Setting up a Goldfish Aquarium
Begin by buying healthy fish and a roomy aquarium. Goldfish bowls do not enable fish to live healthy for long periods of time. Goldfish, like any other fish need plenty of room, clean and oxygenated water, and good filtration and circulation.
Signs Of A Healthy Goldfish
Scales: No sore areas or wooly fungal growths.
Body: Well- rounded and not excessively thin.
Colour: Dense and even.
Fins: Erect and undamaged.
Gills: Rapid movement of the gills and gulping for air at the surface is a sign of ill health
Eyes: Bright and clear.
How Many Goldfish
Goldfish normally live in groups, and it is entertaining to watch them interact with each other. They should not be kept with either native fish or tropical fish as they can be vulnerable to diseases they would not ordinarily be exposed to and they get stressed in the company of unfamiliar species. They can grow up to 10 or 12 inches, so bear this in mind. Other things to consider:
- The size of the tank. The amount of surface area determines how many fish you can have: not how deep the tank is, so avoid tall aquariums.
- The size of the fish
- Aeration and filtration, which will increase the oxygen content of the water. This will allow more fish to live comfortably, but if the biological filtration fails then things may crash very quickly.
- Room temperature. There is no need to heat a goldfish aquarium. Cooler temps hold more oxygen than higher temps which will allow you to keep more fish. If he room is not air conditioned during the hot months, then add more aeration and change the water more frequently.
Maintain Proper Filtration
Goldfish are very messy. They spit out there food and excrete a large amount of waste. It is essential to keep the water clean and make sure you have well established biological filtration. A good size sponge filter of high grade material does an excellent job.