What Is the Ideal Environment for a Goldfish?

Goldfish are among the hardiest of fish, which has led to myths that goldfish can survive in most environments. Goldfish are also cheap, easily replaceable and believed to have short lives, so some might think that it is not worth the effort to create an ideal goldfish environment. Despite the myths, a goldfish can live twenty years or longer with proper care, and fancy goldfish can cost more than tropical fish.

  1. Goldfish Bowl

    • People in China first domesticated goldfish. Originally, goldfish lived in ponds like most koi fish do today. The goldfish were not easily seen in the ponds. Fish were placed in bowls for better viewing. Although goldfish bowls make the fish easy to see, bowls are one of the worst places to house fish. The round sides provide a small surface area for oxygen exchange and they are not large enough. They are also hard to clean and cannot accommodate heavy-duty filters, which you need in order to create an ideal environment for your goldfish.

    Tank

    • The ideal housing for a goldfish is a tank. Healthy goldfish grow to be six to 12 inches or longer depending on the species. One goldfish needs a 20-gallon tank and each additional fish needs another 10 gallons. Three to four goldfish require a minimum of 55 gallons, but a 90-gallon tank with a tight-fitting glass lid is ideal. Cover the bottom of the tank with a medium-sized substrate and include hiding places. Set up a fluorescent light. Goldfish love plants, but eat them often. Add bunch pants such as Cambomba periodically for the goldfish to graze on.

    Tank Mates

    • Goldfish make ideal tank mates for other goldfish. People frequently put goldfish with tropical fish; this is unwise because tropical fish prefer warmer temperatures than what is ideal for goldfish. Different goldfish species generally live well together, but shy fish may not thrive with active species. Goldfish may live alone, though fish housed together tend to be more active. Never place a fish that could be sick or came from a place like a fair or carnival with your fish. Goldfish that have lived in cramped, unhealthy conditions are likely to die or spread diseases to your healthy goldfish.

    Breeding

    • An ideal breeding environment encourages goldfish to reproduce. Goldfish naturally desire to breed when the temperature becomes warmer. Use a heater if you do not want to wait until the weather warms the tank naturally. Aim for a temperature of 70 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and 50 degrees at night. Increase feeding to three times per day and add foods like brine shrimp or bloodworms to increase protein intake. Extra feeding causes more waste, so change 20 percent of the water daily. Treat water with purifying conditioner before adding it into your tank.