 ppm and keep nitrates below 20 ppm. Use a high-quality water conditioner to treat tap water before adding it to the tank.

Filtration and Water Flow

• Filtration: Use a filtration system that provides both mechanical and biological filtration. A sponge filter or a gentle canister filter works well for their tank size and helps maintain clean water.
• Water Flow: Moderate to gentle water flow is ideal. Ensure the filter output does not create strong currents, as they prefer slower-moving water.

Feeding

• Diet: Golden White Cloud Mountain Minnows are omnivorous and will accept a variety of foods. Offer high-quality flake or pellet food as their staple diet. Supplement with live or frozen foods like daphnia, brine shrimp, and bloodworms.
• Variety: A varied diet ensures they receive all necessary nutrients and helps maintain their vibrant coloration.
• Feeding Frequency: Feed them once or twice a day. Offer only as much food as they can consume within a few minutes to avoid overfeeding and maintain water quality.