How To Raise A Goldfish

Did you know that your goldfish can live for over 10 years? Under the right conditions he can live even longer but most never make it past the first year! If you want your goldfish to live long and healthy lives, you've got to provide the proper environment.

It's a common misconception that a goldfish can live in a tiny bowl. In order for him to survive for any length of time, you'll need to do frequent water changes and cleanings of the bowl ? that's a lot of work and living in a bowl isn't much fun so it's best to keep your fish in a regular tank with a proper filtration system.

The size of your tank depends on how many goldfish you want to keep in it. A good rule of thumb is to allocate about 7 gallons of water per fish, so if you want 5 goldfish a 35 gallon tank is recommended. It's better to keep fish in a long tank that has plenty of surface to air space as goldfish like to have a lot of oxygen in their water. A tall hexagon shaped tank won't be the best tank for these fish.

Goldfish like their water to be a little on the cool side ? between 65 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit so in most cases a heater is not necessary. You should, however have a thermometer in the tank and take the appropriate measures if the temperature gets above 72 degrees as higher temperatures can make your fish more susceptible to disease. Bear in mind that most other tropical fish like their water on the warm side, so you will have to be careful what fish you put in the tank with your goldfish.

Provide the goldfish tank with a filtration system that is appropriate for the size of the tank. If you are keeping the fancy tailed goldfish, don't use a system that will provide too much current as this can make it difficult for them to swim around. You'll also want to provide periodic water changes as you should with any tank.

One of the main reasons that fish become sick is due to poor water quality. To keep your goldfish healthy, make sure you provide the filtration and water changes but also be careful about overcrowding and overfeeding. Too many fish or too much decaying food and waste will cause the water in your tank to become toxic to your fish.

Keeping goldfish can be a wonderful hobby and with minimal work, you can get a tank up and keep it running with healthy fish.

Lee Dobbins is owner and editor of epet-center.com ? Your E Pet Center where you can learn more about keeping goldfish

---

Breeding Tetra Fish Successfully

If you are keeping tetras, chances are you are breeding... Read More

Crate Training Your Puppy or Dog

Introducing your puppy to the crate should be an easy... Read More

A Cat Tale

My son and I have a cat. Her name is... Read More

My Tips to Take Care of a New Dog

So you're bringing home that cute little puppy from the... Read More

So, You?ve Decided To Kill Your Pet!

The other day I was doing a research online for... Read More

Toys are GOOD for your dog

Did you know that dog toys are actually good for... Read More

Cold Weather Pet Care

As we find ourselves in the middle of winter, it's... Read More

The Right Way to Use Electronic Dog Training Collars

As with every training tool used to modify a behavior... Read More

Dogs & Kids: Happy Together

Dogs and kids, it's a combination that at it's best... Read More

Housebreaking Your Dog-Potty Training Canine Style

Puppies are a bundle of newfound joy. You've prepared the... Read More

My Dog Won?t Stop Digging - What Can I Do?

Lonely, bored, tired of eating that same old stick, then... Read More

Disaster Preparedness for Pets - A Guide for Pet-Care Business Professionals

June is Disaster Preparedness for Pets month ? but if... Read More

How to Raise a Healthy Kitten

Selecting a Kitten It is best to choose your... Read More

Whats the Best Diet for a Pregnant Cat?

Pregnant cats have to eat for two, three, four, five,... Read More

Introduce Your Puppy To New Situations And Ensure Good Behaviour For The Rest Of Her Life

They may seem to be bold explorers - sniffing at... Read More

How Many Dogs Are Too Many?

I'm a pariah among the dog fanciers in my community.... Read More

A Dog Name is Something To Be Chosen Carefully

How important is a dog name? Well let's think about... Read More

Puppy Vaccines Assure Wagging Tails and Wet Noses

When you get a new puppy it is imperative that... Read More

Achieving Dog Training Success With The 18 Donts Rules

A well-train dog usually leads a happier and healthier life... Read More

Dog Health Conditions and Terms You Should Know, Part 3...

Continued from part two.Epilepsy/seizure disorderWhen your Boxer is between 2... Read More

Aquarium Supplies Part 2 -- My First Experience With Goldfish

If you are seriously considering keeping fish as pets or... Read More

What You Should Know About Your Puppy And Play Biting

The main ways a puppy will play with another dog... Read More

The Sporting Westie Terrier

Because it is intelligent and energetic, a Westie terrier is... Read More

How To Keep Your Dog Safe in the 21st Century

For thousands of years, dogs have been "man's best friend."... Read More

Biting & Nipping Behavior Can Kill Your Dog!

Dog bite injuries are alarmingly the most common condition that... Read More

Dog Health Conditions and Terms You Should Know...

Some Dogs like Boxers unfortunately, are prone to several potential... Read More

Owning a Wild or Exotic Cat; Information, Laws, and Advice

Have you ever dreamed of living with a bobcat or... Read More

Stop Cat Scratching Today!

Your new living room furniture is in tatters. Your nerves... Read More

So are you ready for a Boxer Dog?...

An easier and more pleasant journey with your chosen Boxer... Read More

Our Pets Behavior

Behavior can be a huge iisue with our pets. If... Read More

Chinese Shar Pei Character

If you have never seen a Shar Pei before, the... Read More

Dogs Get More Human Every Day

First pet stores began selling clothes for pets. Then kennels... Read More

The Secret That Keeps Horses Trainable!

As you likely know already, horses have at least 10... Read More