Tank Accessories and Ornaments for Goldfish Aquarium

Adding some accessories and ornaments will add zest to your aquarium. There are several varieties of ornaments to adorn your aquarium. It solely depends on the owner’s style and personality. These are added to enhance the overall appearance of your goldfish tank. Also, make sure that the decorations or accessories you put in your aquarium are nontoxic. If in doubt of the safety of any decorations you put in your fish tank, buy them in reputable aquarium or fish shops.

GRAVEL
Use medium-sized gravel as your tank flooring. Be sure to clean the gravel before use with hot water. Be sure that the gravel is not too sharp or pointed. Keep the gravel in the aquariums at most one-fourth inch thick.

PLANTS
Use artificial plants instead of live ones. Plastic plants work better in aquariums, as they tend to be scavengers and dig up plants. If you are planning to place live plants, you can use low growing plants and tough, hardy plant species like Java moss and fern. Plastic plants for aquariums are available in different sizes, colors and shapes.

ROCKS
Fishes like places to hide like rocks. Add rocks of different sizes, shapes and colors. Do not put those with sharp or pointed edges. Avoid getting rocks just from your garden as they may contain pesticides, chemicals, or toxic minerals which are harmful to the goldfish. Arrange them in strategic portions of the fish tank and make sure not to overcrowd the tank with them.

PLASTIC DRIFT WOOD
Placing plastic drift wood in your fish tank will provide a resting and hiding places for your goldfish.

Setting up Aquarium Equipment for Goldfish Aquarium

Setting up an aquarium is not that hard as long as you have the right tank and certain basic equipment to go with it. If you want your goldfish to survive in their new habitat, you must provide your fish with some essential aquarium equipment, too.

HEATERS
Keeping the water temperature steady all year round is very important for your goldfish. Goldfish are more active when the temperature remains near 74 degrees Fahrenheit. Anything cooler than 68 degrees Fahrenheit for a period of time will eventually kill them. Be sure that you choose an aquarium heater that matched your goldfish tank. If you get a heater with too low voltage, it will not substantiate your large tank. An aquarium heater with very high voltage will only take the life of your goldfish. Do not hesitate to visit and ask your local fish store regarding the right heater for your aquarium.

LIGHTS
Goldfish require a daily dose of 4-10 hours of lighting. A well-illuminated aquarium allows better viewing and highlights the color of your fishes. Turn off the lights during night time as goldfish rest and sleep too. There are several types of aquarium light fixtures available such as striplights, full hood and canopy lights.
Get fluorescent light instead of incandescent ones because these give off less heat, produce more light per watt, and are more energy efficient.

FILTERS
An efficient water filtration system is the most necessary component for any aquarium. Goldfish do not have a stomach, so they produce a large amount of wastes through their gills and feces. Without a filter all the wastes and bacteria in the tank will build up and make it hard for the goldfish to breath. Filters come in various brands and types. Select a full-size canister filter or a hang on filter for your aquarium. If your tank is larger than a 10-gallon, investing in an undergravel system with powerheads is a good buy. Installing an outside filter (which makes use of fibrous material and activated carbon to purify the water) is a plus. Make sure that the filter will not produce excessive current in the tank for this will make it tough for the goldfish to swim. To maintain its proper functioning, clean or change filters every month.

WATER SIPHON HOSE
An aquarium siphon hose is also helpful in your scheduled water change to keep the fish healthy. The hose will suck the water out of the tank and remove wastes.

Owning a goldfish is a big responsibility. You can not leave the fish to live and grow healthy on his own. Providing your fish with a right tank is not good enough. You must be able to clean and maintain his environment by giving him at least the basic aquarium equipment for his survival and development.

Factors to consider before purchasing Goldfish tank

Factors to consider before purchasing a goldfish tank is the number of fish you want to own. Remember that to maintain a healthy school of goldfish, you will need a large tank. A large tank means more water, and more water will help dilute and lower the concentration of wastes that can harm the fishes. For starters, it is generally recommended to invest in a 10-gallon rectangular tank if you have some money to spare because it is best suited for goldfish. As you go on, getting a 20-gallon rectangular tank is a good investment. It is more expensive, but you’ll really make the goldfish happy and comfortable. Keep in mind that in goldfish care, a fish tank can hold one-inch of goldfish per gallon of water.

