What if I were to tell you that for five dollars you can purchase a pet that could live anywhere between 10 and 20 years. That it would cost less than $30 a year to feed. That it never needed to be walked, vaccinated or boarded at some expensive kennel while you went off to ski in Aspen. Sound too good to be true? Trust me, it's not. It's a goldfish.
Fishy Facts
The goldfish has been kept as a pet for over 1,500 years. Originating in China (400 A.D.), it’s popularity then extended to Japan (1500 A.D.), Europe (1700 A.D.) and on to North America in the mid 1800’s.
The Shopping List
Unlike tropical fish, such as guppies and tetras, the goldfish is a “coldwater” fish. The reason for this is that goldfish are heavier bodied than tropical fish and as such require a higher level of oxygen in the water to survive. Cold water contains more oxygen. For this reason, it’s always best to keep your goldfish in a separate tank.
Notice I said “tank” and not “bowl”. It is this author’s opinion that the only thing that a goldfish bowl is good for is keeping candy or buttons in. Please, for the health of your new friend, invest a little extra money and purchase, at a minimum, a 10 gallon tank for him or her. An aquarium has a much larger surface area than a bowl, which allows more oxygen to enter the water.
In addition to a tank you will also need:
Gravel - choose the largest size available as goldfish will attempt to eat anything in the tank, even rocks.
Aquarium stand – one gallon of water weighs approximately eight pounds. Unless you’re certain the piece of furniture you’re going to put the tank on can withstand 80+ pounds, it’s best to purchase a stand.
Plastic plants - yes, real plants look nicer but to a goldfish they look like a tasty dinner.
Thermometer – I prefer the type that adheres to the outside of the tank. Goldfish can be rather rambunctious at times and you’ll quickly get tired of reapplying the thermometer to the glass each time it gets knocked loose.
A heater if the temperature in your home ever goes below 60 degrees.
Power filter – these are more expensive than an undergravel or sponge filter. However they do a significantly better job of helping keep your tank clean, resulting in fewer water changes.
Water conditioner – today’s tap water is treated with many different chemicals before it finally reaches your home. Unfortunately some of these chemicals are deadly to fish. Always add conditioner whenever you’re setting up a new tank or doing a water change.
Siphon – a long narrow tube with an even narrower tube attached at one end. These are like mini-vacuums for your tank.