Goldfish are a popular and easy-to-keep fish that make a beautiful addition to almost any aquarium. I have been keeping goldfish for many years. My long experience in keeping goldfish has taught me how to care for them. Keeping fish in an aquarium is not just a hobby; it is a responsible job.
Although goldfish may seem simple, taking proper care of them and keeping them in a healthy environment is a special responsibility. I have been caring for goldfish for many years and have gained experience in maintaining the care, food, and water quality they require. How to Take Care of Goldfish. Each aspect is discussed in detail based on my experience:
How to Take Care of Goldfish
Aquarium Size
It is very important to give goldfish enough space, as a fully grown goldfish is 6–10 inches in size. If you want to keep more than one goldfish, more space is needed. A single goldfish requires at least 20 gallons (about 75 liters) of aquarium space, and an additional 10 gallons of space should be added for each additional goldfish. A large tank ensures proper growth, so large tanks should be used.
Goldfish Bed Selection
Large Gravel
Place large gravel about 1-2 inches at the bottom of the tank (larger than the goldfish’s mouth) because goldfish like to dig through gravel to find fallen food. The use of small gravel can cause it to be mistaken for food while digging, which can get stuck in the mouth, throat, or digestive tract.
From my experience, it is better to use large gravel for goldfish aquarium bedding.
Sand
If you prefer not to use large pebbles (larger than the goldfish’s mouth), you can choose sand that won’t get stuck in the fish’s throat because it is too fine. However, there is some debate as to whether or not sand can irritate the fish’s gills. Moreover, sand will hold a lot of dirt, which can cause problems for water and fish.
Warning: Any gravel or sand used for aquarium bedding should be thoroughly cleaned with an aquarium cleaner before placing it in the tank, not soap. Clean and dry it well, soak it in another water source for a day, and then place it in the tank. Soaking it will leach out some impurities that could harm the tank water.
Plants for Goldfish
- Live Plants: Live plants make the goldfish habitat rich and natural, but it’s important to remember that goldfish, being omnivores, eat live plants and can uproot them while digging for fallen food. Therefore, fast-growing species with strong roots should be selected, such as Vallisneria spp., Java Fern, and Cryptocoryne.
- Plastic Plants: Instead of using plastic plants, I think it’s better to have real plants in the tank because they act as natural filters, absorbing nitrates and ammonia, reducing carbon dioxide, and providing oxygen.
Warning: Do not plant live plants directly from another aquarium or collected from the wild into your aquarium, as they may introduce parasites or disease. Disinfect them well before use.
Decoration for Goldfish
In my opinion, tank decoration is completely optional. Adding decoration will reduce the tank’s space and can cause problems when netting the fish. Goldfish like to swim, and some tank decorations can release toxins.
However, if your tank has enough space to swim, and the decoration does not release toxins, you can use it. Just make sure the decorations are smooth and soft, otherwise the fish may get injured while swimming.
Maintaining Water Quality
- Water change: 25-30% of the water should be changed every week. Before adding new water, it must be dechlorinated. Chlorine is harmful to goldfish. Before adding new water, care should be taken that the temperature of the water in the tank and the temperature of the new water are equal.
- Water Temperature: Goldfish prefer temperatures between 65°F and 75°F (18°C – 24°C). They do well in cooler water, so avoid very hot or cold water. However, if breeding, control the temperature based on the season: 68°F to 73°F (20°C – 23°C) in summer and 55°F to 60°F (11°C – 12°C) in winter. When it’s time to hatch, gradually adjust the temperature to 65°F to 75°F (18°C – 24°C).
- Water pH: If the pH value is between 7.0 and 8.0 and remains at a consistent value, goldfish will do well. Goldfish can adapt to pH values slightly above or below this range, but anything below 6 and above 9 can cause problems.
- Nitrate: Keep nitrate levels between 20-40 ppm.
Note: Ammonia and nitrite levels should be zero.
Choosing the Right Food
Flake Food
One of the most common foods for goldfish is flake food, which provides water-based nutrition.
Pellets
Another popular food for goldfish is pellets, which are heavier and sink underwater or remain semi-submersible, following the goldfish’s natural feeding pattern.