It is also very important to locate the desired and available spot for your goldfish aquarium. Choose a location that is not near the door or window and not exposed to heat, direct sunlight or cold drafts. This can make or break the fish tank you’ve chosen or purchased. It is all right if the tank you’ve purchased fits perfectly to your chosen spot. What if it’s too large or too small? Or even exposed to direct sunlight or cold draft? It will really be a dilemma forcing you to buy a new one or finding the next best site for your aquarium.

The life of your goldfish depends on the space and surface area of his habitat. Of course, larger fish tanks are highly recommended for the many benefits they can give for the owners and the fishes as well. Smaller fish tanks involve frequent water changes and demanding maintenance of water parameters. The most important thing is to look after the goldfish–keep the aquarium clean and make their environment a happy and comfortable place to live in.

What should be the Tank Size for Goldfish Aquarium

Before buying an aquarium for your goldfish, careful considerations must be observed. The goldfish is one of the very attractive and most commonly kept fishes in aquariums. They are easy to care for and deserve a safe, healthy and comfortable habitat. There are various fish tank sizes available in the market these days. It is very essential to choose the right tank for your goldfish for them to grow well and live longer. Before buying a fish tank, it is very important to research some basic information on setting up a goldfish aquarium.

Goldfish requires a fish tank that can provide the largest possible surface area and less depth for oxygen exchange, so they should never be kept in a goldfish bowl or smaller containers. Actually, for every inch of fish length, you will need 30 square inches for the surface area. But, remember that these fishes also grow, and they have the potential to grow quickly, so this should be taken into account in selecting the right size for their home. If you are only a beginner or a fishbowl is your only option, make sure that it is only filled halfway. You may have less water, but the surface area is not compromised and allows more oxygen for the fish.

List of items for cleaning your Goldfish Aquarium

Here’s what you will need for cleaning your aquarium:

ALGAE SCRAPER/PAD
There are several kinds of aquarium algae scrapers available in aquarium supplies or fish shops. There are long-handled scrapers and even magnetic scrapers to clean unwanted algae inside of the fish tanks. Others preferred to use a flannel or soft cotton cloth for it will not scratched the aquarium glass. A magnetic aquarium scrubber is also one of the favorites to use because it scrubs the entire inside surface of your aquarium without getting your arms wet.  It also makes cleaning quick and easy, keeping your aquarium spotless. For stubborn dirt and residue on the glass, use a razor blade to scrape it off. If you have an acrylic fish tank, utilize a plastic razor blade to avoid scratches.

BLEACH
A big no-no in aquarium maintenance is the use of soaps or detergents in cleaning the fish tank as well as its equipment, ornaments and accessories. Prepare a 10% bleach solution to soak your aquarium paraphernalia and leave them there for 15 minutes. Scrub the remaining residue off, rinse with running water and let it dry to eliminate residual bleach.

If you use live plants in your aquarium, soak the plants in a 5% bleach solution for two to three minutes. Make sure that they are rinsed well before putting them back in your aquarium.

BUCKET
Buy a new bucket which will be used solely during your aquarium cleaning session. Other buckets which you have already used may contain residual detergent or harmful chemicals which can contaminate your aquarium water.

WATER SIPHON
There are various types of siphons available in the market. Water siphons clean the gravel by vacuuming debris from your tank. This can also be used to transfer water from bucket to your tank.

LIME REMOVER/GLASS CLEANER
Clean also the outside portion of the fish tank as well as the hood, light and tank top. Do not use ammonia-based cleaners as they may harm your fish. You can use vinegar or alcohol to clean your aquarium or buy specifically-made aquarium cleaners from your local fish or pet store.

FILTER MEDIA
Clean or better yet replace the filter media to be sure that your filtration system will work efficiently. But, do not clean your filter on the same day you clean your aquarium. Wait at least two weeks for you will significantly disturb the aquarium’s balance. Filter media containing carbon, ammonia absorbers or ion-exchange resins should be replaced if it’s more than three weeks old. Clean also the filter tubing and other parts of the filter system.

FILTER BRUSH
Clean also the filter tubing and other parts of the filter system. A filter brush which you can get from your fish or pet store can help clear out the build-up sludge in all small crevices.

OLD BATH AND PAPER TOWELS
Use clean towels to wipe excess water and other cleaning products before returning back your aquarium’s equipment and accessories. This will prevent any type of accidental contamination.

How to Clean Your Aquarium

Proper and regular cleaning of your aquarium is very essential to make sure that your fish will live long and healthy. There are fish keepers who are very meticulous and want to make their fish tank as clean and clear as possible. But, did you know that frequent and too much cleaning can also endanger the lives of your goldfish.

