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A few goldfish questions2007-11-24 23:09:24

So we just got two fish... I think they're goldfish, but am not sure. So I had a few questions:

How do you tell girl fishies from the menfolk?

Can I put them in tap water? If not, what water is advisable?

How often should I change the water & clean the tank? We don't have one of those fancy aquariums, just a little round bowl.

Should we decorate the bowl? If so, what do the fish enjoy that is cheap?

How can I best help them live a long, happy, prosperous life?

And finally.

Is there any way to keep them from stinking? My mother is against the fish because they think that no matter what they are always stinky, slimy and disgusting.

Answers:

Get them out of a bowl and into a proper aquarium with filtration immediately. Juvenile gold fish need at least 10 gallons each. Adults need at least 20 gallons each. In other words, two gold fish in a 29 gallon aquarium is a tight fit.

This will solve your problems of:

How can I best help them live a long, happy, prosperous life?

And finally.

Is there any way to keep them from stinking? My mother is against the fish because they think that no matter what they are always stinky, slimy and disgusting.

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The fish will die in a bowl. The reason they stink is because ammonia builds up in the bowl quickly. The ammonia is toxic and kills the fish eventually. You'd have to change the bowl and add dechlorinated water daily. Even after doing daily 100% changes, the fish would probably get sick and die because this is not good for their immune systems. You need a cycled tank of at least 20 gallons to start out with two goldfish.

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First of all a bowl is no good. Goldfish grow very big. You need a proper tank, about 75 litres minimum with a filter to keep the water clean and a light.