EXPERIENCE ROXY'S PET SHOP CARE SHEETS

• Minimum Size: A single goldfish needs at least 20 gallons of water. Each additional goldfish requires about 10 gallons of space.
• Ideal Size: 30 gallons or more for one goldfish, and 40+ gallons for two. Goldfish grow quite large and produce a lot of waste, so more space is always better.

Goldfish can grow up to 8–12 inches (20–30 cm) depending on the variety, so don’t skimp on tank size.

• Temperature: 65–75°F (18–24°C). Goldfish are cool-water fish and can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, but temperatures above 75°F (24°C) should be avoided as this can stress them out.
• pH Level: 7.0–8.4 (neutral to slightly alkaline). Goldfish can tolerate a wide range of pH levels, but it should remain stable.
• Hardness: 4–20 dGH (moderately hard to hard water).
• Water Quality: Goldfish produce a lot of waste, so it's important to maintain clean water. Keep ammonia and nitrites at 0 ppm and nitrates below 20 ppm.

• Filtration: Goldfish are messy eaters and produce a lot of waste, so a strong filtration system is essential. Look for a filter rated for a tank size larger than yours to ensure proper filtration and water flow.
• Air Pump: If you don’t have an advanced filter with aeration, consider adding an air stone or air pump to ensure proper oxygenation.

• Best Option: Smooth gravel or sand. Avoid sharp or small gravel that can be ingested by the fish.
• Avoid: Fine gravel or small pebbles that can be swallowed accidentally.

• Live Plants: Goldfish may nibble on plants, but live plants can help with water quality by absorbing nitrates. Hardy plants like Java Fern or Anubias work well.
• Hiding Spots: Provide caves or decorations for your goldfish to hide in when needed. Be sure to use smooth ornaments without sharp edges to avoid injuring your fish.

Goldfish are omnivores and can eat a variety of foods:

• Staple Foods: High-quality goldfish pellets or flakes, preferably sinking ones so they don't just float on the surface. These are formulated to meet their nutritional needs.
• Live/Frozen Foods: You can offer occasional treats like daphnia (water fleas), brine shrimp, bloodworms, or earthworms.
• Vegetables: Goldfish also enjoy vegetables like blanched peas, spinach, and zucchini. These help with digestion.

• Feeding Frequency: Goldfish are small eaters but need to eat frequently. Offer food 2–3 times per day, only as much as they can consume in 2–3 minutes.
• Avoid Overfeeding: Goldfish have insatiable appetites, but overfeeding can lead to obesity, poor water quality, and digestive issues. Remove any uneaten food after a few minutes.

• Frequency: Perform regular partial water changes (20–30%) once a week to maintain water quality. More frequent changes might be necessary if you have more than one goldfish.
• Water Conditioner: Always use a water conditioner to remove chlorine or chloramine from tap water before adding it to the tank.

• Test your water weekly to ensure ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate levels are within safe ranges:
  • Ammonia: 0 ppm
  • Nitrite: 0 ppm
  • Nitrate: <20 ppm (nitrate levels higher than this can be toxic to goldfish).
• pH: Test the pH regularly to ensure it stays stable in the ideal range (7.0–8.4).

• Cool Water: Goldfish prefer cooler water, typically between 65°F and 75°F (18°C–24°C). They can tolerate water temperatures down to 50°F (10°C) but not higher than 75°F (24°C) for extended periods.
• Avoid: Do not place your tank in direct sunlight, as it can raise the water temperature too high and promote algae growth.

• Light Duration: Goldfish need 12–14 hours of light a day, followed by a period of darkness. You can provide natural light from windows or use an aquarium light to simulate a day-night cycle.
• Lighting Intensity: Goldfish don’t need intense lighting, but it helps if you have plants in the tank. Too much light can encourage algae growth, so keep it moderate.

• Swim Bladder Disease: This can cause your goldfish to float upside down or have difficulty swimming. It can be caused by overfeeding, poor water quality, or injury.
• Fin Rot: This condition usually results from poor water quality or bacterial infections. It causes the edges of the fins to look frayed or discolored.
• Ich (White Spot Disease): White, salt-like spots on the body or fins. It’s a parasitic infection, usually caused by stress, poor water conditions, or sudden temperature changes.
• Dropsy: A condition where the goldfish swells up and may have pinecone-like scales. This is often a sign of a serious internal infection and may require veterinary treatment.

• Loss of appetite
• Discolored or frayed fins
• Swimming erratically (hovering at the surface or sinking)
• Cloudy eyes or swollen body
• Lethargy or unusual behavior

If you notice any of these symptoms, check your water quality and consider consulting an aquarium vet.

• Avoid Handling: Goldfish have sensitive skin and slime coatings that protect them. Avoid handling them with your hands, as this can damage their protective mucus and stress them out.
• If you need to move them, use a soft net to gently scoop them up.

Goldfish are egg layers and will breed in the right conditions. However, breeding goldfish can be tricky in a home aquarium.

• Males will chase females in a ritual known as "tumbling" during spawning season. They will nudge the female to release her eggs.
• Eggs: After spawning, the female will release eggs, which will attach to surfaces like plants or tank decorations.
• Fry Care: The fertilized eggs hatch in about 3–7 days, depending on the water temperature. The fry (baby fish) are very tiny and need fine foods like infusoria, green water, or specially formulated fry food.

• Goldfish Lifespan: Goldfish can live 10–20 years, and in some cases, even longer. They need a long-term commitment, so don’t expect a short-lived pet.
• Water Quality is Key: Poor water quality is the leading cause of health problems in goldfish. Always prioritize maintaining clean, well-filtered water.
• Avoid Goldfish Bowls: Small bowls or tanks are not suitable for goldfish, as they can stunt their growth and lead to poor water conditions. A proper tank with a filtration system is essential.

Goldfish are beautiful and rewarding pets that can live for many years with the right care. By providing them with a spacious tank, maintaining good water quality, offering a balanced diet, and monitoring their health, you’ll ensure your goldfish thrives. With patience and attention to detail, goldfish can bring years of joy to your home.

If you have more questions or need help troubleshooting any issues, feel free to reach out!