The most important thing to remember in cleaning your aquarium is to not overdo it. Of course, regular water changes are essential as too much ammonia due to accumulated uneaten food and fish wastes will rapidly reach a dangerous level for your fish.

When cleaning your aquarium, remove only about one-third of the water and replace it with fresh, dechlorinated tap water. Smaller containers or fish bowls require larger water changes more often. It is not recommended to empty your fish tank as your goldfish will lose all the beneficial bacteria produced in the aquarium. Use a water siphon to suck debris

Automatic Goldfish Feeders - What to select Outdoor or Indoor Automatic Fish Feeder

Having an automatic fish feeder is an investment and can definitely help the goldfish owner during feeding time whether he is at home or on vacation. The use of an indoor/outdoor automatic fish feeder is suggested to distribute fish feeds evenly into the pond or aquarium at predetermined time intervals. Auto fish feeders are usually powered either with battery or run on electricity through a power cord and have little compartments to hold the fish food. The device also includes a timer which can be set to feed the fish at different intervals. There are different kinds and styles of automatic aquarium feeders for your goldfish. There are simple battery operated fish feeders and also state-of-the-art and large capacity electronic feeders.

One main concern for this device is that sometimes the food stored in the compartment become wet. If this happens, the fish food pellets or flakes could become stuck and not fall as intended.

For starters, you can buy the small and simple-type capacity feeder to see how it works and observe how it can assist you. If you’re budget is a little bit tight, you may want to try something like an automatic pond fish feeder. You can use it not only in your pond but also in your indoor aquarium. This feeder is usually powered by battery and works in all types and sizes of dry fish food. There are also available automatic feeders which can feed your fish different types of fish food either by mixing flakes and pellets together or by buying a feeder with separate chambers.

Aquarium auto feeders are great because they are convenient, accurate and dispense food over several hours reducing the risk of overfeeding and fish water contamination. If you are not sure of what kind of feeder to get, you can inquire from your local fish or pet shop to know the different types of automatic fish feeder suited for your existing aquarium or pond.

Goldfish Feeding - What Live Food to Feed your Godfish

Goldfish are omnivores, meaning they can eat both plant and animal food particles. In order for the goldfish to grow healthy, it is best to feed them both with processed and live foods.

What are live foods? Live foods contain nutritional elements and also have the natural laxatives which are essential to the goldfish. Some fish owners prefer feeding their fish with manufactured or processed foods because live foods may carry harmful organisms that can be harmful to the goldfish. Many of these live foods are available as frozen or dried items in pet or fish stores. They are excellent dietary supplement for conditioning the goldfish. Since, live foods may be harmful to your goldfish, it is recommended to just buy those which are frozen or dried rather than raising or catching them to feed your fish. The cultivation of live food should be left to the expert, as it can carry diseases which can harm your goldfish.

Brine shrimp is good for goldfish because when it hatches, it is not dangerous because even though it carries a disease, it can not survive in fresh water. Brine shrimps should be eaten fast or they will die and contaminate rapidly the water.

Daphnia are one of the several small aquatic crustaceans and live in freshwater environment. They can live in aquarium but can carry diseases which can be harmful to the goldfish, so a cultured daphnia is recommended.

There are a lot of worms which can be used as food for the goldfish. It includes tubifex worms, blood worms, earthworms, meal worms, etc. But, tubifex carries diseases, so blood worms are usually suggested because they are less likely to carry diseases. Earthworms are used only if they are cultured and if they will be given to bigger goldfish. White worms and micro worms are typically given to smaller or young fishes.

Almost all fish love to eat live fish. You can feed your goldfish with baby guppies and swordtails. They are very nutritious and readily available from your local fish shops.

Here’s a list of live foods which your goldfish can eat:

• Daphnia
• Brine Shrimp
• Infusoria
• Mosquito Larvae
• Tubifex Worms
• White Worms
• Blood Worms
• Wax worms
• Blood worms
• Microworms
• Meal Worms
• Organic earthworms
• Krill
• Small fishes

Goldfish Feeding - Avoid overfeeding of your Goldfish

Many fish owners want their goldfish to grow faster. They have this habit of feeding the fish more than their pet really needs. They have this notion that the more food the fish takes, the healthier it will get. Usually, goldfish is recommended to be fed two mouthfuls twice a day.

Overfeeding will just create a polluted environment to the goldfish. Leftover food decomposes rapidly, and this will ultimately release plenty of organic and inorganic compounds that will adversely affect the living condition of the goldfish.

