Goldfish
Goldfish are interesting creatures. They scavange, play, chase, and socialize with each other in their tanks. Below is a few paragraphs on the general care of goldfish, and how they live.
Goldfish can be kept in a tank no smaller than ten gallons. I’ve heard they need ten gallons per fish, and if you have the space, time, and money, this is recommended. But I keep five common goldfish in a ten gallon tank and clean it often. They seem to be as healthy as can be, so I consider this adequate. When buying a used tank, clean it thoroughly before using it. Before getting fish, fill the tank up and wait. You have to test for leaks, or it could be potentially harmful for your fish...and your carpet. If the tank you are buying doesn’t come with a lid, do not consider this un-necessary. Your fish will jump out if not covered. Besides, the lid contains a light, and goldfish need several hours of this per day.
Goldfish also need a good filter. I prefer the kind that attach to the side of the tank. They are easy to clean and work will. Some fish have been known to die when under the gravel filtering systems have been used.
Your fish will also need gravel that is not too big and not too small. If it is too big you are discouraging natural behaviour(digging and picking up gravel) and if it is too small, they will try to swallow it and it may get caught in their throats.
Artificial plants are preferable in a goldfish tank, since most fish will practically inhale live plants. Live plants are a good idea if your tank is small, since they provide a cleaner, more oxygen filled tank. Some favourite decorations are rocks, castles, tall plants, and anchors.
There are three main kinds of food:pellets, flakes, and floating food. I personally, like the flakes, although it has been known as the cause of goldfish getting air in their systems. Pellets are the best for people who worry about this, and floating food is good but has the same problem. With flakes, ignore what the side of the container says. You’ll end up with fat, unhealthy fish and a messy tank if you feed them 3 times a day. Instead, once (or twice at the most,) take a pinch of food (depending on how many fish you own.) and crunch it up before dropping it in. It helps to break the flakes down when you buy them, so you can just pour it into the lid then drop it in. Goldfish digest things quickly, so remember that your tank will get messier as you continue to feed them. Tank cleaning will be discussed later.
Goldfish love other foods besides their common manufactured diet. Peas, romaine lettuce, eggs, cucumber, and grapes are all suitable in small amounts as a treat for your fish.
Goldfish behaviour is something that can only be understood by taking the time daily to watch your fish. A good time to do this is when you feed them. This also helps to detect disease early, and help get to know your fish better.
1)Digging/picking up gravel. This is a normal behaviour, something goldfish do for hours on end. They repeatedly pick up, scurry around in, and suck on gravel. I think they are “cleaning” it of any algae or leftover food bits. Its perfectly normal, as long as the gravel doesn’t get stuck in their throat.
2)Swimming madly around the tank, usually with others. This is another thing goldfish do. They swim fast with each other around and around plants and the outer perimetre of the tank. Don’t worry, this is a male and female thing, as well as playing.
3)Gasping. this is NOT a normal behaviour. When a fish is gasping, it will repeatedly visit the surface of the tank, as if it is feeding (without the food, of course) The number one cause of this is a crowded tank, and, if possible, relocate your fish at once to provide a more roomy environment.
Weekend Feeders
Last year, my family went away for three weeks, and my goldfish were fed weekly by a weekend feeder. So, how do they work? They dissolve to reveal worms. I know, I was hesitant to use them too, when i found that out. I hate worms! So three were used, and when I got back, the tank was dreadful looking. white worms scattered the bottom in clumps, and they were starting to go bad. The bottom line is, don’t use these unless you have to, and never use them for that long! One weekend is fine, but unless you want to look at/clean up the mess, I’ve warned you now.
Cleaning The Tank
I clean my tank out once a month. When I do, it takes about an hour to dis-assemble, rinse, empty, refill, and arrange all of the stuff. I have never, ever read anything on the internet that recommends this. They say you should do partial water changes once a week, but it is difficult and I’ve found that it doesn’t seem to make much of a difference in the water quality. If you clean it often, it wrecks the good bacteria in the tank, and the fish have to “start over” if you will, on building their environment. But like I said, it works and is convenient for me. If you want to, have bad water, or have a very large tank, this is a good idea. Otherwise, a small tank that gets cleaned often is a good one.
