How Often Should You Wash a Goldfish Tank?

To have a clean tank that offers a healthy environment for your goldfish, you must manage a variety of factors including the correct water-to-fish ratio, properly filtered water and, of course, it̵7;s important to clean the tank in the correct way and on a particular schedule.

  1. Tank Size

    • Your pet goldfish will be happiest in a tank that can hold 10 gallons of water. If you have more than one fish, a good formula to remember is that for each fish in the tank, you should have at least 6 gallons of water. Resist the temptation to put your fish in a goldfish bowl. These bowls are generally too small to provide a healthy habitat for the goldfish. If your only option is a filter-less fish bowl, consider purchasing betas instead.

    Water

    • Goldfish can adjust to most any temperature of water (within reason), but the optimal temp range is between 60 degrees Fahrenheit and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. The temperature of the water should be average room temperature. Chlorine is toxic to fish, so only fill your tank with water that has been conditioned or filtered. Avoid distilled water, since many beneficial minerals have been removed.

    Filter

    • Although goldfish can survive in a habitat without a filter, you want your fish to have the best conditions and a filter will definitely support this. A filter will oxygenate the water making it easier for the fish to breathe. Otherwise, the goldfish will have to rise to the surface to take in oxygen through its mouth; this stresses the fish and ultimately shortens its life span. Filters also remove solid and bacterial waste from the tank, which assists in maintaining a cleaner habitat.

    Cleaning Schedule

    • Goldfish are cute, but produce a lot of waste. For this reason, maintaining a diligent cleaning schedule is paramount.Remove about 25 percent of the water and replace it with clean water every four to five days. If you remove more water than this, you̵7;ll also be removing too much of the aquarium's beneficial bacteria. Then, every week to 10 days, do a cleaning of the whole tank. Remove the fish and water and clean the inside of the tank using hydrogen peroxide and a soft cloth. Scrape away any algae that may have accumulated.