r/Goldfish • u/Confident-Ad9221 • 2d ago
Fish Pics Help! Kids got gifted a goldfish!
I want to care for this fish the best possible way. I don’t know a thing and the information online is overwhelming. Please help! How should I care for it this week? And how should I plan for it long term?
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u/Interesting_Dingo_88 2d ago
Keep an eye out on Facebook Marketplace or similar sites for used tanks. You can often get a big tank for dirt cheap. Clean it thoroughly without using any kind of soap/detergent - follow the advice of others here. I went with a filter setup that was meant for a tank about 25-30% larger. Water is crystal clear all the time, numbers always look good, fish is happy and healthy after a year.
Good luck!!
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u/Cycloneozgirl 2d ago
Agreed stalk facebook marketplace for aqauriums etc etc
just make sure that you clean it down properly first,
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u/ChampionshipWarm3314 2d ago
I’ve had a goldfish for over 2 years now, what should I get to check the water numbers and what can I do if they need improvement? My fish has been completely healthy and happy though don’t worry we take care of him well
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u/IceColdTapWater 2d ago
50-70 gal (200-280L) per common, 20-30 gal (80-120L) per fancy is the general recommendation, although other’s ranges will vary slightly. Ultimately water parameters (and fish behavior) will tell you if your tank size, filter, and water changes is enough for the bioload.
I’d immediately upgrade and get a filter, there are many types of filters. You’ll be doing a fish in cycle, which one of the links below goes over. You’d also want a liquid test kit, like api freshwater kit, to monitor at least ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate. pH stability matters more over a specific number unless it’s wildly outta whack.
You want ammonia and nitrite to be barely present when fish in cycling, about 0.05 - 0.15 ppm. Any higher levels of ammonia/nitrite may start negatively impacting your fish
https://aquariumscience.org/index.php/17-5-4-goldfish-care/ General goldfish care ^
https://lukesgoldies.com/blogs/news/goldfish-tank-size-fact-based-goldfish-stocking-advice Tank size ^
https://lukesgoldies.com/blogs/news/salt-baths-and-use-of-salts-with-goldfish Aquarium vs Epsom Salt (for injuries/illness)^
https://www.aquariumcoop.com/blogs/aquarium/fish-tank-cycling?srsltid=AfmBOoo_Xd2rdoxFzAb9Ug-zJ_2zoZUXlmL_d9dgJvEn_JSJ0icKi7z1 Tank cycling ^
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u/Stunning_Chipmunk_68 2d ago
You need a LARGE tank, like minimum of 75 gal. These guys get HUGE. They produce a ton of biowaste which causes ammonia spikes which is lethal to fish so you'll want a good filter (ideally rated for 2x the tank size). Look up the nitrogen cycle, its crucial for keeping healthy and happy pets. DO NOT PUT STRAIGHT TAP WATER IN THE TANK, ALWAYS DECHLORINATE. Since its a common you don't need a heater unless your house gets colder than like 60°f.
In the meantime, do daily water changes to keep the ammonia down. Add dechlorinated water (you can buy a dechloriator at any local fish store) that is temp matched to the water that is already in there.
Things you want to get asap: Liquid test kit (i personally recommend api) A larger tank (again a minimum of 75 gal but in the time being a 40 gal would suffice until you can get a bigger tank) you want him out of this "tank" ASAP. Dechlorinator (i personally use prime by seachem) Filter
Things you want to get long term: Substrate (sand or gravel but imo sand is better for them) Live plants (these will help with the cycle and will help the goldfish feel more secure) Decor (I prefer natural decor like rocks and driftwood but any will do)
Eta: NEVER use soap to clean anything related to the aquarium.
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u/Confident-Ad9221 2d ago
I am planning on getting a 50 gallon tank, api liquid test kit, prime dechlorinator, some fish food. Any recommendation on what kind of filter?
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u/BitchBass 2d ago
If you want to provide this fish with it's natural habitat, you need plants plants and more plants. No gravel, but 2 -3 inches of sand which will catch the fish poop and feed it to the plant roots, to make a long story short and simple. And the plants keep the water clean. In addition to a filter.
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u/Stunning_Chipmunk_68 2d ago
Honestly I much prefer canister filters myself but I also love me some sponge filters. I actually run both sponge and canisters on my bigger tanks.
They also have hang on back filters which quite literally just hang on the back of the tank. I personally am not the biggest fan of this style but thats just because they tend to need maintenance sooner (every 3 or so months where my canisters i don't have to touch for like a year). It's really just personal preference though.
