Not only are they aesthetically pleasing, but they’re also made from high-quality materials and very safe for your goldfish. These large aquarium decorations will last for years. You’ll never have to deal with chipping paint or cloudy water.

I recommend at least 30 gallons of aquarium water for the ornaments listed, since many of these ornaments are too big for smaller aquariums (and really, your goldfish tank shouldn’t be any smaller than 20 gallons anyway – see my goldfish tank guide). Sizable dimensions mean more hiding spaces for your goldfish. Many large aquarium decorations even include bubbling air stones for increased surface agitation (much needed for healthier aquarium water).

Greek Sanctuary Ornament from Top Fin

This elegant 5-inch wide and 7-inch high (5-inch diameter) Greek sanctuary ornament is breathtaking! If the incredible detail on the bricks and columns doesn’t make you drool, surely the ample hiding spaces for your goldfish will. Capture the Greek ruins in your aquarium with highly photogenic realism and give your goldfish a very durable piece to explore. This large fish tank ornament is glowing with positive reviews.

I have a 5″ Synodontis and he has claimed this as his home. When I lifted the decoration out of the tank he tried to swim up with it. He didn’t want to give it up. – Gryph70

Exotic Cambodian Rock Face Ornament

This gorgeous Cambodian rock ornament is 6 inches long, 6 inches wide, and 7.5 inches high, perfect for a 10-gallon aquarium (or larger!). The intricate detail of each rock face will take your goldfish back to ancient times, where there are plenty of crevices and holes for smaller goldfish to hide in. If you want a realistic piece for your freshwater aquarium, this ornament will definitely fit the bill.

Very nice accent piece. Just the right size for my 3-4″ cichlids, and the color contrast with faux greenery is good. Very well rendered. – J. Valk

Intricate Barrel Aquarium Ornament

One of many beautiful large aquarium decorations, this resin barrel ornament looks great in 20-gallon aquariums (or higher). It’s 8 inches wide, 5 1/2 inches high, and 5 inches in diameter. With its built-in air stone and calming air of tranquility, bubbles appear to flow right out of the barrel and help keep your goldfish tank well oxygenated. Hiding places are only large enough for smaller goldfish though.

My goldfish love to sit in there while my algae eater sticks to it. Great decoration! My fish have been in there since I put it in. – CrispySteze

Delightful Wooden Cabin Aquarium Ornament

Realistic cabin ornament creates a soothing environment for your goldfish tank. Standing 9 inches high, 10 inches wide, and 12 inches long, this large aquarium ornament looks beautiful in 20-gallon tanks or larger. Only smaller goldfish will be able to explore the mossy steps and clay pots on this bubbling beach hut. But the decoration will definitely remind you of those warm summer afternoons. Built-in air stone turns the wheel for nicely oxygenated aquarium water.

Saw this item when I was looking for a new air pump and had to have it. Hooked up the water wheel to the new air pump and watched our fish and aquatic frogs explore their new digs! – barnmaster

Enchanted Castle Aquarium Ornament

Create a bewitching atmosphere in your goldfish tank with this lovely enchanted castle ornament. 5 inches long, 4 inches wide, and 8 inches high, this ornament is one of many large aquarium decorations that look great in 10-gallon aquariums and larger. Smaller goldfish will enjoy snooping through holes along the rocky cliff as they explore a magical land of warlocks and wizardry.

I’ve gone off the deep end. But this is one in a whole series of aquarium decorations I’ve purchased. This one is the best, most sturdily constructed, artfully decorated and architecturally challenging and comforting to the betta.

Realistic Castle Ornament with Drawbridge

If you’re looking for large aquarium decorations, you don’t have to look far. Your goldfish will enjoy ruling over his subjects with this stately castle ornament. This ornament is 9 inches long, 6 1/2 inches wide, and 4 inches high. The beautiful drawbridge complements each brick on this elaborate castle fit for royalty. Bubbling air stone keeps the water healthy and well-oxygenated for rambunctious goldfish.

