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Choose a large horizonal tank big enough for the amount
of fish you want. Follow the guide of 35 to 75 litres per goldfish.
Remember your fish will eventually grow to be quite large.
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Don't overfeed. Feed only as much as your fish can
eat within 5 minutes twice a day. Overfeeding will create problems
by dirtying your tank very fast.
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Change the tank water partially every fortnight. This
means about 40% of the tank water. Use a siphon and clean out the
gravel with it. The gravel should not siphon through. Do not do a
full water change.
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Choose a good filter system for your setup. Goldfish create a lot
of dirt especially when enclosed in a small area.
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When choosing new fish for your tank, look carefully at the tank
it is in. Take note of any sick looking fish in the same tank. Choose
fish from a healthy tank, without any sick or dead fish present. Only
choose a healthy looking fish, unwell fish will stick out from the
crowd.
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Always acclimatise your fish when bringing them from the pet store
to your own tank.
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Make sure there is good aerated water movement in your tank. Usually
this ties in with the filter, but you can increase surface water movement
by adding things like aeration stones found at your pet store.
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Keep the temperature and pH in optimal ranges. These are around 20-25
degrees centigrade, and a pH of around 7.2.
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Give your fish good hiding spots. ie. Big rocks/plants etc..
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Don't spoil your fish by overdecorating and/or pouring in every miracle
chemical you can find at the pet store which claim to enhance your
fish in some way. Remember, every decoration you add to the tank means
less swimming space for your fish. Keep everything in moderation.
