I had goldfish when i was really little and don't remember how to take care of them. The goldfish I use to have was about 2 inches long and I kept it in a little bowl and it lived for about 2 years. I want at least 3 goldfish and I have a 10 gallon tank with a heater and filter, what do I need to know about goldfish care?
2006-10-27 16:03:47 · 9 answers · asked by grs 1 in Pets ➔ Fish
Again I find myself posting this "list" of things necessary for the proper care of goldfish. I had no idea the species was so popular as pet when I first joined here, and was even more suprised at the amount of people on here keeping them in improper environments. I worked at an aquarium store for two years (when I was in high school, now I'm in college), and I rarely sold goldfish for pets.
Anyway, here is the bit I wrote a few days ago...
The following things are necessary for the long-term care of a goldfish:
- Large tank, at least 60 gallons. Why so large? Well, because goldfish are large fish. They will easily reach one foot in length if cared for properly. The reason why all these people are on here saying "mine lived in a bowl for two years lol" is because they do not realize that the normal lifespan for a goldfish is 20-30 years. Thus, when people brag about their goldfish that lived for a few years in a bowl, they are basically bragging about how they slowly killed a baby (yes, baby) fish by taking improper care of it.
- A powerful filter. Let's face it, goldfish are not the cleanest fish in the hobby. I like to think of them as aquatic pigs in a way... They eat all the time and root around in the substrate, much like their terrestrial "counterparts". Because of this, more time needs to be spent keeping their environment clean than when keeping tropical fish. Sure, they can survive for short periods of time (i.e. a few years) in small, filthy environments, so can pigs. But does that mean that the animals like this abuse and they should be kept that way? Certainly not. Goldfish (and pigs) like clean environments and room to roam just as much as any other animal.
- Dechlorinator. Nearly all tapwater today contains chlorine, chloramine, and heavy metal ions that are added to kill bacteria. They are also harmful to fish, and can cause the fish not only discomfort, but actual physical harm (such as damaged gills) if they are exposed to these chemicals over a long period of time. Some species will keel over immediately when exposed to even small amounts of these toxins.
- Regular tank maintenance. This is arguably the most important thing you can do for a fish tank. Goldfish tanks will need to have 30% of their water changed out and replaced on a WEEKLY basis, even moreso if the nitrates are above 30 parts per million. Additionally, the filter will need to be cleaned out once a month or whenever the flow slows down, because if it is not cleaned often enough, it can begin to leach toxins back into the water. Regular, weekly tank maintenance is absolutely necessary. There is no way to get around it, no machine or fish that will clean the tank for you. In fact, many so-called "cleaner fish" actually produce an exceptionally large amount of waste for their body size, causing the tank to get even dirtier.
Even though goldfish are quite possibly the least expensive fish (because they are bred in bulk for the sole purpose of being fed to other fish), they are not easy fish to care for. And by "care for", I am referring to proper care of the species, not the blatant abuse they are commonly exposed to by being put in bowls or small tanks. These are certainly not beginners' fish, and one should not attempt to keep goldfish until they are certain they will be able to provide a spacious, clean environment for the entirety of the species' decades-long lifespan.
Hope that helps.
2006-10-27 16:19:06 · answer #1 · answered by give_me_more_drugs675 2 · 3⤊ 2⤋
First you are going to need a bigger tank because goldfish can get up to 12 to 14 inches long. Also you will need a good quality, high volume filter because goldfish are messy. They are a cold water fish, so depending on how cold your house is and where you live you might not need the heater. Feed them three times a day just as much as they will eat in a minute or two. Goldfish will over eat and get fat so watch their diet. You can get flakes and floating pellets for them from any pet store or Walmart. They will also eat algae wafers and mine liked watermelon and oranges. I would recommend at least a 30 gallon tank. You will be happier and so will the fish.
2006-10-28 04:33:11 · answer #2 · answered by Liam 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
First, a 10 gallon tank is only big enough for the tiniest goldfish, and even then they will out grow it very shortly. You don't need the heater as goldfish are coldwater fish, but you do need a very good filtration system. Try the website goldfishutopia.com for lots of info.
2006-10-27 16:15:06 · answer #3 · answered by piper 3 · 3⤊ 1⤋
Goldfish are real easy, just feed them twice a day. That is pretty much it. Keep the tank clean. They don't even need a air pump, they will get air off the top of the water. )O(
2006-10-27 16:08:24 · answer #4 · answered by Witchy Woman 4 · 1⤊ 2⤋
Each goldfish needs 10 gallons all to itself. They need all that space for oxygen exchange in their gills. It has nothing to do with waste management, and an airstone won't help.
Look here: www.kokosgoldfish.com
They have lots of really great info.
Good luck
2006-10-27 16:10:51 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 1⤋
i just put mine in a 1 gallon bowl and feed it once a day and ive never seen a foot long goldfish in my life.
2006-10-27 20:56:42 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 3⤋
Borat will tell you
or go to addictinggames.com and try fish tycoon
kill a fake one before you buy a real one
2006-10-29 08:05:27 · answer #7 · answered by judge_smails_sir 3 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Just remember to feed them.And change there water monthy.
2006-10-31 15:08:12 · answer #8 · answered by George K 6 · 0⤊ 2⤋
keep them in water and feed them or else they go belly up
2006-10-27 16:05:55 · answer #9 · answered by Ern Bucket 2 · 0⤊ 5⤋