How to Start a Goldfish Fishbowl

Goldfish are small to medium sized fish, that can be found in a variety of colors in addition to the typical gold, including black, red, cream, yellow, white or a mixture of colors. They have been bred to have many different features, depending on the type of goldfish, such as puffed cheeks or flowing fins. These attributes make them beautiful pets. Although goldfish are often thought of as beginner fish, they can sometimes be challenging to care for, as they have very specific needs. Although many people think goldfish live well in a small bowl, these fish actually need more room in order to remain healthy.

Things You'll Need

  • 10 gallon or larger bowl or aquarium
  • Medium size rounded aquarium gravel
  • Aquarium decorations
  • Aeration system
  • Aquarium filter
  • Water testing kit
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Instructions

    • 1

      Provide a bowl or, more realistically, an aquarium that is large enough to comfortably and safely house your goldfish. For every fully grown goldfish, you should have about 10 gallons of water, minimum. This means you will need a 10-gallon or larger bowl or aquarium if you have only one fish. For more fish, the habitat will need to be even larger. Although smaller bowls can be used, they can cause health problems for the fish, and are also harder to maintain. A goldfish can be housed in a smaller bowl, such as a two-gallon bowl, at first, but a larger aquarium will be needed as the fish grows.

    • 2

      Provide a bowl or aquarium that has a wide top surface area. This allows more water to touch the air, thus providing more aeration for the goldfish.

    • 3

      Fill the bottom of the aquarium or bowl with one-quarter inch to 2 inches of medium, rounded aquarium gravel.

    • 4

      Add aquarium decorations, such as real or fake plants or plastic or rock caves. Choose decorations that are aquarium specific and don't have rough edges. Rinse the decorations before placing them in the aquarium.

    • 5

      Set up an air bubbler or aeration system in the bowl or aquarium. Usually, these systems are simply air stones, which attach to a wall of the aquarium and are hooked up to an air pump using plastic tubing. When the pump is turned on, air is forced through the tubing, into the air stone and then into the water. This creates more of the aeration that a goldfish requires in order to remain healthy.

    • 6

      Install an aquarium filter. There are many different kinds of filters available in pet stores. Choose a fresh water filter that is designed for your aquarium size.

    • 7

      Keep the water temperature relatively cool. Most goldfish prefer water around 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Common goldfish can withstand temperatures between 55 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Some other fancier types of goldfish may need a cooler water temperature. This means that almost no goldfish will require an aquarium heater. Research the temperature needs of the specific goldfish type you want to get.

    • 8

      Keep the pH level of the water between about 6 and 8. You can measure pH with a water testing kit and adjust it with water additives, if necessary. Some types of goldfish may require a slightly different pH range. Again, research the needs of the specific type of fish you want.