*Many goldfish reach 12 inches in length when full grown and can live up to 20 years of age!

*Each goldfish requires at least 10 gallons of water and larger goldfish may require in excess of 30 gallons each. The size of the tank must be appropriate for the size of the fish. NEVER keep a goldfish in a bowl!

*A goldfish tank needs both filtration & aeration of the water. The filter system should turnover the tank’s water a minimum of 10 times per hour. Goldfish use up a lot of oxygen from the water, so an airstone with an aerator (air pump) should be used.

*Goldfish should be kept in a ‘cycled’ tank with regular routine maintenance, consisting of partial water changes and gravel vacuuming. The frequency of this is aimed at keeping the ammonia and nitrite levels equal to zero and the nitrate level at 20 ppm or less. Typically, this consists of changing 25% of the water and vacuuming 25% of the gravel, weekly.

* Add 10 drops each of AmQuel and NovAqua (or similar water conditioners of your choice) for every one gallon of tap water used to remove toxic chlorine, chloramines and heavy metals. Never use distilled or demineralized water! Goldfish produce a lot of waste (ammonia), so AmQuel is recommended to aid in neutralizing this toxic substance.

*Goldfish are coldwater fish. They do best in water temperatures of 65º-75ºF with the fancy varieties preferring warmer waters of 75º-78ºF. Keep the temperature steady. Do not place the tank in direct sunlight.

*Since goldfish are coldwater fish, all tankmates need to be compatible with the goldfish’s required cooler water temperature, size of tank & adult size. Do not house tropical fish with goldfish because tropicals require warmer waters. Likewise, smaller fish may end up as a snack for your goldfish! Some catfish, such as the Pleco and the Oto Cat are not compatible with goldfish because they may eat the goldfish’s slime coat. Compatible tankmates include white cloud mountain minnows, dojos, ghost shrimp & snails.

*If rocks or gravel are to be used in the tank, use ones that are smooth and large enough that the fish won't be able to swallow or choke on them as they forage for food. Remember to consider how big the fish will grow when determining the size of rocks to be used.

* Use only aquarium safe decorations and be aware that some may raise or lower the pH of the water, such as driftwood, calcareous rocks & shells. Choose decorations that your goldfish cannot get stuck in. Plastic, silk or live plants may be used. Be sure that they are designated for aquarium use only.

*Goldfish are omnivores (meat and vegetable eaters). Feed a varied diet of Goldfish pellets (soaked for at least 10 minutes first in some tank water before feeding), frozen foods like bloodworms or krill (fed thawed) and blanched vegetables, such as zucchini & peas, and Romaine lettuce. Feed sparingly once daily. Overfeeding can lead to swimbladder (floating) problems, a condition that goldfish are very prone to.

* Need more information or have a question? Check out the Flippers ‘n’ Fins’ Goldfish forum! Come visit us & join in the fun at www.flippersandfins.net!