Tank Setup

Size

Tank Size is an important step to becoming a fish owner. In a small tank, water conditions can occur rapidly, while too large a tank can be a burden for a beginner. I recommend at least investing in a 10 gallon. Choose a tank that has more water surface and less depth. ( Rectangular ones are better suited for Goldfish.) Goldfish tend to require more space than other varieties of fish. A GOOD RULE TO FOLLOW:

1 FISH PER 10-20 GALLONS OF WATER

Check out the tank volume calculator here or your tank's L x W x D divided by 231 = US Gallons

Dangers of Using A Goldfish Bowl

You should never keep your goldfish in a fishbowl. It is too small, a nightmare to maintain, and often leaves your fish gasping for air. If you MUST keep your fish in a fishbowl for some reason, be sure that it is only filled halfway. The reason for this is that a greater surface area allows more oxygen for the fish. A goldfish bowl filled to the top may have more water in it, but the surface area is much smaller. If you are in a bind you can use almost anything that is water tight to house your fish. Just make sure it is cleaned out and do not use detergent as it is deadly to fish! When you can invest in a bigger tank it is not that expensive and your fish will be much happier!

Read this article about fish and bowls!

Location

Tank Location is important. Do Not place the tank near a heat source, direct sunlight, or cold drafts. Remember to place the tank in a location that permits servicing of the filters and performing general care. Goldfish are also sensitive to bumps and loud noise. The tank should be kept where the fish will be spared from excessive noise or thumping(stereos, speakers, etc.). A fish that is swimming around with jerky motions or jumping may be frightened! Even tapping on the glass can frighten your goldfish. All of these can cause unwanted stress to your fish, and should be avoided whenever possible.

Stand

When choosing a stand, make sure it is sturdy enough. 1 GALLON OF WATER WEIGHS APPROX 8 LBS There are stands made specifically for aquariums. See your local pet store!

Adding New Fish

Before adding the newly purchased fish- You need to make sure the tank has reached a biological balance. If not, you could experience problems with your tank and your fish's health! You should let the tank cycle for a few days. Do daily water checks to read the ammonia levels as well as the pH, nitrite and nitrates. This enables you to ensure that the filters, aeration, and heaters are working properly.

Adding new fish has a few requirements such as making sure the water in the aquarium is similar to the water in the bag with the new fish. Take some water from your existing tank and put some in the bag to acclimate the temperature for the new fish. Leave the fish in the bag for 15 minutes while floating in the tank. While the fish is in the bag if it shows signs of stress such as grasping at the surface immediately release it into the main tank. Don't knowingly put a sick fish in with your existing fish or you could transmit disease and infection.

SEE SYMPTOMS CHART DISEASE DIAGRAM AND ADVICE FOR TREATMENT

AQUARIUM EQUIPMENT

Heaters are not a requirement for goldfish; however, I have found that my goldfish are more active when the water temperature remains near 74 degrees Farenheit. I suggest keeping the water temp steady year round. If the tank's temperature fluctuates a lot, this could create stress for your fish resulting in illness. (such as Ick)

Lights create a well illuminated aquarium that allows better viewing and highlights color of your fish. You should leave the lights on at least 4 hours but no more than 10 hours each day. Goldfish have no eyelids, and will be shocked and stressed if lights are suddenly turned on. It is a good idea to always turn on room lights first. Fish do sleep every night and will get the best sleep when the lights are off. You should try to get them on a schedule and turn the lights off at approx. the same time each night! If you leave the lights on around the clock the fish will find some time to rest during the day but will remain healthier if they are allowed to get some sleep at night. So make your fish a happy fish and turn off the lights each night! (goldfish are sensitive to light) There are different types of aquarium light fixtures available; for example, striplights, full hood and canopy lights available in fluorescent and incandescent fixtures. Fluorescent fixtures produce more light per watt and give off less heat than incandescent bulbs.

Filters come in various brands and types that will efficiently clean your tank. I would suggest that if your tank is larger than a 10 gallon investing in a undergravel system with powerheads, which creates a biological system within the gravel. I would also use an outside filter system. These use fibrous material and activated carbon which purifies and cleans the water. (more info on filtration devices)

Tank Decorating

Decorating the tank is purely an individuals own preference. Gravel, decorative rocks, ornaments, and artificial plants as well as alive plants are a few choices. Avoid sharp objects in the tank or you may end up with a cut or injured fish. This is especially true with fancy species with hoods or bubble eyes. I would suggest purchasing plants in different sizes to create a natural look. This also allows the fish a place to seek refuge if needed (makes the fish feel more at ease, plus allows a place to seek refuge from the bright light when the tank lights first come on). I have found that artificial plants work better with goldfish, as they tend to be scavengers and dig up the plants. (beneficial bacteria will colonize the plants as well) Artificial plants can be cleaned in a solution of water and bleach. ( Just remember to rinse the plants extremely well) I have added plants such as anacharis to suction cup clips to the side of the tank for the fish to nibble on when they choose. Gravel is a necessity if you choose to use an undergravel system. I would use enough gravel that the undergravel plate is covered about 2-2 1/2 inches in depth. Any color of gravel is okay; however, some colored gravel has been known to color the water. I recommend a natural gravel in a fairly fine size. (this ensures that if the goldfish ingests any it can be easily passed) It is important that gravel (and not crushed coral or coral sand) be used as a substrate in the goldfish aquarium. Coral and shells are calcium-rich, and this will encourage the pH to rise. Gravel allows colonies of beneficial bacteria to thrive. This helps with the removal of ammonia and nitrites in your tank and creates more suitable living conditions for your fish. If your tank is newly setup, you only need to acquire a handful of gravel from an established tank. Take the established gravel and place it under the gravel in your tank and you have just placed some beneficial bacteria in your tank and gave it a head start in the entire bacterial process.

Be sure to thoroughly rinse the gravel before placing it in the tank.

Use caution when using things that you have collected on the beach, or from your yard etc. They may contain soluble materials that could leach into your tank and pollute the water. Some examples are:

sea shells
builders gravel
beach sand
drift wood

Backgrounds are a very nice addition to the tank and make the tank's look very nice!