A good life, inside the glass.

Before bringing fish home

Prepare a roomy, established aquarium with effective biological filtration and aeration. Allow swimming space and choose smooth décor that will not damage eyes, fins or bubble sacs. Check the adult needs of the variety you are buying.

A new filter needs time to establish. Use a suitable test kit to confirm cycling; clear water is not proof of safe water. Do not use Tank Lab’s litre estimate as a fish-capacity calculator.

Make water tests a habit

Record temperature, pH, ammonia, nitrite and nitrate regularly, and test promptly when behaviour changes. Ammonia and nitrite should be zero. Use an appropriate conditioner for tap water, follow its label and match replacement water carefully.

Keep the test units with each reading. Tank Lab also records KH, GH and chlorine, alongside appetite and buoyancy notes. Retest before acting on an old entry.

Little meals, closely watched

Choose a complete food labelled for goldfish, in a size and form each fish can manage. Feed modest portions according to the product guidance, observe every fish and remove leftovers. Round-bodied or slow-swimming fish may need a quieter place to feed.

Persistent floating, sinking or loss of appetite needs investigation. Do not assume one food change will cure a buoyancy problem. Record water results and seek fish-health advice.

Choose company carefully

Match swimming ability and feeding needs. Fast single-tail goldfish can outcompete slower fancy varieties. Delicate-eyed varieties need particular care with décor and tank mates. Allow for growth and discuss your aquarium before adding more fish.

A calm arrival

Have the aquarium ready, dim the lights and keep the journey home calm. Follow the arrival instructions supplied with your order. Introduce fish carefully, avoid adding transport water to the aquarium and watch closely through the first week.

When something changes

First check fresh water results, temperature, filtration and aeration. Note when the change began, whether one or several fish are affected and any recent additions, treatments or maintenance. Keep clear photos or a short video.

Gasping, severe distress, injury or unexplained losses need prompt expert help. Avoid choosing treatments from appearance alone; a diary supports observation and does not diagnose illness.