The castle has a good sized opening on the lower right-side that acts as a cave, if you do not use the airstone. This provides fish with a cozy spot to hide in if feeling unsafe or insecure. – FintasticReviews

Elegant Balinese Dragon Aquarium Ornament

This beautiful Balinese dragon ornament might look menacing, but your goldfish will enjoy that he breathes bubbles and not fire. This gentle giant is 14.5 inches long and 7.5 inches wide and works great in aquariums that can hold 30 gallons and up. The dragon guards over all aquarium inhabitants and comes with an air stone embedded in its mouth for oxygenated water. Some hobbyists did have trouble getting the air stone just right though.

I purchased this dragon to add to my new cichlid tank and it is just as beautiful as the upright one that I purchased for my living room. My fish love it and so does my family and friends. This decoration has encourage my friends to but a fish tank as well. What an excellent focal point to add to a fish tank. – TraciT522

Asian Bonsai Aquarium Ornament

If your goldfish are shy, this Asian bonsai aquarium decoration will pull them right out of their shell. The bonsai tree stands tall with a realistic trunk overflowing with leaves and offers much-needed shade for your nature-inspired aquarium. The ornament is 12 inches long, 8 inches wide, and 7.5 inches high for 10-gallon aquariums and up.

I love this ornament. It is so beautiful and it really looks real. It makes the tank look great and it provides shade for some of the little fish. A must have. – Beansoup1999

Forgotten Cambodian Ruins Aquarium Ornament

The detail on this Cambodian house ornament is simply beautiful. The ornament takes your goldfish back into history with dozens of hiding places for small goldfish to explore. Like the large aquarium decorations above, your goldfish will never be bored again with this 7.5 x 6 x 8-inch work of art. This piece is perfect for 10-gallon aquariums and higher. On the downside, bigger goldfish may not be able to fit through the holes.

Got this in the mail, was afraid it was going to be too big in our 10 gallon tank. Fits beautifully in the tank, we have it in there with a shipwreck. Looks very nice, and wasn’t very expensive like most larger pieces. – Doreen M.

Ancient Greek Coliseum Ornament

This Greek coliseum aquarium ornament is almost an exact replica and can be paired well with other large aquarium decorations. Not only is each stone crafted with surprising detail, but the ornament also includes an embedded air stone to keep goldfish healthy in oxygenated water. Your goldfish will love the natural stones and mossy hollows in which to hide in. The ornament is 12.5 inches long, 7.3 inches wide, and 8.3 inches high, perfect for 30-gallon aquariums or higher.

I put a pink light over the coliseum to brighten it up, and a blue light over the corner piece to tone the columns down. The fish and snails love both and the guppies love the foliage. – Megen

Take your pick of any of the above large aquarium decorations and you won’t be disappointed!

Whether your aquarium is aquascaped with sweeping plants and foliage or floating driftwood and rocks, these highly realistic ornaments will turn your goldfish tank into an aquatic paradise. They’re so gorgeous that many fish hobbyists use them as beautiful centerpieces in their aquarium.

Do You Buy Large Aquarium Decorations for Your Tank?

I’d love to hear from you! How have you used large aquarium decorations to enhance the beauty of your aquarium? Drop a comment in the form below and share your experiences with the rest of the goldfish community!

The post Top 10 Large Aquarium Decorations: Elegant Solutions for Your Tank appeared first on Complete Goldfish Care.

Buying a goldfish tank that is large enough and designed to house the number of goldfish you plan to keep is the first step to raising healthy fish that thrive. The type of aquarium you choose can determine whether your goldfish flourish or just barely survive.

You want a goldfish tank that your fish can comfortably live in.

Goldfish can live for 15 to 20 years, and some have even surpassed the 20-year mark. But to ensure your goldfish reach adulthood, it’s important that you choose goldfish tank your fish will thrive in.

