| The amount and type of care necessary to maintain | | | | the pH, ammonia and nitrate levels. These easy steps |
| a healthy aquarium and avoid goldfish diseases will | | | | will go a long way to reducing goldfish diseases. |
| depend both on the type (saltwater or fresh water) | | | | In addition to monitoring the water quality, avoid |
| and size of the tank and the number and type of | | | | falling prey to some of the common misconceptions |
| fish that it contains. In general, after the initial startup | | | | about goldfish and aquarium care. Contrary to popular |
| period, regular aquarium maintenance should be fairly | | | | belief, you will not need to drain the fish tank of all |
| straightforward. In fact, an aquarium that is properly | | | | its water, scrub it and refill it with fresh water. |
| set up should eventually reach a state of balance | | | | Although this approach may make sense at an |
| that requires only routine maintenance. | | | | intuitive level, it is not the right approach. First, |
| Water Quality: The Key To Goldfish Health | | | | removing fish from the tank is traumatic for your |
| Regardless of the style of fish tank, the type of fish | | | | tank's inhabitants. Second, no soap or other cleaner |
| it contains or the theme your aquarium follows, it is | | | | should be used on the inside of a fish tank. Soap |
| absolutely essential that you maintain the proper | | | | residue is almost impossible to remove completely |
| water balance. If you equate your aquarium to a | | | | from the walls of the tank and it will contaminate the |
| swimming pool for your fish you will quickly | | | | water. |
| understand what happens if you don't test the water | | | | A properly maintained and balanced tank will |
| regularly. The swimming pool will quickly fill wish algae | | | | essentially look after itself and will require very little |
| and create a poisonous environment for your fish. | | | | care. Partial water changes every week or so, water |
| Many pet stores will be happy to test your aquarium | | | | testing and watching your fish is about all you should |
| water free of charge if you'd rather not tackle this | | | | need to do under normal circumstances. At the first |
| job yourself, however, you're first guide to a problem | | | | sign of distressed fish it is important to identify |
| with your tank is usually visual. Look at your tank and | | | | goldfish diseases and remove sick goldfish to a |
| your fish every day and you'll identify goldfish | | | | separate tank so they don't spread disease amongst |
| diseases and an unhealthy tank quickly. If you get | | | | the rest of the fish. |
| your tank water tested at your local pet store you | | | | Lastly, make sure your aquarium has a proper |
| will build a rapport with the staff and you'll find them | | | | filtration unit installed. Your pet shop will be able to |
| helpful if you require medication for your fish or | | | | advise of the right size of filter for the size of the |
| treatments for your aquarium. Generally, however, it | | | | tank and the number of fish it supports. Circulating |
| is best to avoid adding unnecessary chemicals to | | | | and oxygenating the water are crucial to the health |
| your tank and they can unbalance the water and lead | | | | of the tank and the survival of your goldfish. Proper |
| to further problems. Your pet store will usually test | | | | circulation ensures waste products are removed from |
| your water for free and recommend solutions for | | | | the system and helps prevent the formation of algae. |
| problems when they arise, as well as offer advice on | | | | Following these simple guidelines will ensure you can |
| the basics of fish tank care. | | | | gain all the benefits of aquarium ownership and the |
| As a basic rule you will need to always de-chlorinate | | | | enjoyment that a tank of healthy fish provides. |
| water when topping up the aquarium, and monitor | | | | |