|
Getting Ready
The day before you take your child
to the pet shop, fill clean buckets with 10 gallons (that's 16 quarts or nearly
40 liters) of water so that it has 24 to 48 hours in which to allow chlorine to evaporate and in order that the water is room
temperature. Goldfish can survive in a wide range of temperatures, from above 50
to below 80 degrees Fahrenheit (that's 10 and 27 degrees Celsius respectively).
It's the sudden change in temperature that kills them. Add about 1 teaspoon per
gallon of uniodized table salt (the big crystals, not the fine stuff from your
saltshaker).
What to Look For
Remember to look for a lively fish
when choosing, and to stay away from tanks with any obviously sick fish in them.
If the owner catches the fish without a net, either by scooping or using his
hand, that's a sign that you're dealing with a professional. Fish have a slimy
protective coat (that's why they feel so slippery in your grasp) and using a net
can cause damage to this surface.
The Aquarium
If you've got a spare 10 - 20 gallon
size aquarium at home, that's great. If not, any similar size waterproof
container will do as long as it's got enough surface room for the fish to
breathe. Standard glass fishbowls are inappropriate as they are obviously too
small; furthermore, they do not provide enough oxygen: every inch of fish (head
and body measure) needs 20 square inches of surface (multiplying the length and
width of your container will give you the area, so a 12" x 8"
rectangular tank has a total surface area of 96 sq in., enough for a fish four
inches in head/body length).
Put the tank near a window so it
gets plenty of indirect sunlight. A cover (which can be foil loosely placed over
top) helps keep out dust and also keeps an active fish in! Sand or gravel
bottoms look nice, but make work in that they must be cleaned. If you have a
clear aquarium, just put a placemat under it and you'll have an instant sea
floor or sandy base. A little mirror propped up on the outside of the tank will
give your fish "company".
Clean Water means a Healthy
Goldfish
Change the water every second day,
replacing the old with water that's been aged and salted. It just takes a minute
and means that you don't have to buy a filter or air pump - a substantial
savings. Scoop your fish out of the aquarium in a holding pail, dump the dirty
water from the aquarium, rinse a few times, re-fill and return the
goldfish.
Feed Sparingly and Wisely
Soak the food you buy from the pet
shop so that it sinks to the bottom of the tank when you feed your goldfish.
Feed a tiny amount every time you change the water and, if you like, supplement
that with some plants you find growing wild in fresh water rivers and ponds such
as anacharis (which is probably the most common aquarium plant and readily
available in any pet store).
Have Fun
You and your child will not only
have fun but will learn together while caring for your little golden water
creature. And I'll bet you'll name her "Goldie"!
|
