
It is very important to then add water ager (also sometimes called water conditioner) to neutralise chlorine and chloramine and gH & kH generators to the aquarium, in quantities suitable for the new water you will be adding. Fish can stay in the aquarium while siphoning to minimise stress, though care should be taken not to move too rapidly as this may stress the fish.Īfter 10-25% of the water is drained, discard and replenish. The end of the siphon in the tank can be used to clean the gravel by vacuuming the substrate to remove fish faeces and any uneaten food. Weekly partial water changes of 10-25% of the tank water are recommended in conjunction with a gravel clean to remove waste and to help keep goldfish healthy.Ī siphon may be used – gently shake the siphon briefly in the aquarium to start the flow of water into a bucket below (use a dedicated fish bucket which will not be used for other purposes to avoid any harmful chemical residues). The current should not be too strong if fancy or unusual goldfish types are to be kept as fast currents can make swimming difficult for some of these fish. When selecting a filter, ensure the current is adjustable. This is important due to the high amount of waste goldfish produce. If the filter does not create bubbles or stir the surface water, an aeration system (such as air stones) can also be attached to ensure that water is well oxygenated. Good filtration will ensure all water is regularly filtered mechanically and biologically via the nitrifying bacteria in the filter media. Goldfish are heavy feeders and high waste producers and require efficient filtration of a suitable size to maintain water quality and for aeration. However, there are some new modern designs that incorporate filtration and lighting which can be good alternatives. Traditional fish bowls are usually too small for goldfish and should be avoided. Certain types of goldfish may have increased space requirements, such as slimmer goldfish that are usually more active meaning aquarium size for these varieties needs to be larger and longer than generally recommended for their body size. You will also need to consider how large your fish will be when they reach adult size and the total number of fish you wish to keep. * Remember that the larger the tank and filter, the better it is for your goldfish. Minimum tank volume is about 50L and with the following tank dimensions:įilter capacity has an equally important role to play when setting up. When choosing goldfish you will also need to consider how large the goldfish will become to ensure that they are provided with adequate space as they grow. Indicators of poor health include fish that sink or bob to the surface fish that have lumps, bumps, wounds, clamped fins or a trail of excreta and fish that stay in a corner of the aquarium for a prolonged period of time. Healthy fish are also alert and swim without undue effort.

Healthy fish display clear and bright body colouration and they hold their fins erect. When purchasing a goldfish first check that the seller is responsible and that their aquariums are not overcrowded. The following information will help to improve goldfish longevity, health and welfare. Housing needs to meet both their behavioural and physiological needs. Unfortunately, many goldfish do not reach their lifespan potential due to inadequate housing conditions. Goldfish have a lifespan averaging about 10-15 years, with some varieties living up to 30 years when provided with proper care.

Goldfish are social and intelligent animals and are regularly seen interacting with each other and their human caregivers whom they can learn to recognise. Today, there are a wide variety of goldfish available.

Goldfish originate from temperate climates and in the wild they live in cool streams, lakes, and ponds throughout Asia and parts of Eastern Europe. Goldfish ( Carassius auratus) are the most popular of all ornamental fish and are known for their attractive bright colours.