Your aquarium will quickly develop cloudy water, sooner algae growth, occasional growth of little patches of fungus or mold, sudden appearance of tiny worms, and low dissolved oxygen, high nitrates, declining pH and other chemical problems.

Below are some feeding habits to remember to avoid overfeeding of your goldfish:

1.     Time your feedings. Carefully observe your fish when you feed them. Watch how long and how much will they be able to eat the food you give them. This way, you can adjust the amount of food the next time you feed them.

2.     Feed often but in moderation. Keep the feedings under control. You can feed your goldfish often but sparingly. But, fish experts typically recommend that you feed them twice to three times a day to avoid overfeeding. Other fish owners, especially those who keep several fishes, use an automatic fish feeder. This will allow them to set the feeder with the sufficient amount of food at a certain time.

3.     Feed the fish, not the fish tank. Do not be naive about getting your fish to grow fast and big by feeding them too much. Keep in mind that too much food is not good to the fish or to your aquarium.

4.     Feed your goldfish with appropriate fish food only. Visit your local fish store to inquire on what food to feed your goldfish. Flake foods may be too small to large-mouthed fish, or pellets may be too large for your tiny pets. Be cautious also when giving live foods to your goldfish. There are worms that carry harmful bacteria that could kill your fish.

5.     Introduce new foods carefully. Give new type of foods warily and in small amounts only. Feed very sparingly and allow them to adjust to their new diet before feeding sufficient amount of that food. Discontinue if you notice something strange regarding the fish’s eating habits.

6.     Remove uneaten food immediately. Getting rid of leftover fish food from the tank will reduce wastes that are harmful to your goldfish. A clean and clear aquarium can also provide a pleasant viewing experience not just to the fish owner but also to his visitors.

Goldfish Basics - Choosing the Right Tank for your Goldfish

Keeping fishes at home or at work can provide a peaceful and enjoyable frame of mind for its owners. It is not a demanding hobby to have; in fact a well-maintained and attractive aquarium can be a great therapy for people who are always stressed out and fatigued. If you are planning to own a goldfish, one thing you will need to consider is the perfect habitat for your pet. To keep your goldfish bright and healthy, you should take time to shop around and inquire for the right goldfish tank.

There are several factors involved in choosing the right goldfish tank. A goldfish tank that fits the owner’s lifestyle and personality is the most important thing to keep in mind in selecting the right tank. Whether you pick a large rectangular, hexagonal or small fish bowl for your goldfish, it all really depends on you. You will be the one to maintain and take care of your pet, so the option will ultimately be yours.

Budget is the key in purchasing an aquarium for your fishes. If you have no financial restriction, the biggest and stylish tank that you can afford is favorable.

Bear in mind the location to place your fish tank. It is okay if you have a small bowl or tank that is small and easily movable. But, if you got a huge tank, transferring it can be a hassle. After you’ve selected a spot in your house for your aquarium, choosing the appropriate size and shape is the next factor to consider. For beginners or if you are restrained by space in your house, a 10-gallon tank is all right. But, if you plan to take care of several fishes or plan to add more in the future, a larger fish tank is preferable. This will allow you to make more errors and kind of get away with it in terms of over feeding, over heating, or chemical imbalance that can have a bad effect in a fish and can lead to death. Also, bigger fish tanks can provide you with more viewing space and enjoy your fish.

You also want to consider the kind of fish you want to own. In general, a fish tank can housed one-inch of fish per gallon. If you want to keep bigger or various fishes with plants and adornments, a large rectangular tank is ideal. But, if you like to own a goldfish for aesthetic purposes, then a decorative tropical aquarium is a good choice. Nowadays, there are many styles and shapes to choose from in the market to fit your personality. You can customize it according to your preference if you want to put it in your bathroom, kitchen, or bedroom.

In choosing the right fish tank, you may also want to decide on what material will your goldfish tank be made. Is it glass or acrylic? Glass fish tanks are less expensive but heavier and difficult to manoeuvre. This type of fish tank is held together by glass sealer, so there is a possibility that sometime in the future it may leak. But, you can fix it by putting sealer on the leaking spot if you find the spot. Acrylic aquariums are a bit expensive and will rarely develop a leak but they can be scratched. The acrylic ones are also available in various shapes and sizes and are stronger compared to glass tanks.

Once you’ve found the right tank for your goldfish, utmost goldfish care should be observed. Be sure to clean and maintain it every now and then. Whatever size and shape you have chosen for your pet is your own personal preference. You pick the fish as your pet, so it is your responsibility to find and choose a perfect home for it to live healthy and happy.

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