Remember that your goldfish will grow rapidly and will not be an inch long for very long, so you should plan on a larger aquarium to start. – Quick & Easy Goldfish Care by TFH Publications, Inc.

Then there’s the matter of design. Tanks aren’t just the traditional rectangle shape now. You can get fancy and buy a dazzling aquarium specially designed to enhance the beauty of your goldfish.

Let’s take a look at a few goldfish tank requirements, what to avoid, and how to pick the best option for your aquarium needs.

What Size Is Appropriate for a Goldfish Tank?

Get 20 gallons (75 liters) at the very minimum and only if you’re keeping one or two goldfish.

We’ll get to why in a minute, but you don’t want an aquarium smaller than that. Depending on how many goldfish you plan to keep, chances are you’ll want a tank much, much larger.

Yes, I know. Goldfish tanks are expensive. But on the flip side, your goldfish won’t have to breathe through murky water. Assuming the aquarium is properly maintained, of course. And it’s much easier to keep the water crystal clear in a large goldfish tank.

No matter which way you look at it, a small aquarium equates to much more work, frequent water changes, and stressed out goldfish.

In addition to those 20 gallons, you’ll need to add 10 gallons (40 liters) of water for each additional goldfish you buy (if they’re fancy). If you’re keeping slim-bodied goldfish (like commons, comets, or shubunkins), you’ll need even more space – 30 gallons for each additional fish. Take a look at my guide on common goldfish types.

But why all the space?

I’m sure you’ve heard of the one-inch-of-fish-per-gallon rule. But goldfish aren’t like tropical fish, so this rule just doesn’t apply.

Instead…

Buy the Biggest Tank You Can Afford

There are a number of reasons for this. Let’s look at a few.

Photo by Louis Hall

• Goldfish are very bulky. Because of their odd body shape, they need much more oxygen than slim-bodied, more streamlined fish of the same length. Yes, the one-inch rule might work while your goldfish are young. But as your goldfish grow (and grow quickly), so does their body. Before you know it, your goldfish are quadruple the weight they were previously. And because they’re so heavy, they’ll need even more oxygen. If your tank doesn’t have a lot of space with a wide surface area, you may find your goldfish gasping for breath near the water line. Goldfish bowls are especially harmful because bowls usually have a very tiny surface area with no room for a filtration system.
• A large tank gives your goldfish plenty of room to grow to their full potential. In a small 5-gallon aquarium, your goldfish will still grow. But growth will become stunted, and your goldfish won’t be able to develop properly. In such an environment, goldfish usually don’t last any more than a couple of years. Sadly, many goldfish never live long enough to even grow the 8 inches, 10 inches, or even 20 inches long their body was destined to be.
• Water changes can be very stressful in a small goldfish tank. Goldfish prefer water that maintains a constant temperature. A small aquarium just can’t hold enough water mass. The water will take on whatever temperature the room is, heating up or cooling down much faster than a larger goldfish tank with more water mass (more water allows for slower temperature changes). If someone happens to leave the window open or the power fails and cold air flows into the room, the quick temperature change will cause your goldfish serious stress. And if you’re doing a routine water change (small tanks require more frequent changes), your goldfish can go into shock if you aren’t careful to keep the newly added water the same temperature as the tank.
• Goldfish excrete tons of waste. More waste than most other fish species because of their heavy bodies. So every day that you let your goldfish tank sit, the water quality is getting worse and worse. When you change the water, you’re bringing the water quality back up to its original state. Because larger goldfish tanks have more water mass, the quality of the water decreases slower. Wastes are less concentrated. That’s why you won’t have to do as many routine water changes (or take out more water per change) to keep conditions healthy in a large aquarium. With a 5-gallon tank, you’ll probably have to change the water every day, taking out half of the water per change depending on how many goldfish you have (and how poor water quality is). If you’re late to change the water for whatever reason, your goldfish can quickly become sick.
• The bigger the tank, the less crowded it will be. Overcrowded tanks can cause serious health issues. Water quality worsens at a much faster rate as more waste dissolves and the water becomes more concentrated with harmful toxins. Fish also get more aggressive when they’re overcrowded. So not only are your goldfish stressed out from the poor water quality, but they’re now faced with aggressive tank mates. If they don’t suffer from a few bloody scrapes or torn fins first, a fungal infection is bound to rear its ugly head later.
• Your goldfish tank will fall short. We all have an idea of how we envision our goldfish tank to look like once everything is all set up and running properly. Some fish hobbyists might want to go all out, landscaping the aquarium with all sorts of live plants, pieces of driftwood, and gorgeous waterfall ornaments. Others might want a more simplistic look – a few plastic plants and maybe a treasure cave in the center with holes for hiding. Whatever you envision your goldfish tank to look like, chances are that you won’t be able to achieve the same look with a small aquarium. You’ll want to go much larger, and for some, this may even exceed the 20-gallon requirement.
• You’ll probably want to keep more than one goldfish. Two goldfish can’t thrive in a tank less than 20 gallons. And depending on the type of goldfish you’re keeping, you may need even more space than that. Besides, goldfish are social creatures and prefer the company. So consider how many goldfish (and which goldfish types) you want to keep before buying your goldfish tank.

