Goldfish need the right environment to live in just like any other animal. They don't need a lot of fancy equipment or decoration in their tank in order for them to enjoy themselves. If you choose to get one of those tanks, you are mostly getting it for your own ascetic reasons and not for the fish. However, you do want to make sure your goldfish's tank is not too small or too large for them and that you make sure to keep it clean and keep the water fresh.
Make sure you age new water for at least two days, so chlorine and other gases in solution are released, and so that the temperature is the same as that in the tank. If the water is too cold, your goldfish will get sick and die. If you need to treat for chloramines, follow the instructions you get carefully. In general, goldfish can adapt to almost any tap water hardness or pH, as long as changes are made slowly, over a few days. Any sudden change in the water of your fish, whether it is temperature or chemicals, will case your goldfish a lot hardship.
Use the syphon to clean the poop out of the tank once or twice a week. If you have gravel, make sure you use a syphon with a gravel vacuuming attachment and follow the instructions. If you have algae, clean it off the front glass but leave it elsewhere (the fish will nibble on it). Also use the syphon for water changing; change twenty five percent of the water each week. Finally, clean out the filter element every couple of weeks, rinsing it in used tank water (tap water could kill the good bacteria!). Usually, doing all these things at the same time is most efficient. If you keep a dirty fish tank, your fish will most likely get sick and die quickly. Ever animal, including goldfish, need a good clean habitat to live and thrive in.
The temperature of the tank and the water in it is not very critical. A water temperature of 68 degrees Fahrenheit is considered ideal. Above 80 degrees some fish may suffer and even die. Below 50 degrees the fish will become lethargic and should not be fed. Essentially, if you have the tank water at room temperature, your fish will be fine and comfortable.
Making your tank is well cared for makes sure that your goldfish is also well cared for. If you want your goldfish to live a long and healthy life, it is not only important to feed it the right food but also make sure it has a clean environment to live in.
