Goldfish Care - learn the basics to Happy, Healthy Goldfish
Mark Sturge


So you’ve decided to bring a new life into your world, and no
it’s not a baby, it’s a goldfish! Now here's how to care for it.

Growing up, many people had a goldfish as their first live pet,
and their first dead pet too. Too many times have parents been
required to flush poor Goldie down the toilet, only to replace
him with a new fish before anyone had the chance to notice.

Goldfish care is assumed to be low maintenance and easy. Get a
bowl, fill it with water, toss in some fish flakes and you’re
done right? Not quite. Before you even choose your new friend,
you should be aware that goldfish have special needs and
preferences that, if addressed, will help to prevent the creation
of a goldfish graveyard in your toilet.

For starters, goldfish are social creatures and are happiest in
groups of up to 5 fish. The tank should be big enough to
accommodate the group and a 5-10 gallon tank (per goldfish)
should provide adequate living space.

Choosing a tank can be almost as complicated as buying a car,
there are so many flashy and expensive models! But the tank you
buy should be in the best interest of your pet. Rectangular tanks
allow for more horizontal swimming room, while the shape
maximizes the surface area for oxygen levels.

The location of your goldfish’s home should be away from windows
and draughts, in a room with a stable temperature, away from loud
noises, strong smells and wild children/animals. Remember
location, location, location!

The décor of your tank is just as important to your goldfish’s
health as food and cleanliness. It should include a layer of
gravel on the bottom, ornaments, plants (real or fake), a
filtration system and any other fish related product that your
fishy friend might enjoy. A gravel layer of 2-3 inches is
recommended to help remove old food and fish droppings from your
fish’s living and swimming area. Gravel should be rinsed and
checked for sharp edges.

Ornaments and plants provide great hiding and sleeping places for
your fish pal. Think of ornaments as fish furniture, it’s not a
necessity, but it sure makes living a lot more enjoyable.

Filtration helps to keep your fish tank clean and for 2 or more
fish, a mechanical filter is necessary. The gravel at the bottom
of the tank acts as a natural filter, but can only handle so much
abuse. Therefore, it is important to choose the right filter for
your tank, and there are plenty to choose from.

Once you’ve got your equipment, be sure to set it up about two
weeks prior to introducing Goldie to his new home. The gravel,
ornaments and anything else being added to the tank should be
washed and checked for sharp edges. Letting the tank to settle
for two weeks allows for the pH levels to regulate, the water to
oxygenate, and bacteria to grow, thus creating a happy and
natural environment for your tank’s new tenant.

Proper care will ensure a long and joyful life for your new best
friend.

Mark Sturge is webmaster of www.goldfish-answers.com . A site where
you can learn all about goldfish care and the nasty goldfish
diseases that can be traumatic for you and your fish.



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