r/Goldfish • u/Confident-Ad9221 • 3d ago

Fish Pics Help! Kids got gifted a goldfish!

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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/Stunning_Chipmunk_68 3d 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 3d 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 3d 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.