Instructions
Regulate the tank's temperature. The ideal temperature for a goldfish tank is between 65 and 68 degrees Fahrenheit, never exceeding 73 degrees Fahrenheit. Temperatures above the recommended range deprive the fish of oxygen, according to Aquarium Care for Goldfish.
Provide sufficient space for your goldfish. The ideal tank size for one goldfish is 10 gallons. If you own more than one goldfish, dedicate at least eight gallons of water per fish, according to "Goldfish: The Complete Pet Owner's Care Manual."
Change 10 to 15 percent of the tank's water on a weekly basis. This clears the water from waste that isn't processed by the aquarium's filter.
Examine the aquarium's filter bi-weekly. Ensure that the filtration mechanism is clean and functioning properly. If you use an activated carbon or charcoal filter, replace the charcoal on a monthly basis, according to "The Goldfish: An Owner's Guide."
Quarantine new fish before bringing them into your aquarium to prevent the introduction of harmful microorganisms into the tank environment.
Make sure the hood of your aquarium latches or locks, and the latching mechanism is in working order. Goldfish are strong jumpers, and have been known to knock the hoods off their tanks, leading to an untimely end.
Check your tank's pH level bi-weekly using a pH test kit. Goldfish need a neutral pH level to thrive, between 7.2 and 7.6 on the pH scale. If you find your tank is acidic or base, purchase chemical buffers to correct the problem.
Inspect and replace any live plants that are failing. Live plants contribute to the oxygen levels in a tank and filter out waste products. Goldfish are voracious eaters and may decimate live plants, reducing them to more organic matter that needs to be filtered out. Replace any dead, dying or eaten plants as needed.
How to Properly Maintain a Goldfish Aquarium
Goldfish are hardy and resilient. Gone are the days when owners were told to keep their goldfish in a tank or bowl; the chosen housing is now an aquarium or tank, according to Aquarium Care for Goldfish. These cold-water, freshwater fish are relatively easy to care for and require little in the way of aquarium maintenance, making them a good choice for owners with little time to dedicate to extensive tank maintenance routines.