How to Clean Goldfish in an Oil Spill

Goldfish are very popular pets. Goldfish survive best in filtered water, which is why you should remove any oil that comes in contact with the goldfish. Luckily, since goldfish live in aquariums and ponds, they should not be affected by large-scale oil spills. Even a small amount of oil can kill a goldfish, however, so remove it from the fish and the water as soon as possible.

Things You'll Need

  • Net
  • Hose
  • Bucket of water
  • Small fish tank
  • Bowl
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Instructions

    • 1

      Use a net to remove the goldfish from the contaminated water.

    • 2

      Place the goldfish into a small fish tank with clean, fresh water. It will help rinse the oil off of the fish.

    • 3

      Remove the goldfish with the net again if it still has oil on it. Place it in another small fish tank with clean water if you have one. If you don't have any more tanks, place it in a large bowl with clean water temporarily.

    • 4

      Allow it to swim around and try to get some more of the oil off by moving around in the clean water.

    • 5

      Place paper towels at the top of the aquarium or pond to absorb as much of the oil as possible, since oil will float on the surface of water.

    • 6

      Pour clean water into the contaminated area that the goldfish came from. Use a hose to flush the oil from a pond. Use buckets of water to dilute and remove the oil from a home aquarium.

    • 7

      Continue filling until the water is overflowing. Keep adding clean water until all of the oil has been removed from the aquarium or pond.

    • 8

      Use a net to return the goldfish to its oil-free home.