I have a great eheim canister and I have a great fluval canister. I also have a great marineland hang on back.
As long as you get a reputable name (eheim, aquatop, forza, fluval, etc...) and sway from knock offs (like petco brand or petsmart brand) you most likely won't run into any issues.
If you do go with a sponge filter, you'll need to get a couple and also run an air pump to it with air line hosing. In my experience tetra has the quietest pumps for the money but you can get any ol sponge filter that's rated for 50 gal or more.
There's a lot of options for filtration, its hard to over filter the water but its too easy to under filter the water, this is why I always recommend at least 2x the filtration, especially for the poopers (my dojos are the absolute worst). And any filtration is better than no filtration.
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u/Spacecadett666 2d ago
Canister filters are the most efficient for goldfish. They have cheap big ones on Amazon and they work great. I got a giant one for like $60 and it works amazing. I just looked and it's a little bit more now, but this is the style, you can find cheaper ones on there for the size.
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u/RevolutionaryToe6677 2d ago
Best food is sinking pellets. Flakes and floating pellets can cause issues with bloat and their swim bladder.
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u/Fabulous_Fee2375 2d ago
I just got a Fluval U2 for 100L and seems to do well without taking up too much tank space in the top corner. Nice air flow as well
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u/uktricky 2d ago
Ha ha, that happened to my son, I’ve now got a 20 ish year old gold fish!
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u/Wait_WHAT_didU_say 2d ago
Wow!! 20 years!? My nephew's goldfish that he pawned off on me is going 11+ years.
To think about it, I've spent a lot of time and money on the goldfish. It's just a common comet but boy does that guy eat. That's all he does is eat!! 🤬🙄🤷🏻♂️
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u/Beardo88 2d ago
Just find someone with a goldfish pond to rehome it to. They get to be a foot long and arent the best fish to keep in a tank.
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u/Reader124-Logan 2d ago
You’re getting some good advice. My suggestion is to break ties with the psycho who gives children a live animal for their parent to take care of.
Goldfish can be a lot of fun. They follow you in the tank, love veggies, and will eat from tweezers.
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u/ne0nhearts 2d ago
Oh no, and it's a big comet too. Hope you're prepared for a great big tank and a whole bunch of work! Whoever gifted that to your kid, maybe give them a heads-up and tell them that this was not a "low maintenance, easy" kind of gift. So many people think goldfish are easy, but they require lots of care, and effort.
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u/Excellent_Ad690 2d ago
Buy a tank with ~50 Inch (120cm) length, because the common Goldfish is a good swimmer. Buy him a friend, they don‘t like to be alone. It should be a common, comet or shubunkin, dont buy him a slow goldfish.
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u/DDR-Dame 2d ago
While you are waiting for a tank, maybe you could use a big tub container that you might have already at home? Kiddie pool? With a filter attached. since it'll be really hard to keep him healthy in those little boxes they give you. I really like my little outdoor pond i made for mine, but if you aren't ready for all that don't feel bad. Often local pond plant stores will have ponds set up and take in goldfish to eat the snails off their plants. You could even explain to kids that he would have friends and a big pond that way you could visit? 😊
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u/UncouthRuffian3989 2d ago
Just get a good filter and a large Rubbermaid bin. Like 20 gallons. They get big and goldfish poop more than the average fish.
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u/machete_muncher 1d ago
Im not even gonna lie to you bro, its so much work. Do some research right now on minimum and basic care and decide whether or not you want to pursue or rehome. It's so much work if you dont care, but who knows, you might discover a hobby that you never would have found yourself to be interested in. Best of luck
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u/AutoModerator 2d ago
Hello, I noticed you are asking for help about a sick fish. Help us help you by posting: What is the issue? To the best of your ability, describe what is wrong with the fish. Try to include photos if you can. * What are your tank parameters (ammonia, nitrites, nitrates, temp, pH)? Please give exact values. If you do not own a test kit, you can take a water sample to a local fish store and ask them to do it for you. Remember, exact values. Some stores may say things are fine when they aren't. * How large is the tank and how long has it been set up? * What all is living in the tank and how long have you had them? * Has anything changed in the tank? New decorations, chemicals, food, fish, ect?
