If cared properly, goldfish can actually live for many years, but many of them do not receive the care they need and die of diseases when they are relatively young. Many people ask me why their fish keep dying within a matter of weeks or even days and I always tell them the same thing, you’re not protecting them from certain diseases related to goldfish. Many pet stores will be happy to test your aquarium water free of charge if you’d rather not tackle this job yourself, however, you’re first guide to a problem with your tank is usually visual.
Goldfish
Look at your tank and your fish every day and you’ll identify goldfish diseases and an unhealthy tank quickly. If you get your tank water tested at your local pet store you will build a rapport with the staff and you’ll find them helpful if you require medication for your fish or treatments for your aquarium. Generally, however, it is best to avoid adding unnecessary chemicals to your tank and they can unbalance the water and lead to further problems. Your pet store will usually test your water for free and recommend solutions for problems when they arise, as well as offer advice on the basics of fish tank care. When cleaning the tank, a lot of people make one more mistake, they don’t wash their hands! Make sure you always wash your hands with an antibacterial soap before you even think about handling your goldfish! Human hands are a breeding ground for incredibly harmful bacteria of which could be lethal to your goldfish. Water siphons are used to clean the gravel in a tank. They work by sucking out all the bad particles that build up over time and should be used thoroughly twice a week to keep conditions in your tank optimal for living conditions. more…