Even with a large aquarium, you still don’t want to max your tank to capacity. Your goldfish will be a lot happier with a few gallons of extra space. So if you plan to keep four fancy goldfish, you might want to buy a 50-gallon tank, instead of a 40-gallon. Or even a 46-gallon bowfront aquarium.

Buy the biggest tank you can afford. You’ll be happy that you did.

Long or Wide?

Aquariums come in many different shapes and dimensions.

Photo by Ajari (Flickr)

The shape you choose should be carefully considered, since not all of them offer your goldfish the same benefits. Avoid equilateral hexagons, pentagons, and cylinders. These aquariums are usually too deep, and they don’t have a wide surface area like rectangle or bowfront aquariums.

Stay away from long, deep tanks. Goldfish are oxygen hogs and need the extra surface area in wide, horizontal setups. A wide surface area (the space at the top of the aquarium where water meets air) is crucial to keep oxygen levels up and carbon dioxide out. Long aquariums are also harder to work with, since you’ll have to reach far to move around ornaments or plants.

Besides, goldfish are much happier swimming across distances than they are swimming deep.

Acrylic or Glass?

Whether you buy an acrylic or glass aquarium is up to you. Both options have their benefits and disadvantages. Neither one is perfect.

Let’s compare the two.

Acrylic

• Acrylic aquariums are lightweight. In fact, if you take both a glass and acrylic aquarium of the same size and shape, the acrylic tank will be noticeably lighter. That’s because acrylic material is less than half the weight of glass. So you can move much larger acrylic tanks with less effort (and the floor and aquarium stand can more easily handle the weight).
• Acrylic aquariums are very durable. You don’t have to worry about major leaks from cracks or breaks. If there is some sort of collision (your kids are playing ball near the goldfish tank), the aquarium will just bend a little, depending on the force of impact. And since acrylic tanks are bonded rather than seamed together, they hold up better over the long term.
• Acrylic aquariums retain more heat. As you know, fluctuating water temperatures will stress out your goldfish. So by retaining more heat, the tank is able to keep the water temperature more constant.
• The sides of acrylic aquariums are spotless. They don’t have seams or silicone filled corners like glass tanks do (not only can seams take away from the visual appeal, but your goldfish tank can also leak if a seam gets damaged).
• Acrylic aquariums offer a clear, realistic view. The view isn’t as distorted as it is with glass. There’s also no green tint in acrylic material, as there is in some glass aquariums.
• Acrylic aquariums have more design options. You don’t have to stick with a plain rectangle-shaped tank. Enhance the beauty of your goldfish tank with a flat back hexagon or bowfront aquarium.
• Acrylic aquariums can scratch if you’re not too careful. But scratches can also be easily removed. A scratch is also much better than a crack (and potential leak).
• Acrylic aquariums can be a bit pricey. Often, you’ll find the same sized glass aquarium at a cheaper price.

