Everything you need to know about goldfish aquariums answered in one place.
Why choose a goldfish aquarium?
There are many types of aquarium fish to choose from, but one of the most popular choices is the goldfish.
One of the main reasons people choose to keep a goldfish aquarium is because goldfish are rather low maintenance compared to other types of fish. They do not require a heater in their tank, as they are cold-water fish, and they have a hardy nature, which makes them less susceptible to diseases.
Available in beautiful colours and unique shapes, they make a striking inclusion to any home or office. These colours can include orange, white, black, red, and even calico patterns.
How long do goldfish live?
With proper care and a suitable environment, goldfish can live for many years. On average, goldfish can live 10-15 years, or even longer with the right conditions. However, their lifespan can be affected by factors such as genetics, water quality, diet, and tank size.
How do I set up a goldfish aquarium?
Setting up an aquarium for goldfish requires a few key steps to ensure optimal conditions for your fish.
First, you’ll need to choose a suitable tank size and location. Larger tanks are better for goldfish as they produce a lot of waste and need plenty of room to swim. We have a wide variety of aquarium tanks to choose from.
You’ll then need to add a filtration system to keep the water clean and aerated. It’s best to have a filter that can handle at least double the amount of water in the tank.
Finally, you can add decorations, such as rocks and plants, for your fish to explore and hide in. Once your tank is set up, let it cycle for at least a week before adding fish.
Check out our guides on how to set up your aquarium.
If you’re looking for an affordable, simple aquarium kit to get you started, our Gold Starter Home are an ideal option. It’s perfect for baby goldfish during their first year of life.
Can you keep goldfish in a bowl?
It’s not recommended to keep goldfish in a bowl. Goldfish require a larger tank with proper filtration to thrive. Bowls do not provide enough space for goldfish to swim and can lead to poor water quality, which can harm the health of the fish.
What temperature should the water be in a goldfish aquarium?
The ideal temperature for a goldfish aquarium is around 20-24 degrees Celcius Avoid extreme temperature fluctuations, as this can stress out your fish. Use a reliable aquarium thermometer to check the water temperature and make adjustments as needed.
Direct sunlight should also be avoided, as it can cause the water temperature to rise too rapidly and promote algae growth. Instead, place your tank in a location that receives indirect light. Or use a cover to prevent sunlight from affecting the tank’s water.
What kind of water do goldfish need?
Goldfish thrive in clean, freshwater with a pH level between 7.4 and 7.9. It’s essential to use a good water conditioner to remove harmful chemicals from tap water like chlorine. We have a wide range of water conditioners to choose from like our Gold Tapsafe.
Test the water regularly to ensure that the pH level remains within the ideal range. Goldfish are sensitive to changes in water quality, so it’s essential to maintain a consistent environment.
How big of a tank do goldfish need?
Goldfish require a larger tank than most people realise. While we often think of them living in a small bowl, this is simply not the case.
Common goldfish need a minimum of 180 litres, with an additional 55 litres for each extra fish. The tank should also have a minimum length of 4 feet (120cm) to provide ample swimming space.
Fancy goldfish should have at least 140 litres of tank space, with an extra 45 litres needed for each additional fish. The tank should be a minimum of 3 feet (90cm) to allow for swimming room.
Unsure about how many fish to have in your tank? Check our our guide.
How often should I clean my goldfish tank?
Cleaning the tank is essential for maintaining good water quality and keeping your goldfish healthy. It is recommended to do partial water changes once a month.
During these water changes, you should remove about 25% of the water in the tank and replace it with fresh, dechlorinated water.
Make sure to clean your tanks decorations like plastic plants, gravel, and filter on a regular basis. This will help to prevent the build-up of waste and algae. If you have real plants, make sure to trim them often and remove any dead leaves to avoid decay.
What should I feed my goldfish?
As omnivores, Goldfish eat both plant and animal matter. A balanced diet typically consists of high-quality fish flakes or pellets specifically formulated for goldfish. You can also supplement their diet with live or frozen foods such as bloodworms, brine shrimp, or vegetables like peas.
Avoid feeding them foods like bread, as it contains yeast and gluten, which fish cannot digest properly. Remember to feed your goldfish small portions multiple times a day to prevent overfeeding and keep their digestive system healthy.
How often should I feed my goldfish?
Goldfish should be fed 1-3 times a day, with only as much food as they can consume within a couple of minutes. Overfeeding can lead to health problems like constipation and swim bladder issues. Provide a balanced diet that includes both commercial fish flakes or pellets and occasional treats like frozen or live foods.
How should I arrange my tank?
Goldfish are fascinating creatures with unique behaviours and preferences when it comes to their tank environment. One of the things they love to do is root through the substrate in search of food scraps.
In this case, it’s best to use smooth, large gauge gravel in the tank. This allows the goldfish to easily sift through the substrate without injuring themselves. Avoid using cheap, novelty-coloured gravels as they often contain harmful dyes that can get into the water and potentially harm your fish.
Slim-bodied goldfish are energetic swimmers, darting up and down the tank in a frenzy at feeding times. Whereas, round-bodied fancy goldfish are not as agile and often wobble around in the water, sometimes bumping into objects or other fish. So provide plenty of open water swimming space in the tank so as to cater to both types.
Decorations and plants are also fine, but make sure they don’t take up too much space in the tank.
Can goldfish live in a tank without a filter?
While goldfish are often sold in small bowls, they should not live in them long-term without a filter. Bowls do not provide enough space or filtration for goldfish to thrive, leading to poor water quality and stunted growth. It’s best to install a proper aquarium filter to ensure the health and well-being of your goldfish.
Can goldfish live with other fish?
Goldfish can be kept with other fish, but it’s choose carefully. Goldfish are social animals and can thrive with other peaceful, cold-water species that have similar care requirements.
Goldfish-friendly species include:
- Platy
- Tetras Minnows
- White Cloud Mountain Fish
- Rosy Barb
- Plecos
- Corydoras Catfish
- Danios
Avoid keeping them with aggressive or nippy fish that may stress or harm them. Be mindful of the temperament of your other fish to prevent territorial issues.
Still not sure? Take a look at our fish care guides for more information.