


If you’re late to change the water for whatever reason, your goldfish can quickly become sick. With a 5-gallon tank, you’ll probably have to change the water every day, taking out half of the water per change depending on how many goldfish you have (and how poor water quality is). That’s why you won’t have to do as many routine water changes (or take out more water per change) to keep conditions healthy in a large aquarium. Because larger goldfish tanks have more water mass, the quality of the water decreases slower. When you change the water, you’re bringing the water quality back up to its original state. So every day that you let your goldfish tank sit, the water quality is getting worse and worse. More waste than most other fish species because of their heavy bodies. And if you’re doing a routine water change (small tanks require more frequent changes), your goldfish can go into shock if you aren’t careful to keep the newly added water the same temperature as the tank.

If someone happens to leave the window open or the power fails and cold air flows into the room, the quick temperature change will cause your goldfish serious stress. The water will take on whatever temperature the room is, heating up or cooling down much faster than a larger goldfish tank with more water mass (more water allows for slower temperature changes). A small aquarium just can’t hold enough water mass. Goldfish prefer water that maintains a constant temperature. Water changes can be very stressful in a small goldfish tank.Sadly, many goldfish never live long enough to even grow the 8 inches, 10 inches, or even 20 inches long their body was destined to be. In such an environment, goldfish usually don’t last any more than a couple of years. But growth will become stunted, and your goldfish won’t be able to develop properly. In a small 5-gallon aquarium, your goldfish will still grow.
#Starting a goldfish aquarium full#

In addition to those 20 gallons, you’ll need to add 10 gallons (40 liters) of water for each additional goldfish you buy (if they’re fancy). No matter which way you look at it, a small aquarium equates to much more work, frequent water changes, and stressed out goldfish. And it’s much easier to keep the water crystal clear in a large goldfish tank. Assuming the aquarium is properly maintained, of course. But on the flip side, your goldfish won’t have to breathe through murky water. Depending on how many goldfish you plan to keep, chances are you’ll want a tank much, much larger. We’ll get to why in a minute, but you don’t want an aquarium smaller than that. Get 20 gallons (75 liters) at the very minimum and only if you’re keeping one or two goldfish. What Size Is Appropriate for a Goldfish Tank?
#Starting a goldfish aquarium how to#
Let’s take a look at a few goldfish tank requirements, what to avoid, and how to pick the best option for your aquarium needs. You can get fancy and buy a dazzling aquarium specially designed to enhance the beauty of your goldfish. Tanks aren’t just the traditional rectangle shape now. – Quick & Easy Goldfish Care by TFH Publications, Inc. Remember that your goldfish will grow rapidly and will not be an inch long for very long, so you should plan on a larger aquarium to start. But to ensure your goldfish reach adulthood, it’s important that you choose goldfish tank your fish will thrive in. Goldfish can live for 15 to 20 years, and some have even surpassed the 20-year mark. You want a goldfish tank that your fish can comfortably live in.