Glass

• Glass doesn’t scratch. But it can break. And then you’re faced with a massive leak.
• Glass aquariums can hold their shape, even if unsupported. If you don’t support the whole acrylic aquarium on a stand, the material can bend over time.
• Glass aquariums maintain the same clarity for years. If you buy an acrylic aquarium made without UV stabilizers, it can yellow or cloud as it ages. Always check to make sure the brand you buy uses this technology before going acrylic.
• Glass aquariums are heavy. Many people recommend acrylic for goldfish tanks larger than 300 gallons, because by that point, glass just becomes too ridiculously heavy to lift (and you’ll need special equipment to even carry the empty aquarium past your front door). The extra weight is also a strain on your aquarium stand and floor.
• Glass aquariums have seams on the corners. Seams can often be damaged while scraping algae off the sides of the aquarium. And if a seam does get damaged, you may have a serious leak on your hands.
• While still clear, glass can have a green tint. This is from the iron in the glass. The more iron the glass has, the greener the tint. And so thicker glass aquariums usually have a greener tint than thinner ones.
• Glass design options are limited. You’ll usually only find glass aquariums in the traditional rectangle shape. But since these aquariums are rectangular, surface area is maximized to provide your fish with better aerated water.

The goldfish tank you choose is up to you. Either an acrylic or glass aquarium will do. But remember: Always buy the biggest aquarium you can afford. Make sure it’s wide (from left to right) and not long (top to bottom). Goldfish need the space to thrive. The more surface area your aquarium has, the better aerated the water will be.

Which Goldfish Tank Do You Prefer?

Do you buy glass or acrylic? What sized aquarium do you have? How many goldfish do you keep? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

The post Your First Goldfish Tank: Which Is the Better Option? appeared first on Complete Goldfish Care.

Can you meet the needs of goldfish and tropical fish in the same aquarium? Or is this just a recipe for disaster?

Your betta is lonely, so you add two goldfish to keep him company. Or maybe you already have a goldfish tank set up, and you’re planning to buy neon tetras for a little more variety.

But can goldfish and tropical fish really thrive together in one tank?

After all, you don’t want to subject your goldfish to more stress than they can handle. Or worse, come home to find satisfied and bulging bellies but no goldfish to be seen!

For some pet owners, goldfish get along fine with tropical fish. Others have tried relentlessly to keep their goldfish in a tropical environment, only to discover fish go missing, torn fins, disease outbreaks, and a number of other problems – all problems that could have been prevented if their goldfish had their own separate tank.

So what’s going on?

Are Goldfish and Tropical Fish Compatible?

In short, no.

I definitely wouldn’t recommend keeping goldfish with tropical fish, and I know several fish hobbyists who wouldn’t either. Goldfish aren’t tropical.

It isn’t just a matter of how goldfish get along with other tropical fish. Goldfish and tropical fish have different requirements and to meet both requirements in one tank is just impossible. You can’t do it. You might come close, but you can’t give your fish all of the recommended goldfish care they need in a tropical aquarium.

You’ll have to make compromises to keep both your goldfish and tropical fish happy.

• Maybe you can’t give your goldfish a complete nutritional diet because you also have to meet the needs of your tropical fish.
• Maybe you can’t provide your goldfish with a powerful enough filter to reduce waste and maintain high oxygen levels because the water flow would irritate sensitive tank mates.
• Or maybe you can’t maintain the comfortable temperature conditions your goldfish prefer because your tropical fish are too sensitive to cooler temperatures.

If you’ve been keeping goldfish and tropical fish together for years, you might think this article doesn’t apply to you.

