How to Design a Goldfish Aquarium

An eye-catching goldfish aquarium makes an attractive feature in the home. However, the diverse range of tanks and accessories on offer often leaves the budding goldfish owner spoiled for choice. When you're choosing and designing an aquarium, the style of your home décor, the space you have available and the look you want to achieve are all important considerations. Most crucially, the aquarium must provide a stimulating, healthy and safe environment for your goldfish will thrive.

Things You'll Need

  • Glass or acrylic tank
  • Aquarium gravel
  • Rocks and pebbles
  • Goldfish ornaments
  • Artificial aquarium plants
  • Aquarium light
  • Cold water filter
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Instructions

    • 1

      Calculate the size of aquarium you need. A single fish measuring an inch in length, requires approximately 10 liters of water; adjust the volume according to the size and number of fish you intend to house. To ensure your fish have sufficient oxygen, the Goldfish Sanctuary recommends at least 30 square inches of surface area for each 1-inch fish.

    • 2

      Position the aquarium in the location you desire, on its own stand or a stable level surface. Keep the tank away from direct sunlight and drafts, as both can be detrimental to goldfish. For visual impact, create a plain background -- using paint or paper in a color of your choice ̵1; on the wall behind your tank.

    • 3

      Add gravel to the bottom of the aquarium. Your fish will enjoy digging in the gravel for food, and the substrate will aid the growth of good bacteria. Select smooth, rounded gravel in a color that complements your room, but avoid heavily dyed products, which may impair water quality. According to Desktop Goldfish, 3 to 4 inches of gravel is ideal. To create interest and to facilitate cleaning, arrange the gravel so it slopes down towards the front of the tank.

    • 4

      Create a stimulating environment for your fish by selecting ornamental objects for their tank. For a natural or minimalist look, choose smooth rocks or large pebbles. Alternatively ̵1; and particularly if you want the tank to appeal to younger members of the household ̵1; buy colorful ornaments from the pet store. Avoid objects with sharp edges, and steer clear of hollow items, which can harbor bacteria.

    • 5

      Half-fill the tank with water before adding rocks and ornaments. Goldfish sometimes like to hide from light or household activity, so bear this in mind when designing the layout of the tank. Stand back and consider the visual appeal of your design and the environment you have created for your fish. Rearrange items until you are satisfied.

    • 6

      Add plants to the tank. The Exotic Goldfish website suggests adding live plants when setting up your aquarium, but The Goldfish Sanctuary recommends waiting six months before doing so. Live plants benefit your fish by absorbing harmful nitrates and providing a source of food, but dead or decaying plants pollute the water. Until the tank is established and you are confident that aquatic plants will thrive, use plastic aquarium plants. For visual appeal and to create shelter for your goldfish, place large plants at the back of the aquarium and smaller ones near the front.

    • 7

      Install lighting and filtration systems. Lights enhance the look of your tank as well as benefit live plants. An effective filter is essential for removing waste and maintaining water quality. Goldfish produce a surprisingly large amount of waste and need a filter that circulates the entire volume of tank water 10 to 12 times per hour. A 10-gallon tank would, therefore, require a minimum filtration rate of 100 gallons per hour. When you are happy with your design, fill the tank and start the filter.