Goldfish Aren't As Easy To Have As Pets As You Might Think

Considering fairs and carnivals often hand out goldfish as prizes with an air of nonchalance, you might assume you'll have little trouble looking after one. However, these popular pets actually have a lot of needs you'll need to meet, and deserve proper care just like any other household member. In fact, adopting a goldfish can be quite a commitment.

In the right conditions, goldfish can live up to 10 to 20 years, so expect to be in it for the long-haul. It's also important to research the type of goldfish you plan to get. While the comet goldfish is the most commonly seen, there are other varieties out there that may have different needs. Some types of goldfish also might not belong in the same aquarium, so preparation is pivotal to ensure your fish all get along. Goldfish also typically shouldn't be housed with other species, as they have unique environmental requirements that many fish cannot live in.

To keep your goldfish alive and happy, it's important to understand their environmental needs. When it comes to choosing a home, a bowl isn't going to cut it. Typically, you will want at least a 20-gallon tank for your goldfish (if you have more than one in a tank, aim for a minimum of 20 gallons per fish.) However, if your goldfish is a larger species, you'll need a tank that's even bigger. Comet goldfish can get up to 16 inches long, so you may have to upgrade your tank in the future if your fish starts to outgrow it.

Along with a sufficient tank, you also need to maintain proper water quality for your goldfish. Ideally, the water should have a pH between 7 to 8.4. It's important to check the pH using a water quality test kit on a regular basis, preferably weekly. Clean the tank often (the ideal schedule varies based on size, number of fish, and filtration), as well as the tank filter every week.

Goldfish love food. Temperature can play a role in their appetite, with warmer water making them more hungry. You will typically want to feed your goldfish once a day if their tank is below 70 degrees, or twice a day for higher temperatures. Look for a food that has around 30% protein. Sinking pellets are often better than flakes, as the latter tend to hover at the surface, which can lead to buoyancy problems if a fish eats there too often. Watch out for signs of overfeeding your goldfish, and consider cutting back if you suspect they're getting too much grub.

While goldfish are typically housed inside, comet goldfish can often thrive outside if you have a pond at home with the proper conditions permitting. Be sure there is at least 30 gallons of water per fish and that it is a minimum of 3 to 4 feet deep. If you live in a colder climate, you will want a deeper pond, and you may want to transfer your goldfish inside during the winter months.