Proper Care of Ornamental Goldfish

Ornamental goldfish don't require particularly special conditions to remain healthy, but they do require care that isn't necessary with other species of aquarium fish. Goldfish of all types, not just ornamental goldfish, tend to require more water changes due to the increased amount of ammonia that they release into their aquarium. In addition, some of the bred-in traits of certain ornamental goldfish, such as Ranchu and Bubble-eye goldfish, necessitate special feeding.

Things You'll Need

  • Aquarium water test kit
  • Goldfish food
  • Aquarium air stone
  • Aquarium carbon filter
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Instructions

    • 1

      Test the goldfish's water monthly with an aquarium water test kit to maintain the correct pH. Ornamental goldfish of all types prefer water that has a pH of between 7.2 and 7.8. Ammonia should be non-existent as much as possible, and nitrites should be kept below 40 parts per million.

    • 2

      Change 20 percent of the aquarium water every week -- to two weeks -- depending on the number of goldfish you keep in your aquarium. If you have more than five ornamental goldfish in a 10-gallon tank, weekly water changes are necessary. If you have only one or two medium or small-sized ornamental goldfish in the same size tank, then bi-weekly water changes are sufficient.

    • 3

      Aerate the aquarium using an air stone bubbler and air pump. This keeps the water mildly turbulent and introduces oxygen to the tank, which is necessary to keep any fish alive.

    • 4

      Filter the tank water using a carbon and biological filter system. A carbon filter system coupled with a biological filter system turns ammonia into nitrites, and then into less harmful nitrates. Along with regular water changes, this is the only way to maintain a healthy aquarium environment for your ornamental goldfish.

    • 5

      Feed your goldfish according to their specific needs. Although you can use any goldfish-appropriate food, special feeding is needed for some fish. For instance, bubble-eye goldfish have limited vision, so you must place the food in the water where they can see it. Food that they cannot see, they will not be able to eat. You should also vary the ornamental goldfish's diet using freeze-dried or fresh foods on occasion, but not more than once or twice per week.