Think again. Your fish appear to be getting along fine, but what’s really happening in the aquarium that you don’t know about?

8 Reasons Why You Shouldn’t Mix Goldfish and Tropical Fish

• Goldfish and tropical fish have different temperature requirements. Goldfish – coldwater fish – prefer cooler temperatures around 65°F (18°C), while tropical species like their water toasty warm (72 to 85°F or 22 to 29°C). Yes, a goldfish can stand warmer temperatures temporarily (when they’re kept in a pond during summer months). But they won’t feel comfortable kept in warm water all the time. And if you try keeping tropical fish in cold water, they’ll just become lethargic and refuse to eat. One of the many benefits of keeping goldfish is that they don’t need a heater; most tropical tanks do.
• Goldfish and tropical fish have different temperaments. Goldfish are peaceful, while many tropical fish can get very aggressive. Some fancy goldfish varieties also have long, flowing fins that other tropical species love nipping on. Since goldfish are rarely ever aggressive, it’s not uncommon for several smaller fish to bully larger goldfish. And if you have territorial fish in the aquarium (angelfish, for example), it’ll be a living nightmare for your goldfish. Your goldfish could become seriously hurt or even killed.
• Goldfish and tropical fish have different disease tolerances. Some diseases affect fish differently. Since tropical fish are a completely different species, there’s a good possibility that your goldfish will get sick from a disease that won’t necessarily impact your tropical fish. Goldfish also get diseases more readily under warmer temperatures than they would under cooler, more comfortable temperatures.
• Goldfish and tropical fish have different diets. Without the right nutrients, your goldfish may not thrive. Many may even become malnourished, which can lead to all sorts of goldfish diseases. Goldfish require more fiber-rich foods in their diet to prevent constipation (very common in fancy varieties). Young and fancy goldfish also require protein-rich foods to develop and grow. To top that off, goldfish are primarily plant-based and so need plenty of veggies. Since goldfish don’t have “true” stomachs, they often run into digestion problems. Tropical food is harder for goldfish to digest than food specially formulated for goldfish.
• Goldfish are ravenous eaters. Goldfish won’t think twice before gobbling up every morsel of food you drop into the tank – and greedily pushing aside slower fish that stand in their way. Unlike bettas, goldfish aren’t picky at all. And because they feed so quickly and thoroughly, some tropical fish (especially the smaller ones) won’t stand a chance during feeding time.
• Goldfish are messy. Goldfish excrete lots of waste that can quickly pollute a smaller aquarium (which is why they’re kept in large tanks). Most tropical fish don’t need the extra space goldfish do and so are usually content in smaller aquariums. And because many tropical tanks have filtration systems that can’t keep up with the high levels of waste your goldfish excrete, you’ll soon find yourself with devastating and dangerous ammonia spikes that can cause serious problems – even killing your fish.
• Goldfish are very large compared to many tropical fish species. Most fancy goldfish varieties grow up to 6 or 7 inches long (15 or 18 centimeters), while common and comet goldfish can grow to a foot long (30 centimeters) and even more. Though there are exceptions, tropical fish tend to stay small. By the time your goldfish reach adulthood, your tropical fish may turn into tasty snacks.
• Goldfish love the company of other goldfish. While goldfish don’t form very tight schools like neon tetras, they are still quite social and like to be around other goldfish. In fact, you may notice that your goldfish stick together and will often follow one another around the aquarium. Even so, certain goldfish varieties still shouldn’t be mixed; goldfish do best when they’re with other goldfish similar in size and shape.

Still in Doubt?

Think about this: You wouldn’t go to the beach on a hot summer’s day in a winter coat. And why would you? You’d be much too warm, sweaty, and very stressed out.

Putting your goldfish in a tropical aquarium is going against their nature.