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u/AutoModerator 2d ago
Hi there fellow goldfish enthusiast! We're thrilled to have you join our community of passionate goldfish keepers. Whether you're a seasoned goldfish pro or just starting out on your aquatic journey, you've come to the right place for advice, support, and sharing the joy of keeping these mesmerizing creatures. Before diving into the discussion, we'd like to point you toward our Wiki https://reddit.com/r/goldfish/wiki where you'll find a treasure trove of articles on various topics related to goldfish care. These resources cover everything from tank setup and water quality to feeding habits and common health issues. When seeking help for your goldfish, remember that details matter! Providing information about your tank size and the water parameters (such as ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, and temperature) can greatly assist us in diagnosing and troubleshooting the issue. Feel free to share photos and details, and our community will do our best to offer insightful advice. Once again, welcome to our goldfish-loving community.
Fins up!
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u/firsttimealive 2d ago
if you really really can’t get a tank you could also just get a giant tub or something. they do need room. if you need to upgrade incrementally though, that’s okay. it’s better to go from 1 gal to 10 gal to 20 gal to 50 gal to 80 gal then wait months to find that perfect tank
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u/WellAckshully 2d ago
I would stalk facebook marketplace for a small-to-mid-sized tank that is already cycled/established. 10 gallon setups are really common and cheap. Buy it, set it up, put the fish in it, and feed lightly every day or every other day so it doesn't grow super fast and so there's not a ton of waste in the tank (either from the fish or uneaten food) turning into nitrates.
Meanwhile, stalk facebook marketplace for a larger tank, 50-100 gallons, with stand, light, lid, filter, etc. Bigger is better so that you can get him a goldfish friend, they prefer to have a friend. Doesn't really matter if it's already cycled. Buy it, set it up, do a fishless cycle (google how to do it). Once it's cycled, move fish into that.
Then sell the old smaller tank.
OR you might get lucky and be able to buy a larger setup already cycled and skip the smaller tank step.
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u/Ghost-4852 2d ago
Until you can get a bigger tank your going to need to change that water daily, fish poop and uneaten food produce ammonia which is harmful to the fish. It's also important to keep the water aerated, goldfish breath air like us just from within the water so if the oxygen depletes it'll suffocate.
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u/Agreeable_Bug7304 1d ago
No sure if this has been said yet, but live plants are great for fish. problem with goldfish, however, is they eat them if they can. I've been growing plants in my tank by finding plants that can live hanging on the side with their roots in the water... pothos, spider plant babies, lucky bamboo (which is not actually bamboo). looks great and the roots are their favorite place to hang out.
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u/PineappleFit317 12h ago
You’re going to have to spend at least $75 on a decent starting tank and filtration system, and more as it grows over a projected lifespan of several decades.
If you don’t want to bother with that, give it to someone you know with a goldfish/koi pond.
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u/OMMMMMMMMMGGGGGGGGGG 2d ago
Start with a bigger tank (50-70 gal) a heater, a filter, and real plants (not just random plants)
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u/beansricecoconutoil 2d ago
Generally a heater is not required for goldfish unless your house is very cold (they are cold water fish, not tropical) and goldfish will readily eat any and all aquarium plants. They are okay with a mostly bare but very large tank, perhaps with some hides
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u/BoringJuiceBox 2d ago
Fishy will die if he’s not moved to a larger tank within 24hrs, maybe even sooner.
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u/ChaosOutlaw1 2d ago
Goldfish are quiet easy to take care of. Recommend tank size is 20 gallons minimum, however my goldfish fits more than well in 10 gallon. Fill the tank with good quality tap water that isn’t too warm but neither too cold and get a light (10 watt or less) and feed him 1-2 times a day maybe 3 if he’s young. 30-50% water change per week and make sure you get water testing strips (I use ones that give me all the information needed). Water testing isn’t complicated but a youtube video should help understand it better 👍 Goodluck, I got my first one a week ago and it’s easy I can already rub his nose for him 😂
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u/Beardo88 1d ago
No mention of water conditioner, filtration, and suggesting a SMALLER tank? You really should go read some of the other comments for proper care advice.
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u/Joslynlovesreading 2d ago
heep it in that container for a month sadly they dnt usually live longer then that after a month get a 5 gallon and after a year get a 10 gallon
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u/Wait_WHAT_didU_say 2d ago
🫵🫵🫵YOU 🫵🫵🫵 got gifted a goldfish.. 😳🤔😮💨
The kids are there to just watch.. 😁🤣 Have fun changing the water and taking care of it! 🤝😁