Raising goldfish
at home is truly rewarding. They look very nice and simply relaxing to gaze at
especially after a long day’s work. However, only very few people know the
basics of proper care of goldfish. Thus it is very important that you totally
understand what the essential requirements are needed to make your goldfish
thrive and live longer. So how do you go about with your goldfish raising? Here
are some goldfish care basics to get you started.
Choosing the Right Water Tank.
As much as you
can, avoid using fish bowls regardless of the number of goldfish you wish to
grow. The larger the water tank is, the more likely your goldfish achieve a
better quality of life. Although most goldfish owners prefer to just keep a
fishbowl because it looks aesthetically pleasing, doing so will only compromise
these cute little creatures. Additionally, your goldfish can easily outgrow a
fishbowl and as they grow by the day, they need proper supply of oxygen-
something you can’t expect to get from any ordinary fishbowl. Consequently, the
larger the water tank is, the better for your goldfish.
Consider the Size of the Goldfish.
Another
essential care of goldfish tip is choosing the right size of the fish. Generally,
goldfish start off very small. But they can grow even to a foot long especially
if proper care is given. For first timers, it is economical to buy large tanks
at the outset so you won’t end up buying ever-larger replacement fish tanks as
your goldfish grows. As a rule, you need to have a 20-30 gallon tank for your
goldfish. And for every additional fish, add another ten gallons to the volume
of water.
The Hood, the Light, and the Gravel Floor.
Your fish tank
should have the proper hood. Keep in mind that goldfish are known to easily
jump out of their uncovered fish tanks. Provide a hood to refrain this from
happening. Also, the hood will also serve as a secure platform for your
lighting. Moreover, fluorescent lighting is better than the typical
incandescent ones as the former helps you save electricity and does not give
off much heat. Essentially, lights should be lit at least ten hours a day. As
for the gravel floor, make sure you go for the ones that do not stuck in the
throat of your goldfish. You can either use the large ones that are too huge to
swallow, or go for the very tiny ones, small enough to get caught in the
throat.
The Water.
Water with
neutral pH levels has also something to do well in proper care of goldfish. Tap
water is safe for use in a fish tank since it has a neutral pH (acidity level).
And since goldfish is relatively
stronger as compared to other varieties, they are more likely to survive in water
with pH levels less than optimal. In general, using tap water for your goldfish
is safe. However, you can still double check the water pH with a test kit to
ensure the water acidity neither falls nor rises substantially.
To raise and care
for goldfish is not at all that difficult. All you need is the proper knowledge
and the right requirements in taking care of goldfish. Have a goldfish at home.
These fishes can recognize you and even cherish your attention. Along with
proper care and the right treatment, your goldfish can actually keep you
company for years.
