Step 1
Select your tank. A common mistake is putting goldfish in so-called "goldfish bowls," but bowls simply are not big enough to let a goldfish thrive. For goldfish, aim for 20 gallons for the first fish, and 10 gallons for each additional fish.
Step 2
. Now select the filtration. Goldfish are messy fish with large bioloads, so a good filter is necessary. There are many types of filtration, but to keep it simple, the better types are the "Bio-wheel" filters that hang on the side of the tank. Under gravel filters are only recommended if you have a strict budget or you are housing sensitive goldfish such as bubble eyes. Canister filters are for large tanks, as they are a more powerful version of the "bio-wheel" filters.
Step 3
Next, decide on heating systems. Heating for cold water tanks isn't as much of an issue as it is for tropical fish. In fact, you can keep a goldfish tank without a heater. The tempeture should be between 60 degrees Fahrenheit and 70 degrees.
Step 4
Put your fish tank together, and install the filter, but don't plug it in. Set your heater up (if you have one) but DON'T plug it in.
Step 5
Put in your gravel and decorations.
Step 6
Fill your tank with water treated with water conditioner. At this stage you can add any live plants you have.
Step 7
Start up your filter according to the directions it came with.
Step 8
Let your setup run for a few days to ensure that all your equipment is running properly.
Step 9
Cycle your tank. This step is important to the health of your fish.
Step 10
Once your water tests 0 for ammonia and nitrite, and has some nitrate, you can add your goldfish.
Step 11
Add your goldfish slowly. Don't dump a bunch of goldfish all at once into your tank, as this might cause stress to your biological system. Only add one or two fish at a time, with several weeks between each group.
Step 12
Congratulations, your fish tank should look great! Keep doing weekly 10-25% water changes, just to make sure everything is happy and healthy.
Tips
- If you are going to use plants, make sure you chose hardy plants such as Java moss and Anacharis. Goldfish tend to nibble plants leaves. Hardy plants are a very good idea, as they provide oxygen and small amounts of food for the goldfish.
- Some types of goldfish are incompatible with other types. Separate different species into four categories. Pond-hardy goldfish (common goldfish, shubunkin, and comets), fancy goldfish (Orandas, black moors, etc), Extremely fancy goldfish (ranchu, egg fish, dorsal-less fish, etc.), and expert goldfish (Celestials and bubble-eyes). Pond hardy cannot be mixed with fancy. Fancy cannot be mixed with Extremely fancy, etc. Only mix goldfish from their corresponding group.
- When adding your fish into a new tank, let them sit in their bag for about 20 minutes before releasing them into the water. This helps the temperature stabilize. (see warnings)
- It's handy to have some fish medicine with you.
- Be sure to make "drip loops". This means that the a part of your electrical cords should dip down below the connection to the wall socket.
Warnings
- Goldfish are coldwater fish. Don't mix them with tropicals! If your tank is set up properly for tropical fish, your golfish will suffer, and vice versa.
- You might be dying to put that little figurine of your favorite TV character into your fish tank, but be warned. Only use decorations meant for aquariums, and remember to boil rocks before adding them to the tank.
- Do not dump water from the fish store into your tank. This water could contain harmful organisms. Gently scoop the goldfish out, and the net into the water quickly. Let it swim out on its own.
- Water and electricity don't mix! Make drip loops as stated in "Tips."
Things You'll Need
- Fish tank with canopy and light. See above for details on all "Things you'll need".
- Filter
- Heater (Optional)
- Bubbler (Available from fish store)
- Thermometer (Stick on, or floating, only use thermometers meant for fish tanks.)
- Gravel (Optional, note that goldfish do better with a 1/4 an inch of gravel)
- Water and Water conditioner (From your tap)
- Algae scrubber. Magnetic ones work great.
- Food, fish net and decorations (Availible at your pet store, decorations include plants)
- Gravel vacuum or siphon