Vegetables
Goldfish are mainly omnivores so they occasionally like to eat lettuce, carrots, cucumbers, boiled spinach, spinach or boiled beans. They are nutritious and beneficial for the digestive system of goldfish. Cut the vegetables before serving. The pieces should be any food bite-sized.
Live Food
Shrimp, earthworms, brine shrimp, blackworms, bloodworms, daphnia, crickets, mealworms, or brine shrimp can be given occasionally.
Breeder and Juvenile Food
For breeders and juveniles, select goldfish food containing 30-35% protein and 5-7% fat, such as brine shrimp, daphnia, and bloodworms.
Feeding Rules
Feed 2 times a day. Do not overfeed. Provide only the amount of food they can eat in 2-3 minutes.
Warning: Remove uneaten food, as it will decompose and produce ammonia, which is harmful to the fish.
Filters and Oxygen Supply
Goldfish produce a lot of waste, which can pollute the water. Therefore, strong filters are essential. Filters help remove waste, food residue, ammonia, and nitrite.
- Biological Filter: Helps maintain the nitrogen cycle, converting ammonia to nitrite and nitrite to nitrate.
- Mechanical Filter: Removes floating particles and debris from water.
- Air Pump: Aerator or air pump can be used to supply additional oxygen. As a result, the water mixes well and does not lack oxygen..
Note: Always make sure before purchasing a filter that the filter you choose is strong enough to accommodate the size of your tank. The filter capacity is listed on each product box.
Light and Environment Control
Goldfish need proper lighting in the aquarium. Provide 8-12 hours of light, consistent with the goldfish’s natural lifestyle. Avoid placing the tank in direct sunlight, as this can cause tank temperature fluctuations and algae growth.
Cleaning the Tank and Decorations
Partial water change
First, remove 20-30% of the water in the tank with a siphon or gravel vacuum. During this time, dirt and food residue accumulated at the bottom of the tank will be flushed out with the water. After changing the water, before adding new water, the temperature of the water should be matched to the water in the previous tank, and a de-chlorinator should be added to the water so that the chlorine in the tap water is not harmful to the fish. Add new water to the tank slowly over time
Cleaning the decorations
Remove the decorations from the tank and clean them separately by submerging them in lukewarm water and scrubbing them with a soft brush. After cleaning, dry it well and keep it in the tank. Do not use any chemicals or soaps when cleaning, as these can be toxic to the fish. Details here
Cleaning the Filter
Cleaning the filter is very important, as it keeps the water in the tank clean:
- Filter Media: Gently rinse the filter media thoroughly with tank water, cleaning carefully so as not to destroy the beneficial bacteria.
- Motor or other parts of the filter: If these are clogged with dirt, clean them, but be careful not to damage the filter.
Note: Filters should be cleaned according to the cleaning method on the product packet as not all filter cleaning methods are equal.
Goldfish health check
Regular monitoring of goldfish is very important to protect their health. Goldfish are generally very hardy but can suffer from some health problems. Any problems with the goldfish’s body or behavior need to be identified quickly.
Some of the common symptoms and possible diseases are discussed below:
Ich (Ich) or white spot disease
- Symptoms: Small white spots on the body, sticking fins, loss of appetite, lethargy, rubbing against rocks or tank material.
- Possible causes: low water quality, sudden temperature changes, and stressed fish
- Remedy: Increase water temperature a little. Use anti-inflammatory medication.
Fin Rot
- Symptoms: Black, red, or white tip of fins, loss of fins. Fin color change, fish behavior change, etc.
- Possible causes: bacterial or fungal infection, water quality.
- Treatment: Clean water regularly, and use antibiotics or antifungal medication.
Dropsy
- Symptoms: Swollen belly of fish, swollen body scales, swollen eyes, swollen anus, etc.
- Possible causes: Internal bacterial infection, due to wrong diet, fish stress, etc.
- Treatment: regular water changes, salt treatment, antibiotic treatment
Keep in a calm environment
Keep the goldfish tank away from too much movement or noise. High levels of noise or sudden light can stress goldfish, which can negatively affect their health.
By following all these instructions, your goldfish will be able to live a healthy, happy, and long life.