Fantail goldfish are a type of fancy goldfish known for their elegant, flowing fins. They make a striking addition to any tank, and they're hardy and easy to care for, making them perfect for even a beginner fish keeper. They're peaceful, as well—you can pair them with other easygoing fish, as long as they can tolerate the Fantail's cooler waters. Ready to get started? From feeding to setting up the perfect tank, we're here to answer your questions about taking care of these gorgeous fish!
Steps
Question 2 of 12:
How do you prepare a tank for a goldfish?
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Set up a fish tank with a filter and a light. In general, goldfish create a lot of waste, so a filter is an absolute necessity for your fish tank. Otherwise, ammonia and nitrates will build up in the water, creating an unhealthy environment for your Fantail. If you're planning to include aquarium plants—or if you just want to illuminate your tank—add a lighting rig, as well. [2] X Research source
- You don't have to include a pump or an air stone in your tank, but they do help provide more oxygen for your fish, so feel free to add one if you'd like. [3] X Research source
- Be sure to place your tank somewhere that's out of direct sunlight, protected from kids and other pets, and away from the vibrations of appliances or loud speakers. [4] X Research source
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Use soft sand as your substrate. Fantails are delicate and they like to dig, so choose a soft substance like sand as your substrate. Rough grains or sharp gravel could easily scratch them, and those injuries could make your fish more susceptible to disease. [5] X Research source
- Some people do use smooth gravel as a substrate for their Fantails, but in general, sand is the safest option.
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Add a few plants and smooth decorations. Fantails love to explore their environment, and they also need a place to hide if they get a little nervous. Live plants like Hornwort make the best decoration for their tank—you can either plant them in the substrate or let them float on top of the water, as long as you don't cover either the top or bottom of the tank completely. [6] X Research source
- You can also add fake plants, smooth rocks, driftwood, or plastic decorations. However, only include items that are intended to be used in an aquarium. Otherwise, they could contain chemicals or bacteria that could make your fish sick. [7] X Research source
- Don't use anything with sharp edges that could injure your fish.
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Question 6 of 12:
How often should I clean my fish tank?
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Scoop out uneaten food after each feeding. If you overfeed your fish, the uneaten food will dissolve in the tank. Not only can that release toxins into the tank, but it could also promote the growth of bacteria that could make your Fantail sick. To avoid that, use a net to scoop out any extra food at least once a day—although it's better to do it after every feeding. [13] X Research source
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Replace 25% of the tank water each week. Fantails might look elegant, but they have a tendency to be pretty messy. To keep the tank clean and your fish at their finest, take out about 20-25% of the water each week and replace it with clean water. Just remember to use de-chlorinating drops if you get the water from the tap. [14] X Research source
- If you see any green algae growing on the sides of your tank, wipe it away with a clean cloth while you're changing the water.
- Before you add the replacement water, let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes so it will be the same temperature as the water in the tank. [15] X Research source
- Don't change all the water at once unless your vet tells you to—it will be really stressful for your Fantail.
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Monitor the pH and chemical levels between cleanings. Use an aquarium test kit to keep an eye on the pH level of your aquarium—it should always stay between 6.0 and 8.0, although the closer to 7.0 (neutral), the better. Try testing the water about once a week to make sure it stays in that range. If it gets too high or low, it could make your fish sick. [16] X Research source
- If the pH gets too low (acidic), change the water more often. If it gets too high (alkaline), add peat moss to your filter or place driftwood in the tank. [17] X Research source
- Also, check the levels of ammonia and nitrate with a water testing kit—these should be undetectable. If they get too high, change the water more often.
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Question 7 of 12:
What do you feed Fantails?
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Offer goldfish granules as their primary food. As long as you choose a high-quality goldfish food, flakes and granules will both provide the nutrition your Fantail needs to stay healthy. However, granules float on the top of the water and dissolve more slowly than flakes, so it's easier to remove any uneaten food. That, in turn, helps keep your tank cleaner. [18] X Research source
- Choose pellets that are 25%-50% the width of your fish's mouth. If you can't find pellets that are small enough for your fish, it's fine to feed them flakes. [19] X Research source
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Give them freeze-dried foods or veggies as snacks. A few times a week, supplement your Fantail's diet with a treat like frozen or freeze-dried brine shrimp, daphnia, or blood worms. Goldfish also like to nibble on plants, so try offering them tiny bits of veggies like lettuce, blanched peas, duck weed, or zucchini. [20] X Research source
- If you're offering them a freeze-dried food, soak it in a little water for 10-15 minutes to soften it before you give it to your fish.
- Give your fish these snacks in place of one of their normal meals. These treats provide good nutrition, so you can offer them as often as you like. [21] X Research source
- Some pet shops offer live food for goldfish. However, live foods might have parasites or bacteria that could make your Fantails sick, so it's safer to stick to the frozen or freeze-dried versions. [22] X Research source
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Question 12 of 12:
How do I know if my Fantail is sick or unhealthy?