Just like you wouldn’t feel comfortable wearing a coat in 80-degree weather, your goldfish could go through all kinds of stress in a tropical aquarium. And shouldn’t you provide goldfish with an aquarium habitat as close to their natural environment as possible? After all, you don’t want the hassles of sick or lethargic fish.

It’s ultimately up to you whether to mix goldfish with tropical fish, but remember: Your goldfish depend on you for their care. If you want happy, healthy fish with vibrant colors and long-lasting lives, you’ll think twice before throwing goldfish into a tropical tank.

So What Do You Think?

Should you mix goldfish and tropical fish together? Should goldfish care be compromised to satisfy tropical fish needs? Or should goldfish be kept in separate tanks with other coldwater fish?

Join the debate! Add your thoughts, feedback, and goldfish care tips to the comments below.

The post Can You Keep Goldfish and Tropical Fish Together? appeared first on Complete Goldfish Care.

Goldfish care can be difficult to get right, especially for a new pet owner. Yet millions of goldfish are bought each year.

It’s easy to see why.

Goldfish are a delight to watch as they bump against one another to chase after the next morsel of food, often nipping at fins and shoving their greedy mouths straight up to the water surface. And there are so many goldfish varieties, in all sorts of colors and shapes, that it’s hard to choose which ones to bring home!

Goldfish are the most popular domesticated aquatic life in the world and there are over 125 varieties – more varieties than any other fish species. – Carlo DeVito and Gregory Skomal, authors of An Owner’s Guide to a Happy Healthy Pet: The Goldfish

Goldfish have their share of benefits. Simply watching their day-to-day activities can reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and even improve how well you eat meals at the dinner table. That’s why you’ll usually see an aquarium smack in the middle of waiting rooms.

But sadly, most goldfish don’t live to see their first year. In fact, a majority die young!

Goldfish care requires so much more than simply filling an aquarium with water.

If given quality goldfish care and the proper environment needed to thrive, goldfish can actually live 10 years or more. And there are records where goldfish have grown to be over a foot long!

Our goal is to walk you through the process of raising goldfish that not only last, but flourish in their aquarium environment. If you want your goldfish to give you years of entertainment, you’ll need to get those basic requirements right. Because so many things can go wrong in a small glass bowl.

Complete Goldfish Care focuses on seven key areas.

Goldfish Care Tip #1: Set Up a Healthy Goldfish Tank

Maintaining a healthy aquarium environment where goldfish can thrive is crucial.

You’ll want to…

• Buy the largest aquarium you can afford
• Enhance the beauty of your aquarium with substrate, artificial or live plants, and aquarium ornaments
• Treat fresh water with a tap water conditioner
• Test the water on a weekly basis with a freshwater test kit
• And practice routine water changes

If you don’t look out for the health of your goldfish, your fish will become sick. And if you’re not too careful, stunted growth might be in your goldfish’s future, along with a host of other problems!

Goldfish, especially fancy varieties, are very susceptible to diseases if forced to live in unhealthy conditions. Prevent diseases before they can infect your fish by learning which goldfish tank to buy and how to keep it running.

Goldfish Care Tip #2: Discover Goldfish Types

Selecting the right goldfish types for your aquarium, personality, and lifestyle is the first step to keeping goldfish that thrive. And since all breeds have their own special goldfish care requirements, you should find out what those requirements are before you make the mistake of buying a fish you can’t keep.

Learn more about…

• Unique goldfish types available (and rarities too)
• Special eating patterns and diets
• How to establish a goldfish community
• And why goldfish shouldn’t be kept with tropical fish

Before going to the pet store, learn everything you can about the goldfish you’re interested in.

Goldfish Care Tip #3: Find Goldfish for Sale

Ready to buy your first goldfish? Or looking to compare prices?

If you purchase a goldfish from poor stock, one that’s already stressed out and exposed to disease, things may get ugly – quickly – once you take that fish home. Avoid the risk altogether and be aware of telling signs that something’s amiss.

