How to Properly Maintain a Gold Fish Aquarium

Goldfish are one of the most common freshwater aquarium fishes in homes. Goldfish are hardy and inexpensive, making them a popular choice for first-time fish owners and children. Goldfish and carp are in the same family known as Cyprinidae and are closely related to each other. Goldfish come in a variety of colors with orange or red being the most popular. Goldfish are also known as feeder fish for larger fish, reptiles and amphibians.

Things You'll Need

  • 10-gallon fish tank or larger
  • Gravel
  • Thermometer
  • Siphon
  • Goldfish food
  • Logs, decorations and other hiding places
  • Filter
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Instructions

    • 1

      Use at least a 10-gallon tank to house your goldfish. Allow for 8 gallons of space for each goldfish.

    • 2

      Add several inches of gravel to the bottom of the tank. The gravel must be large enough so that your goldfish cannot swallow the rocks.

    • 3

      Keep the goldfish aquarium water temperature between 65 degrees and 68 degrees Fahrenheit. Never let the water reach temperatures above 72 degrees Fahrenheit.

    • 4

      Remove 10 percent to 15 percent of the water weekly and replace with clean, fresh water. Use a siphon to clean the gravel when removing the water.

    • 5

      Feed your goldfish a high carbohydrate diet with goldfish food once a day. Overfeeding could lead to both an increase in waste and chance of diseases.

    • 6

      Provide your goldfish with several hiding places such as logs or decorative aquarium pieces. The hiding places will keep your goldfish stress-free. Make sure the items do not have any sharp edges that could cause harm to your goldfish.

    • 7

      Invest in a filter for the appropriate-size tank. A filter will help keep the water cleaner 24 hours a day. Even with a filter, you must perform the weekly removal of 10 percent to 15 percent of the water. Filters will need to be cleaned--or replaced--regularly.