How to Raise Fancy Goldfish

Common and fancy goldfish are temperate fish found in streams and lakes in Asia and parts of eastern Europe. They belong to the Asian Carp family, and have been bred in captivity for thousands of years in Asia, and for over one hundred years in Europe. Artificial selection has produced several different colors and varieties. Goldfish are easy to raise in captivity, and make good aquarium pets.

Things You'll Need

Aquarium, 10 gallons or more
Aquarium thermometer
Aquarium filter
Water dechlorinator
Fine-grained sand or large-grained aquarium gravel
Goldfish food
Live or artificial aquatic plants

Instructions

Preparing a Fancy Goldfish Aquarium
- 1
  
  Never keep goldfish in a fish bowl.
  
  Cover the bottom of a 10 gallon (or greater) volume aquarium with sand or aquarium gravel. Fill with cool tap water. Add water dechlorinator. Assemble the thermometer, and measure the temperature. Add warm or cool water until temperature is between 65 and 68 degrees Fahrenheit. Assemble and turn on the aquarium filter. Adjust the power so the current is not strong, as goldfish prefer calm waters.
- 2
  
  Pet supply stores sell many aquarium accessories that can provide cover.
  
  Place cover materials in the tank. These can include live aquatic plants, artificial aquatic plants, aquarium glass or decorative aquarium pieces from your local pet store. Include cover materials in 50 to 75 percent of your tank space. Cover provides hiding spaces, and these encourage activity and reduce stress.
- 3
  
  Goldfish prefer cool, calm water.
  
  Purchase fancy goldfish from your local pet store. Add the fish to the tank. Allow at least six gallons of water per goldfish. Goldfish will eat a variety of dry or frozen foods. Avoid overfeeding, as this will cloud and pollute water.
- 4
  
  Weekly water changes will keep your aquarium clean.
  
  Change 10 to 15 percent of your tank water weekly. Clean the filter weekly to avoid clogging.