Did you know that a fancy goldfish can live up to 10 years or more in an aquarium? In the wild, some goldfish live as long as 40 years!
Goldfish are a beautiful addition to your home. And pets are great for teaching kids responsibility.
Fancy goldfish aren’t your grandpa’s goldfish! Learn more about how to care for these aquatic creatures and see if you’re ready for one of your own.
It Starts with the Tank
Start with a fish tank that holds about 20-30 gallons of water. Your fancy goldfish need a full gallon of water for each inch of fish. And these little fish can reach sizes of about 20 inches.
There are so many fun freshwater fish. If you add extra fish, make sure they’re compatible with your goldfish. And if you add more than one fish, you’ll need 10 gallons of water extra per fish.
Put your tank in a quiet area away from direct sunlight. Don’t place it under a heating or cooling vent. You’ll need a power source for the filtration system and light.
Always wash your hands well with soap and water before and after dealing with your aquarium.
What Goes In Your Fancy Goldfish Tank?
Layer a few inches of aquarium gravel in the bottom of the tank. If you’re using a filter that goes under the gravel, put that in first.
Always rinse the gravel before putting it in the tank. For every gallon of water, use about 1-1/2 pounds of aquarium gravel.
Using dechlorinated water, fill your tank half-way up. Put in your thermometer.
Now, use your imagination and decorate your fancy goldfish’s home. You can add rocks, tiny shipwrecks, furniture, and plants. Make sure the plants are fake.
Don’t put anything in the tank that hasn’t been well rinsed first.
After decorating, fill the tank the rest of the way.
Filter the Water
The water in the tank needs filtering up to five times per hour. Choose a filter that can handle the amount of water in your tank.
Make sure you change the filter cartridge according to directions. If the cartridge gets clogged, it’s bad for the fish.
Cozy Water
Your fancy goldfish like a water temperature from 65 to 75 degrees. Use an aquarium heater to keep the water warm. You’ll need about 5 watts per gallon of water.
Turn the heater on about 15 minutes after you’ve filled the tank with water. Run the heater, filter, and hood light for at least 24 hours before adding your fish.
Add Your Goldfish
You can buy fish here. Your fish come in a bag of water. Add the fish to the tank while it’s still inside the bag. Leave them that way for about 15 minutes.
Once the fish adjusts to the water, take it out of the bag and place it in the tank. Avoid putting the water from the bag into the tank.
Feed them sinking pellets to avoid disorders caused by fish gulping air on the surface.
You’re All Set!
Now you know how to set up a home for your fancy goldfish!
Get a tank that holds plenty of water. Line it with aquarium gravel. Add dechlorinated water, a thermometer, and a filter.
Don’t forget to clean the fish tank on a regular basis. Change your filter cartridges according to the directions. Now you’re set for years of enjoyment watching your fancy goldfish.
