This prevents the fish surface-gulping which can lead to potential bloat and swim bladder concerns. Check the feeding instructions on the food label as it can vary depending on the type of food.Ī great tip is to hold the flake or pellets underwater for a few seconds before releasing as the food will absorb water and sink before the fish start feeding.
Goldfish should be fed at least once a day and never more than they can consume within 3-5 minutes.
Frozen goldfish food such as brine shrimp and bloodworms may also be fed. A high quality pelleted or flake food is a great staple, but like us, goldfish like variety. Goldfish need more carbohydrates than other fish so it is important that you feed a “goldfish” specific food. Make sure you set your tank up near a power supply. Fish can also get startled by loud noises and vibrations (like running past or tapping on the aquarium itself) so place your aquarium somewhere it will be relatively undisturbed. Never use fly spray, air fragrance or other aerosols around your tank. The tank shouldn't be in direct sunlight as this can cause excessive algae growth and will affect the temperature of the water. Place your aquarium in a stable environment, one that doesn't have significant changes in temperature or in the path of drafts.
Tank lighting is optional, but it helps to show off your fish and their setup to its full advantage, and is a necessity for any plants. An air pump can be added to assist water aeration, these are attached to an air stone to create surface agitation and create a bubble effect. Other environment requirements include gravel or substrate, plants, and sheltered areas which may be ornaments, aquatic-friendly rocks and driftwood. Goldfish are bigger waste producers than other fish of comparative size so it's imperative to make sure that you have a good filtration system and keep your tank appropriately stocked. Maintaining a consistent pH level, temperature and aeration will help to create a healthy environment for your fish. Juvenile goldfish should have a minimum tank size of 50L per fish and they'll need a larger tank as they grow to accommodate their size (an adult goldfish may grow up to 30cm in length). Narrow necked bowls or tanks don’t create enough of a surface or swimming area. We recommend a filtered, cycled tank (check out our article on The Nitrogen Cycle) rather than a bowl. An aquarium is the most important aspect of goldfish care and it needs to be a suitably sized environment for your fish.