From: ZA124@zeus.unomaha.edu (John Anderson)
Subject: Re: help!...goldfish in fishbowl
News-Software: VAX/VMS VNEWS 1.41    
Organization: University of Nebraska at Omaha
Distribution: na
Date: Mon, 13 Apr 1992 08:51:00 GMT

In article <92101.114709GRI101@psuvm.psu.edu>, <GRI101@psuvm.psu.edu> writes...
>I bought a couple of small (1 inch long) goldfish which I plan to keep
>in a 1/2 gallon glass bowl. I have some gravel at the bottom. At present
>I have not fixed any filtering system or water aerating system.
>  Since it is my first experience with fish, I' having serious doubts
>as to what I'm doing is right. Could someone in netland help me with my
>queries.
>  * do i need to install an aerating system. i dont intend on putting
>    more than two goldfish in the bowl.
>  * how often should i feed the fish
>  * how often should i change the water
>  * i bought some "ammonia chlorine eliminator". I add a couple of drops
>    every day. is it ok.
>  * the water seems to get dirty very very fast. It turns murky in a few
>    hours time. So I replace half of it with fresh water Three times a day.
>    Also the goldfish come to the water surface and seem to stick there
>    head almost out of water and breath there. but when i add fresh water
>    they swim near the bottom for a few hours. Could this be because the
>    oxygen in the water gets depleted fast and then the fish try to breath
>    near the surface where oxygen conc. may be higher. what can i do to
>    remedy the situation.
> 
>    thanks a lot.
>                 gurmeet
>                 singh@shiva.psu.edu

First off, DON'T USE A 1/2 GALLON BOWL!  The general rule
for "freshwater" fish is 1 inch of fish per gallon.  I will
assume that each goldfish is about 1 inch.  Also, coldwater
fish tend to need even more than 1 gallon per inch.  I would
suggest getting a larger thank, with 5 gallons being the 
absolute minimum, and 10 gallons being recommended (for 2
goldfish).  Also a filter system is a must for any fish 
aquarium.  Fish are not furnature, and need to be cared for 
like any other living creature.  A simple undergravel filter
in the ten gallon aquarium would be sufficent.  Also note that
goldfish (especially "fancy" goldfish) are on the whole not
great swimmers, and as little current as possible should be
made.  The undergravel filter will also do the job of aerating
the tank without making violent current.  Once your tank is 
"established" (bacteria has grown withing the gravel bed) you
will need to change the water as little as once a month.  You
do not need to add any ammonia/chlorine remover other than when
you are changing the water.  I HIGHLY recommend a product called
STRESS COAT made by Aquarium Pharm.  This removes chlorine plus
helps restore the slime coat of the fish that is damaged by
stress and rubbing on the rocks.  As for feeding goldfish, I 
have never kept them personally, but from what I have read, they
are BIG eaters, and you should feed them about double the norm
for freshwater fish.  I would say twice to three times a day
giving each fish about 3 flakes of food each.

I wish you luck in your first try at fishkeeping!  Always
remember, fish are still pets, only you can't scratch them
behind the ears....

John Anderson
<*>  FLICK  <*>

P.S.: I moderate a BBS SIG in thOmaha, NE area.  The name of
the BBS is "Chatisfaction" and the SIG is called COMPuFISH.  
If you like to call LD, give it a try!  (402) 453-5356