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How to Make a Goldfish Live Longer

Sunday, April 29, 2007
Related Tags: goldfish | fish | tank | water | chlorine
 

Instructions

Things You’ll Need:

  • Step 1:
    Go shopping for the largest tank that you can afford. For goldfish, 10 gallons per fish is best. Having a wider tank is better than having a taller tank. Surface area is very important.
  • Step 2:
    Have your fish tank ready before you buy the fish. Allow 2 to 3 weeks for the water to develop bacteria to get rid of the fish waste. Add chlorine drops if your tap water has chlorine or use bottled spring water from the store.
  • Step 3:
    Purchase items that will create an environment for your fish. As with any pet, goldfish need a variety of items to make sure they constantly have new areas to explore. Visit your local pet store or go online to purchase accessories.
  • Step 4:
    Clean the tank often. Use a filter, but do not let this be a substitute for your cleaning. Change the water using chlorine drops and test for ammonia and nitrate often.
  • Step 5:
    Purchase special food to feed your goldfish at least once if not twice a day. Pay attention to the amount you are feeding them. Do not let any leftover food stay in the tank.
  • Step 6:
    Watch for signs of illness in your goldfish. If your goldfish becomes ill you should get it treated immediately. Some common goldfish illnesses are:
    Ick – a parasitic infection with visible white spots
    Dropsy – bloating in the stomach
    Fin or tail rot – badly torn fins or tail that's not a result from fighting
    Swim bladder – fish has trouble swimming correctly, i.e., standing on its head

    If your fish shows any signs of illness, contact a pet store to see if there are any medicines you can add to help cure the condition. Immediately change the water.

Tips & Warnings

  • Test the water’s pH levels. Goldfish need pH levels of about 7 or 8
  • Change of temperature will cause stress to your goldfish as well. Keep the water in the tank at a constant temperature.
  • Keep your fish stress-free when moving them, as less stress increases the life span of the goldfish

How to Make a Goldfish Live Longer Provided by eHow.com
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