Aquatic Gardens Goldie's Cove for Goldfish Deluxe Goldfish Kit

Setting Up Your Goldfish AquariumTo keep the water clean, you will need to use the power filter included in your kit. Once the filter is set up you will have to add water to the tank. Don't use water right out of your faucet without adding one vial of Kent Marine First Step or other water conditioner.Selecting Your New FishOne of the most important things to consider is the condition of the goldfish's fins. Make sure that the goldfish you choose has healthy, rounded fins that are not frayed or split at the ends. Make sure that the eyes are clear and the skin is smooth. The scales should be uniform. Patches of missing scales and/or cloudy eyes can indicate trauma or an existing infectious condition.Acclimating Your New GoldfishThe first step after bringing your fish home is to place his bag in the aquarium while it's still closed. Allow the bag to float on the water's surface for about 15 minutes.After 15 minutes has gone by, open the bag but be careful not to allow any of the bag's water to leak out and mix with your tank water. Now slowly add a small cup of aquarium water to the bag with your fish. This allows the fish to acclimatize to the water's temperature and chemical properties.Repeat the addition of a small cup of water to the bag every 5 minutes for about a half-hour (or a total of 6 times).After about a half an hour has gone by, use your fish net to remove the fish from the bag and quickly-but gently-add him to his new home. Remove the bag with all the water and throw it away. This will leave your aquarium slightly low on water. Just top it off with dechlorinated tap water or bottled water to bring it back to normal level.Feeding Your GoldfishThe easiest error to make when feeding your goldfish is to offer him too much food. Once a day, take a small amount of fish food and offer it to your goldfish.Maintaining Your Goldfish Tank ProperlyAfter your goldfish tank has been set up for a few weeks, you will start to see some dirt along the gravel and maybe even the glass. This means that it's now time to clean your tank.In this case what you need is a water change. Never be afraid to remove some water with a siphon tube or large beverage cup and add fresh, clean water to your tank. New water is to fish what fresh air is to you. And fish love new water! Of course, you can change too much at one time and this will cause the aquarium to become unbalanced - and the last thing you want is an unbalanced tank. This maintenance schedule, combined with proper feeding techniques, is a winning combination for success.