When we think of goldfish we usually think of the school carnival where we tossed a ping pong ball into a small bowl and took home the goldfish. Then, we think of the goldfish funeral we had to hold a few short days or weeks later. It doesn’t always have to end that way! With proper care and the correct environment, goldfish can live and long and healthy life.
Step 1: If you didn’t win your goldfish at a carnival, visit a pet store to purchase one. Make observations about the goldfish and choose one who doesn’t seem lethargic. On the other hand, don’t choose one that is too active, darting to and fro in the aquarium. A healthy goldfish has a shiny fin and scales.
Step 2: Purchase a tank that holds at least 12 gallons of water. Most people make the mistake of keeping goldfish in too small an environment. Purchase a few decorative items to place throughout the tank.
Step 3: Keep the water healthy. Before the fish arrives, de-chlorinate the water. Plan on changing the water in the tank on a weekly basis. If the tank is less than 10 gallons, the water needs to be changed more frequently. Keep the water at room temperature; purchase a thermometer if necessary.
Step 4: Periodically test the water for ammonia and nitrates. You can purchase testing kits at the pet store.
Step 5: Purchase a filter to aid you in keeping the tank clean. Goldfish create a lot of waste and the filter will help with the maintenance.
Step 6: Feed your goldfish a diet of flake food or small pellets. Be careful not to overfeed your goldfish; follow the recommendations on the food label based on the size of the fish.
Step 7: Look out for signs of illness so that you can quickly treat your goldfish should he become ill. Some telltale signs of illness include spots of any color, streaks, bloating or torn fins. Another sign of illness would be trouble swimming or inactivity. If you see any of these symptoms, make an appointment at a veterinarian as soon as possible.
Goldfish make great pets because they are inexpensive and easy to maintain. Whether you purchased your goldfish or brought him home from a carnival, if you’ve followed these steps, your goldfish should live a long and lengthy life.
This article was provided by pet super store. An online resource featuring dog doors and pet crates.
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October 28th, 2008 