Goldfish are very popular to keep as they are inexpensive and are not as much work as dogs, cats or other small animals. You can get many different types of goldfish in different shapes and colours. The traditional goldfish bowl is not recommended even for one goldfish as it does not give the fish enough room to move around, it has been suggested that a rectangular tank is more suitable.
There are many things to think about when setting up your goldfish tank and many items that can make your tank look great. Plants, rocks, gravel and ornaments are some of the most poplular, not to forget tank maintenance items such as air pumps and water filters.
It is very important you set your tank up properly, below you will find step by step instructions on doing this:
1. Choose the best place to set your tank up ensuring it is out of direct sunlight, not beside a window or radiator and is on a stand which holds the tank securely in place as tanks can be extremely heavy
2. Wet some kitchen roll under the tap (never use boiling water) and wipe down the inside of the tank
3. Place your tank in the location and position that it will be kept (some tank manufacturers advise that a sheet of polystyrene is placed under the tank for stability, to check this please check the tank manufacturers guide)
4. Place the gravel in a bowl/bucket and rinse under the tap until the water runs clear
5. Place the gravel in the tank around once inch high. If you are planning on adding live plants to the tank ensure the gravel is around 2 inches high
6. Add any rocks or ornaments you have purchased into the tank, placing the highest ones either at the back or around the sides. Please note that if you are adding live plants these should not be added until the water has been added
7. You should now add tap water to the tank. Fish do not like chlorine and as tap water contains this you may want to consider purchasing a water conditioner solution. Fish should never be exposed to untreated tap water as the chlorine will harm them
8. You should now install the filter and switch it on
9. Wait 24hrs now to ensure all equipment is working and to allow the water to stabilise
10. You should now add the fish to the tank by floating the bag they came in inside the tank for around 10 minutes, this will equalise the temperature. Gently open the bag and introduce your fish to their new home
11. You should now add some fish food which will help them to settle in
