Proper Maintenance and Care for Goldfish

Goldfish have come a long ways from what we now know as the feeder goldfish that we used to win at the county fairs. They were usually unhealthy and didn't last more than a week or two. Gold fish now come in a wide variety ranging from fancy tails or red caps to name a couple. Here are some pointers to have a healthy happy goldfish environment.

Once you have set up your tank and allow it to cycle you come to the decision of what kind of goldfish to house in your tank. First pick similar goldfish do not mix the fancy tail or similar goldfish with the ones that are streamline. They are slower than the stream line goldfish and will not do as well because they will not get as much food as their quicker cousins.

One of the most important things to know about goldfish is they are very dirty. It is highly recommended that you house one goldfish to every 10-15 gallons of water. You do not have to count anything such as pletoscomus because they clean the tank. Over crowding of the tank with goldfish is one of the most common mistakes people make.

Regular water changes are a must because of the waste that the goldfish produce. It is recommended that a 75% tank change is done no less than once a month. Feeding recommendations are once a day no more than they can consume in a 2-3 minute time frame. Over feeding is another common problem which also dirties the tank regularly.

A small tank should be kept for introducing new fish. Use the small tank as a quarantine tank. This way if there are any problems with the new fish you do not contaminate your main tank. This tank can also be used to isolate a problem fish. I have seen aggressive goldfish who do not like the introduction of new fish in the tank. If it is a problem the aggressive fish should be removed and placed in another tank.

Start right is a good product when setting up a new tank, introducing new fish or doing partial water changes. Just drop the tablets in per the instructions on the box. The products are fairly inexpensive and last a long time. Live plants are also good for the tank but please do research on the types to use in a goldfish tank.

Goldfish are a hardy, low-maintenance fish to be kept in tanks. Following the basic rules for goldfish tanks can make a very beautiful and rewarding display in any household. Just remember once started they can become very addictive.