How much maintenance is a pet goldfish?

[Maza]

Oh dear, I have gone and said DD can have a goldfish for her birthday. I really, really don't like them, I'm scared of them but thought they were the easiest option in terms of a pet. Now I have found that you have to keep them in a tank with a filter. How often will I have to clean this tank? Any recommendations? She saw a pink 'seahorse' plastic tank which looks quite cute as far as fish tanks go, but I don't want a noisy one. Do I have to take a fish to the vets if it gets ill? Sorry to be so ignorant. x

[FloraDora]

If you have a tank with a good filter then you don't need to change water etc.. Very often, just taking a bit of water out and replace with fresh every 3 weeks.

Really don't take much effort - have a plant for keeping tank healthy which will need replacing as they nibble it, feed once a day, put a block in if you go away.

Warning though cheaper tanks do tend to have noisier filters.

We have always had fish, very theraputic and calming ....and there is a lovely selection of cool tanks around at the moment.
Good info here:
Keeping goldfish - it's not as easy as it seems! | Pets4Homes

[Bumble Beez]

OK...goldfish tanks are super easy as they are cold water.

You just need a tank, simple water filter, water conditioner (which take the chemicals out of tap water) and gravel for the base.

Try this info sheet

Goldfish sheet.doc

[bunyip]

I never got on with goldfish. The RSPCA kept warning me to give them fresh water, but they never even finished drinking the first lot before they all died.

[cathtee]

I never got on with goldfish. The RSPCA kept warning me to give them fresh water, but they never even finished drinking the first lot before they all died.

[samb]

I never got on with goldfish. The RSPCA kept warning me to give them fresh water, but they never even finished drinking the first lot before they all died.

Hahaha that's got me laughing!