Taking care of goldfish won at a carnival?

Question

We came home with 2 goldfish from a carnival last night. Our past experience has been that they die within 24 hours. The kids seem more attached and I'm wondering what to do to extend their lifespan. Type of water? Food? Space per goldfish?

Answer 1

I'd get at the very least a 20 gallon tank for them-bigger would be better. Could start with a 10 gallon, but they grow kinda quick will need a larger tank. Goldfish produce a lot of ammonia naturally, and ammonia will quickly rise in a small tank, that's why it's recommend they have a larger tank& also because those little feeder fish can end up at about 9 inches.(Mine are about 8 inches now)Make sure it has a filter too. Buy one of those small siphons, and change out about 20-25% of the water every week. I feed mine goldfish sinking pellets, it's a dollar for a small bottle of it. I feed mine every other day. Tap water is fine, just be sure to use a water conditioner/dechlorinator(I use Prime) before adding it to the tank. I've had my goldfish for about 4 years now, they can live a very long time if cared for properly(upwards to 30 years).

If you end up going with a tank, (I strongly recommend NOT putting them in a bowl or small 5 gallon tank, see link) you'll need to know about cycling a fish tank. Here's a link for that. Actually, goldfish are pretty hardy and they're often used to cycle a tank.

http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art3503.asp

Do a search for cycling a fish tank, will explain the nitrogen cycle for you.

http://www.aquariumboard.com/forums/home.php

http://www.fishforums.com/forum/

Sounds like a lot of work and money, but after the inital set up, and once you know what to do, it's not that difficult, and your kids will love it.

Answer 2

Carnival Goldfish

Answer 3

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RE:
Taking care of goldfish won at a carnival?
We came home with 2 goldfish from a carnival last night. Our past experience has been that they die within 24 hours. The kids seem more attached and I'm wondering what to do to extend their lifespan. Type of water? Food? Space per goldfish?

Answer 4

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Sadly, goldfish, even tiny fancy ones won at a carnival, get very, very large. They need a 25+ gallon tank (in comparison, a bowl is usually 1 gallon). Without a tank, the goldfish will get stunted, not to mention suffer from the ammonia buildup in an uncycled bowl. Other than that, though, they're very easy to take care of. They don't need a heater since they're coldwater fish, and don't need any special lights or food. Fish food is fine for them. A filter is a good idea since they're big waste producers. And you'll need to buy a gravel vac to do a 25% water change every week. Finally, since you already have the fish, you'll need to look into fish-in cycling. Cycling is basically building up beneficial bacteria that convert poisonous ammonia into non-harmful forms. Ammonia is produced from fish waste and fish food and the like. I suggest googling fish-in cycling for more information. Good luck!

Answer 5

Yeah...for everyone who said "they get big fast" it's TRUE. I rescued my little comet goldfish started with a 12 gallon, then went to a 29, and NOW they've been adopted by my Aunt who has a huge goldfish pond with waterlillies, waterfalls etc....it's Goldfish paradise. They're now both over 18inches and it's been 2 years. People seem to think that Goldfish are "cheap" disposable fish that need no more than a goldfish bowl to survive, and if they die, "oh well" just get another one for 99cents. I tell you, those two goldfish meant as much to me as my Angelfish who now occupy the 29 Gallon Aquarium! The bigger you can afford, the better. And the bigger the tank, the LESS Work, because it is more natural. I have live plants in mine, and it's really a lot easier to maintain water quality (and fish happinness) than the 10 gallon with plastic plants which is home to my Beta...who I rescued from Wal Mart. I think I have way to much compassion for animals....

To make a long story short... it is totally up to you what kind of environment to give these fish. But, they do have a chance, even though they're "carnival" fish. They're still a living animal and rely on YOU to do what's best for them!

Answer 6

Goldfish need more room than tropical fish. I don't even know why they still sell "goldfish bowls". What they specifically need is 2 gallons of water per inch of goldfish. Since goldfish get 6 inches, then I would get at least a 20 gallon tank for 2 fish.
They are notorious for producing lots and lots of waste (poop, ammonia, etc.) so get a good filter.
Do water changes every 2 weeks. About 25% of the water. Get a gravel vacuum to pick up the junk at the bottom. Your local pet store should be able to show you how to use one. It's very easy.
Normal tap water is fine, at room temperature. Add a water conditioner that has an ammonia remover in it. Prime is a good brand.
Feed them goldfish flakes once or twice daily, and if you want, freeze-dried or frozen bloodworms. They also like oranges. Just slice one up and let a piece float. Remove after a couple of hours.
They can live 15-20 years if kept under the proper conditions.

Answer 7

goldfish are really hardy fish which makes them kind of easy to take care of. at the same time though, they are very messy fish. you can go to petco or walmart and pick up a small tank (5gal-10gal) kit for something like 20-30 dollars which should include a tank, light, filter, airstone, airpump and some gravel. that should do fine. goldfish are a cold water fish, so no heater is required. just change about 10-25% of the water every 2 weeks - 1 month and feed them flake food. any questions, feel free to email me/message me!

added info:
if the fish are smaller 1-3 inches, you could start with a 5-10 gal tank, but they will grow bigger 6-8 inches and will need a larger tank as they grow, it all depends how much money you want to put into it now or later.

Answer 8

Get to a pet store quick. Goldfish produce a lot of ammonia-- you will need to have either a filter or chemicals to nuetralize the water (Amquel I think)

A small tank would be best with a filter on it. But a good pet store with knowledble staff should be able to give you many options!

Answer 9

i have had some luck with gold fish we have 2 in a one gallon tank and feed them gold fish pellets from walmart cost is like $0.88 for the jar and using bottled water that is not distilled or tap water that has sat out for 24 hours is best to prolong their lives in my case at least

Answer 10

soft water.fish food that available at shops.tank must be at 2 feet length,1 feet height.