In memory of Wilber (Goldfish)

Member Name: xxsaxonyxx

Product:	Goldfish
Date:	03/01/06 (1299 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Cheap and easy to keep.

Disadvantages: Without proper care they will die.

I am writing this review on the sad passing of Wilber my little fan tail goldfish.

Most people have had a goldfish in their lives and most people assume that they die too easily, they are almost like disposable pets. I dont think this is the case at all.
Goldfish can live for years, the oldest recorded fish died at the age of 48, that's a long time but on average they can last about 8 - 10 years. They can also grow to a massive size. Some reaching 18 inches, this is more commom for pond goldfish, tank goldfish may grow big provided the tank is a good size.

*** What you need ***

So you want a goldfish? Ok so you need to think about where he is going to live.
Avoid goldfish bowels, they are simple too small, not only is is cruel but a small bowel will stump the growth of your fish meaning he will never grow naturaly.
Tanks are not expensive, my Wilber's tank was £10 at a pet shop, buy the biggest you can afford or that you have space for.
Decorations

You should have plenty of things in your tank for your fish to investigate. There are endless amounts of things in your pet shop, sunken ships, sculls you name it.
Plants are another great tank filler. Live plants can be hassle as goldfish are messy and dig about in the gravel this can lead to your plant being uprooted. I put some plastic plants in as the bases are heavy.

Pumps and filters.

I say either or for this one. Wilber spent the first year of his life without either. They are not a needed thing but can help.
If you are planning to keep one or two fish then you may get away with not having a filter. However this does mean you need to put a lot more effort into your water changes.
Fish poo and pee is toxic and will build up in your water and kill your fish, you must keep your tank fresh to prevent build up. I took out one or two pints of water and replaced it with one or two pints three times a week.
If you choose not to get a filter or pump then it may be worth buying a couple of packets of oxygen tablets aswell, they are not expensive, about 99p for a couple of weeks supply. Put in the right amount according to your tank size.

Setting up.

When you get your tank and accessories home dont bring a fish aswell, you have to have your tank up and running for at least 24 hours before you add your fish.
Rinse all the gravel, plants and structures with water before putting them in the tank.
Make sure your plants are anchored well into the gravel.
Have the gravel about 3 cm deep on a slope, the deepest at the back of the tank, this makes cleaning easier as mess will collect of the front.
Remember to add tap water conditioner to the water to take out harmful chemicals.

Your fish

Picking your fish is the fun bit. Go to a good pet shop that offers plenty of advice about the fish. Make sure that all the tanks are clean and there are no dead fish in any of the tanks. Check that the pet shop does not dye their fish. They do this to make the fish more appealing.
Choose your fish with care, if you do not have a pump and filter stay away from black moors (the black ones with the pop out eyes) they like their water very clean and can perish quickly if the water isnt to their standared.
Avoid having different kinds of fish in your tank if it is not big. For example mixing a bubble eye with a single tail. Bubble eyes are slow and their bubble is very delicate and can burst is another fish should nip it.
Once you have chosen your fish have a good look at it when they put it in the bag for you. Check for missing scales, sores anything that may indicate an unheathy fish.

When you get the fish home float the bag in the tank for 30 minutes, this will regulate the temperature of the water. Open the bag and let some of the tank water into it for another 15 minutes then release your new fish.

You do not need to worry about your goldfish getting lonley they are not fussed about wither they are on their own or have a freind or two.

Day to Day care

Feed your fish everyday, a small pinch of dry flakes is plenty, remove uneaten flakes.
Change water at least 2 times a week, a few pints out and few pints in will keep the water fresh.
When your fish comes to the side of the tank when you feed him take the opertunity to look over him. Look for spots or fin rot. Your pet shop should be able to give you treatments for most common problems.
If you notice the fish floating to the top after he has swam down, again speak to your pet shop about swim bladder problems.
If you notice your fish changing colour dont worry, goldfish do this a lot. Wilber started off white and over a year or so developed gold markings on his head. My other fish started off gold with a brown back and soon ended up just plain gold.

Enjoy your fish he may be with you for some time. As long as he's kept fresh and well fed he with thrive in a good sized tank.

I am just about to get some new fish now that Wilber has died as they are great to watch. I'm not fussed with tropical fish as i dont have a lot of know how on them but goldfish are simple and easy to look after without needing to worry about temperature and adding chemicals. Goldfish are hardy little things and will always be great pets.

Summary: For Wilber 2003 -2006