Keeping goldfish as pets means little fins but big fun!
Getting Started With Goldfish: A Beginner’s Guide
Goldfish are an excellent choice for first-time pet owners, offering vibrant colours and a calming presence to any home. They can be a great starting point in pet ownership for the kids – I had them when I was young. However, despite their reputation as low-maintenance pets, goldfish still require proper care to thrive.
If you’re in Wrexham and considering welcoming these charming fish into your life, here’s a guide to get you started with local resources to support your journey.
Choosing The Right Tank
Forget the iconic goldfish bowl – it’s a myth that goldfish thrive in them. These fish can grow up to 18 inches and produce significant waste; therefore, they require ample space to remain healthy. For one or two juvenile goldfish, we recommend a minimum 20-gallon aquarium, with an additional five gallons per inch of adult fish length. Local pet stores, such as Pets at Home Wrexham (Plas Coch, LL11 2BA), offer a variety of aquariums and can guide you on suitable sizes depending on the number of fish and your preferred age and size.
Setting Up The Aquarium
A proper setup is crucial. Start with a substrate like aquarium-safe gravel or play sand – goldfish love to dig, but be aware that sand requires extra maintenance. A reliable filter is essential for managing waste, as goldfish have a reputation for being messy. Avoid live plants because goldfish can eat them overnight; opt for sturdy, fake plants instead. Unlike tropical fish, goldfish are cold-water species and don’t need a heater unless your home dips below freezing. Jollyes Wrexham on the Border Retail Park (next to Tesco Extra) stocks filters, substrates, and decorations, and their staff can help you choose goldfish-specific products. They also offer a website price match guarantee, ensuring that prices are affordable.
Water Quality and Maintenance
Goldfish are hardy but sensitive to poor water quality. Test water parameters (pH, ammonia, nitrate, nitrite) regularly using kits available from your local pet stores or online. Change 25-30% of the water weekly to keep the tank clean, avoiding full water changes that disrupt beneficial bacteria. Jollyes Wrexham actually provides water testing services, and their community pet clinic can offer advice if your fish appear to be unwell.
Feeding Your Goldfish
Goldfish are omnivorous and will eat flakes, pellets, and occasional treats, such as freeze-dried brine shrimp. Feed small amounts twice daily to prevent overfeeding and polluting the tank. Pets at Home, Jollyes and The Farm & Pet Place on Gledrid Industrial Estate, Chirk, all carry goldfish-specific foods to ensure balanced nutrition.
Choosing Your Goldfish
Common goldfish are hardy and ideal for beginners. Ensure you have “cycled” the tank (running for at least 48 hours) before adding the fish. Check about tank compatibility. Pets at Home Wrexham actually requires proof of a suitable setup, which reflects their commitment to animal welfare!
Why Goldfish?
Goldfish are affordable, interactive, and can live 10 to 15 years with proper care. They’re perfect for families or individuals seeking a low-maintenance yet rewarding pet.
We hope you enjoyed reading “Keeping Goldfish As Pets”. Click here for more of our pet-related articles.
Author: Karen Boyce for Love Wrexham Magazine
Karen Boyce is the owner of Beastly Thoughts Professional Dog Service (BTPDS), the largest pet dog training establishment in Wales. BTPDS specialise in puppy training and reactive dogs, but offer a whole host of obedience training classes, lectures, webinars and online training hubs and groups. Karen was named Animal Star Awards Dog Trainer/Behaviourist of the Year in 2019. Tel: 07970 488 395 Email: info@beastlythoughts.co.uk Additional Instagram profile: beastlythoughtsdogservices
