Why are goldfish so hard to keep alive?

The usual culprit behind your goldfish's untimely demise is, well, poop. You see, goldfish waste contains toxins like ammonia that can burn gills and even damage the brain. In the wild, this isn't a problem. Freshwater lakes and ponds are home to armies of bacteria that break it down into less harmful chemicals.

Are goldfish hard to keep alive?

As you can see there's more to goldfish care than you may have thought however once the tank is set up, it's fairly easy to maintain. As long as you regularly check the water conditions and keep a close eye on your goldfish, they should live long and happy lives.

Why are goldfish so hard to take care of?

They need more oxygen than other species. Just as your goldfish needs much more space than you might have thought, they also need much more water and oxygen. In small tanks – or fishbowls – without enough oxygen, they will suffer and die, often within just a few months.

Why do our goldfish keep dying?

Oxygen Deprivation

A lack of oxygen in the water can cause sudden goldfish death. If your fish isn't getting enough oxygen, they may linger at the surface of the tank, act lethargic, breathe rapidly, or stay close to the filter. Check that there is water movement at the surface of your tank.

Why are my goldfish dying so fast?

If you get a tank that is too small, the internal organs of the fish will continue to grow and over time, the fish will slowly suffocate. Even though goldfish have been consistently depicted in small bowls, it is part of the reason why with short life spans (ammonia builds up quickly in such a small space).

How To Keep Your Goldfish Alive For 15 Years

How do I stop my goldfish from dying?

To save a dying goldfish, start by cleaning its tank, including the gravel, and changing out 15 percent of the water, which may be enough to save your fish. You can also test the water in the tank using a fish tank water testing kit from a local pet store to see if there are any problems with it, like high ammonia.

What kills a goldfish?

Chlorine and chloramine are additives in tap water that can kill goldfish as well. These get into your tank if you perform water changes and add untreated tap water to your tank. You should always use chemical additives that remove chlorine and chloramine from water before you add it into your tank.

What is the lifespan of a goldfish?

Goldfish have a lifespan averaging about 10-15 years, with some varieties living up to 30 years when provided with proper care. Unfortunately, many goldfish do not reach their lifespan potential due to inadequate housing conditions.

What is the easiest fish to take care of?

Is it normal for goldfish to lay on the bottom of the tank?

You indeed have a problem when a goldfish is bottom sitting. Possible causes are ammonia spikes (filter issues, changes in temperature, pH etc, a high volume of nitrates, overcrowded tank - causes most of these problems (40-50 gallons per common goldfish are needed).

Is goldfish the easiest fish to take care of?

Yes, the goldfish is top on the list. The goldfish come in more shapes, sizes, and colors and when cared for correctly can live a long life. They are able to live in a wide range of conditions and are happy with fish flakes making them very easy to care for.

What size tank do I need for 2 goldfish?

Based on the rules above, the goldfish tank size we recommend for two goldfish is: 42 gallons for two Common goldfish. That's 30 gallons for the first fish and 12 additional gallons for the second fish.

Can goldfish live in tap water?

Goldfish cannot live in untreated tap water

Goldfish can only live in tap water when it has been properly treated to remove harmful chemicals. What is this? Tap water contains chemicals that will kill all of the 'good bacteria' in your tank.

Can you keep a single goldfish?

To answer the question: Yes, goldfish can live alone. In fact, many goldfish can live long, healthy, happy lives all on their own. Just remember, though, not all goldfish will be happy on their own, and some would prefer the company of other tank mates.

Is goldfish poop toxic?

The usual culprit behind your goldfish's untimely demise is, well, poop. You see, goldfish waste contains toxins like ammonia that can burn gills and even damage the brain.

What all do goldfish need?

Goldfish Water Requirements

The optimum temperature for fancy goldfish is 68° to 74° F, while comets and shubunkins should be kept between 60° and 70°F. pH is not critical, but ideally should be between 7.0 and 8.4. Rapid changes in temperature or water chemistry can be harmful, if not fatal to goldfish.

Are goldfish easier than betta fish?

Betta fish and goldfish are the easiest to take care of, in my opinion. Bettas must be separated, but the bowls can be fairly small. Keeping a second bowl prepped before you move the fish in to the new bowl is best, and you should make sure to do so about once a week.

Do fish get bored in a tank?

Fish become frustrated and unhappy when kept in cramped bowls or tanks. House fish in a large filtered tank. All tanks should have a pump to keep water flowing continuously.

Do goldfish need a heater?

Conclusion. In summary: Goldfish don't need heaters – most of the time. If the conditions of your home or outdoor environment get too cold for either fancy or common Goldfish, you may need a heater. Remember that Goldfish are endothermic, meaning their metabolism is controlled by the external environment.

How often should I change my goldfish water?

To keep your fish healthy, you should change at least half of the water in the bowl or aquarium every 3 days.

Why is my goldfish turning white?

Did you know that goldfish have pigment in their skin? This pigment can react to UV light in some fish. So, your goldfish could turn white due to both a lack of sunlight or too much sunlight. In the case of too much light, fish usually respond to the dramatic change.

How long can goldfish live without changing water?

A goldfish may survive around 8 to 12 hours in a normal bag.

Is it OK to feed goldfish once a day?

Until they are one year old, you should feed goldfish 2 or 3 times per day. Once they are older than one year, you should feed goldfish just once per day. There are, however, a number of factors that could lead you to adjust this schedule. Also, the type and amount of goldfish food you feed your goldfish is important.

Why did my goldfish turn black?

Ammonia changes are, by far, the most common reason why goldfish turn black. Generally, the color change starts on the fins. Over time, it can get progressively worse and spread to the body. There, it'll appear as small batches of black skin that look burnt.

How can you tell if a goldfish is dying?

Loss of appetite. Weakness or listlessness. Loss of balance or buoyancy control, floating upside down, or 'sitting' on the tank floor (most fish are normally only slightly negatively-buoyant and it takes little effort to maintain position in the water column) Erratic/spiral swimming or shimmying.