Proper Goldfish Care
Goldfish are not very difficult pets to take care of. However, they are an important responsibility that should be taken seriously. Your fish hopefully had a good home at the pet store so if you are moving this fish into your home, you should give it the same amount of attention and care.
If you need to know something on a subject that is not included here please take the time to call your local pet store to find out what you need to know. There are also a number of good books on goldfish and fish-keeping in general.
The Tank
The Water Your fish must constantly live in it's tank so it's also important to have the right quantity of water in it. It is okay to use water right out of the tap in most towns but check with your local pet shop. They'll know if the water in your town is suitable for fish. If the pet store says the water is okay to use, let your faucet run for about a minute before getting any water. This will get some of the chemicals out. Before adding the water to the tank, let it sit out for a night. This allows the chlorine to evaporate. It also lets the water reach room temperature. Goldfish live at room temperature so this assures that the water you are adding to the tank is the same temperature as the water already in it. The water in your tank should always be kept clean. Dirty water can make fish sick and even kill them because chemicals like ammonia can build up without notice. A regular water change preventing this kind of problem. |
|
|||||
Goldfish
If taken care of properly
a goldfish will live a very long life. A healthy goldfish is capable of living as long as
ten years! Goldfish are omnivorous and will eat almost anything! You must buy fish
food specifically made for goldfish though because their diet needs are not the same as
other fish. Fish need protein for muscle and vitamins to prevent disease and also to
strengthen their bones. Goldfish need carbohydrates too, more than other fish. Be sure to
buy something that is complete in nutritional value. A proper diet brings out your fish's
color too.
Don't give your goldfish any more food than they can eat in a few minutes. Leftover fish food decomposes and pollutes the tank. If any food remains uneaten, remove it. The best way to feed your goldfish is to give them a small amount of food several times during the day rather than giving them one big meal.
Watch your goldfish for at least a few minutes each day and get to to know them. This should help you to notice any odd behavior due to the fish contracting a disease. If you think that a fish is sick, call your pet store right away.
The Siphon
Partially changing water on a
weekly basis is the key to keeping your goldfish healthy, and the best way to do it this
is with an aquarium siphon hose. The hose sucks water out of your tank, and is used to
vacuum the gravel.....removing any leftover food, fish waste, or other unwanted material.
Along with the tank and the water, the siphon is the next most important piece of
equipment.
Filters
A water change is a big help in
trying to keep your water clean, but a filter can make it even easier. The filter works
twenty-four hours a day and cleans the water in the tank by filtering out harmful
chemicals and debris. Filters are easier than ever to maintain. An outside the tank filter
is better because it doesn't take up space in the tank, it's simple to take care of, and
the flow it promotes in the water will add more oxygen for the fish.
Hood
A hood on the tank serves a
very important purpose. It prevents the fish from jumping out. Some kind of hood or cover
is needed on top of your tank for this purpose. Another good reason to have a hood on the
tank is that it prevents debris or dust from falling into the tank.
Pumps, Air stones
An air stone (also known as a bubbler) sends tiny bubbles into the water. The bubbles
agitate the top of the water which then keeps the water oxygenated. Without one of these
the water might get stale. Also, it helps to promote the removal of harmful gases from the
aquarium through the surface. If you have a filter like the one described above, you could
get by without one, but they aren't expensive so you might want to add one to your
tank.
Gravel
Gravel makes fish feel more
"at home" because this adds a bottom to your tank. Sometimes fish use
gravel for cover. It also provides a place for "good bacteria" to thrive. A good
size is one eight of an inch. Make sure the it isn't too sharp because your goldfish will
spend hours searching through the gravel for food, and you don't want them getting hurt.
Gravel comes in many colors but try to get something without any dye added. Dye can easily pollute the water. Make sure the gravel is thoroughly rinsed before you use it. When the water runs clean, it is ready for use.
Decorations
Less is always better but fish
love to have places to hide. Try to use common sense when buying tank decorations
and avoid anything with sharp edging and make sure that whatever you buy is especially
made for fish tanks. Anything else could send harmful chemicals into the water.
Food
Goldfish are very flexible when
it comes to their diet. There are some excellent prepared goldfish foods on the
market.
Nutrition
Animals use the foods they eat
for growth and for energy. Protein, fats, and carbohydrates can all be used for energy. It
is very important to feed goldfish a "balanced diet".
| Copyright 1996-2008 | |
| Child Privacy Policy | TERMS OF USE | |
