Tips On Picking A Goldfish For A Pet

Are you choosing a pet for kids?  You need a pet that is hardy and easy to care for, but a pet that will also teach your child responsibility.  A perfect pet is the goldfish.  They are relatively easy to keep and are entertaining.

If you want a goldfish that is a little different, consider the moor goldfish.  The moor goldfish is black.  It is slower and should be put in a tank with other slower goldfish, like bulging eyed goldfish.  Moors in a tank with regular goldfish can be bullied by the goldfish. 

Visit a pet store with your child to choose your pet goldfish.  There you can get help choosing a fish and learn more about caring for a goldfish. The pet store will also help you gather supplies, like a cheap fish tank and food. As you help your child choose a pet goldfish watch for especially small fish that are the same age as other fish in the tank.  You don’t want a runt.  Also watch for fish that can’t swim to the bottom of the tank easily.  Choose a healthy, hardy goldfish. 

You can keep your child’s new pet goldfish in a fishbowl, but that is not ideal.  Goldfish will survive longer in an aquarium.  If a pet shop aquarium is too expensive, find one at a garage sale or thrift store.  A ten gallon tank is ideal.  Be sure to add a good filtration system.  Gravel in the bottom of the tank is not necessary.  It serves as a trap for food that sinks to the bottom and can contribute to a dirty tank.

When you first fill your fish tank allow the water to sit at room temperature overnight.  This allows the dissipation of chlorine and other harmful chemicals before you place fish in the tank. 

Partial water changes on a regular basis will ensure the health of your pet goldfish. Do not allow the water to get so dirty that you have to change all the water at once. Doing so may cause your fish to go into shock, fall ill, or even die.

One important thing to remember is not to over feed your goldfish.  They will eat just as much as you give them.  Over-stuffing them is not good for your goldfish.  Learn to feed your fish by feeding them as much as they can eat in only two or three minutes.  Scoop out any excess flakes to help keep the tank cleaner.