Find out…

• Where to buy healthy goldfish
• How to buy goldfish online
• What goldfish cost
• All about goldfish breeders
• And signs that your goldfish are healthy before you make the purchase

Goldfish are so popular that it’s hard to find any pet store that won’t have them in stock. But you should know what you’re getting into before you visit the pet store.

Goldfish Care Tip #4: Buy Quality Goldfish Food

To feed your goldfish on a regular basis, you need goldfish food.

Don’t just buy the first brand you see either. To meet all of the nutritional and dietary needs of your goldfish, you’ll need to know what to look for.

Not all commercial brands are created equal. If your goldfish are malnourished, an overwhelming disease outbreak might be around the corner. Goldfish need particular nutrients to thrive. Young goldfish and many fancy varieties especially need protein-rich foods to develop and grow.

Goldfish are also ravenous scavengers. Many times, they’ll swim right up to the aquarium glass and nuzzle their noses, begging for an additional meal. But don’t let their begging antics fool you!

Goldfish have sensitive digestive systems. If fed too much too soon, there might be even bigger problems than a hungry goldfish.

Learn all about…

• Goldfish nutrition
• Recommended brands
• Foods unique for certain goldfish types
• How often to feed your goldfish and when
• And the importance of food variety

There are many different kinds of food available, but the key is finding the right brand for the dietary needs of your goldfish.

Goldfish Care Tip #5: Prevent Goldfish Diseases

Goldfish are hardy creatures. But even under the worst conditions, they can’t withstand disease. Don’t take their hardiness for granted – things will go downhill fast. And when your goldfish do get sick, it’s important to know how to treat goldfish diseases quickly and effectively.

Of course, it’s also useful to learn which diseases will potentially infect your goldfish before they get sick (and take measures to prevent possible outbreaks).

Get the nitty-gritty on…

• Which goldfish diseases to look out for
• Signs your goldfish is sick
• How to treat common goldfish diseases (and even rare infections)
• And how to prevent deadly outbreaks from impacting the aquarium

If your goldfish tank is properly maintained and regularly cleaned, chances are your goldfish won’t get sick at all. But if/when they do, you want to take action immediately.

Goldfish Care Tip #6: Explore Goldfish Breeding

Goldfish breeding is a fun and worthwhile experience if you’ve been raising goldfish for a while. You can even make a side income just breeding and selling goldfish fry (once they’ve matured of course). Goldfish breeding is also an incredible learning experience, and hatching your first batch of fry can be exhilarating.

Learn the fundamentals of…

• Goldfish breeding basics
• How to prepare your goldfish for mating
• How to hatch your first batch of fry
• What to do when those babies hatch
• And how to raise young goldfish

If you want to explore goldfish with different traits or even show off your goldfish at local shows, breeding is an excellent first step.

Goldfish Care Tip #7: Build a Goldfish Pond

Goldfish, like koi, are wonderful pond fish because of their large sizes and hardiness. Some goldfish varieties were even developed to be looked upon from above (celestial eye goldfish, for example).

But while most goldfish with streamlined bodies are fine kept in ponds, other fancy varieties do best indoors because of their sensitive, exaggerated features.

Get detailed advice on…

• Which goldfish types are best kept outdoors
• If a goldfish pond is right for you
• How to develop a pond environment
• How to care for goldfish in a pond
• What to feed your pond inhabitants
• And what to do over the winter before the pond freezes over

Keeping goldfish is a wonderful experience. But it’s up to you to take the actions necessary for long-lasting, healthy fish.

Since goldfish can’t care for themselves, they depend on you for their goldfish care. It’s up to you to maintain a healthy goldfish tank, feed your fish quality goldfish food, prevent (or treat) goldfish diseases, and even take your goldfish hobby to the next level by setting up an outdoor pond or hatching your first batch of fry.

Remember: You control the lives, happiness, and well-being of your goldfish. If you give these amazing creatures the goldfish care they deserve, they will thank you for years and years to come.

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