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Watch for unusual swimming patterns. Because of their compact organs, Fantails are especially susceptible to swim bladder disease. If your fish has this, you'll notice them floating on top of the water, laying on the bottom of the tank, or swimming upside-down. Usually, the cause of this is constipation, so if you think swim bladder disease might be to blame, stop feeding your fish for about 24 hours. [28] X Research source
- When you feed your fish again, give them a high-fiber snack like lettuce or zucchini. [29] X Research source
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Look for spots or color changes on your fish. These can indicate a bacterial or fungal issue in their tank. If you notice anything like that, immediately clean the tank, and move the sick fish to a quarantine tank until it's healthy again. You can usually treat problems like this with over-the-counter antibiotics or antifungals, but it's best to consult a fish veterinarian to be sure. [30] X Research source
- Also, consult your vet if you see any ulcers, unusual growths, or if your fish is gasping at the surface of the water or rubbing against objects in the tank. [31] X Research source
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Community Q&A
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QuestionWhy is my fish sinking to the bottom of the tank?Community AnswerIf your fish goes to the bottom of the tank only for a few seconds, it may be scavenging for food. If your fish does this for longer periods of time, it may have a swim bladder disorder. Visit your local fish tank store and pet store, and see if you can find medication for it. Some fish tank stores may also offer to treat your fish for you.
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QuestionWhat is the life span of a Fantail Goldfish?Community AnswerIt really depends. Some goldfish live only a few years, while others can live up to 10 years.
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QuestionHow can you tell if your fish is pregnant?Community AnswerThe female will look plumper, and the male often will try to chase the female, or he will push his head against the female's head.
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References
- ↑ https://animal-world.com/encyclo/fresh/goldfish/FantailGoldfish.php
- ↑ https://www.fishkeepingworld.com/fantail-goldfish/
- ↑ https://www.fdacs.gov/Consumer-Resources/Recreation-and-Leisure/Aquarium-Fish/Aquarium-Water-Quality-Dissolved-Oxygen
- ↑ https://www.pdsa.org.uk/taking-care-of-your-pet/looking-after-your-pet/birds-fish-and-other-pets/caring-for-your-goldfish
- ↑ https://www.aquariumsource.com/fantail-goldfish/
- ↑ https://www.fishkeepingworld.com/fantail-goldfish/
- ↑ https://www.aquariumsource.com/fantail-goldfish/
- ↑ https://www.practicalfishkeeping.co.uk/features/what-you-need-to-know-about-dechlorinating/
- ↑ https://www.fishkeepingworld.com/how-to-dechlorinate-tap-water-for-fish/
- ↑ https://www.aquariumsource.com/fantail-goldfish/
- ↑ https://animal-world.com/encyclo/fresh/goldfish/FantailGoldfish.php
- ↑ https://www.pdsa.org.uk/taking-care-of-your-pet/looking-after-your-pet/birds-fish-and-other-pets/caring-for-your-goldfish
- ↑ https://www.fishkeepingworld.com/fantail-goldfish/
- ↑ https://www.aquariumsource.com/fantail-goldfish/
- ↑ https://www.pdsa.org.uk/taking-care-of-your-pet/looking-after-your-pet/birds-fish-and-other-pets/caring-for-your-goldfish
- ↑ https://www.fishkeepingworld.com/fantail-goldfish/
- ↑ https://www.ratemyfishtank.com/blog/properly-maintaining-the-ph-in-a-freshwater-aquarium
- ↑ https://kb.rspca.org.au/knowledge-base/what-should-i-feed-my-pet-goldfish/
- ↑ https://thefishsite.com/articles/how-big-are-your-fish-pellets
- ↑ https://www.fishkeepingworld.com/fantail-goldfish/
- ↑ https://kb.rspca.org.au/knowledge-base/what-should-i-feed-my-pet-goldfish/
- ↑ https://animal-world.com/encyclo/fresh/goldfish/FantailGoldfish.php
- ↑ https://www.fishkeepingworld.com/fantail-goldfish/
- ↑ https://animal-world.com/encyclo/fresh/goldfish/FantailGoldfish.php
- ↑ https://www.fishkeepingworld.com/fantail-goldfish/
- ↑ https://www.aquariumsource.com/fantail-goldfish/
- ↑ https://www.fishkeepingworld.com/fantail-goldfish/
- ↑ https://www.aquariumsource.com/fantail-goldfish/
- ↑ https://www.fishkeepingworld.com/fantail-goldfish/
- ↑ https://www.fishkeepingworld.com/fantail-goldfish/
- ↑ https://www.pdsa.org.uk/taking-care-of-your-pet/looking-after-your-pet/birds-fish-and-other-pets/caring-for-your-goldfish
About this article
Article Summary
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Fantail goldfish are a great pet if you're new to owning fish since they're so easy to care for. To keep your fantail goldfish happy and healthy, place it in a tank that holds at least 10-20 gallons of water per fish in it. The tank should also have a heater and a filter. Feed your goldfish a high-quality fish food once a day, making sure to follow the directions on the packaging so you don't overfeed it. You should also place some tender aquarium plants in your fish tank, which will supplement its regular food. Clean the tank whenever it gets dirty, or at least once a week. Make sure to scrape any algae away from the bottom of the tank and replace 10-15 percent of the water. To learn how to deal with territorial goldfish, read more from our Veterinary co-author!
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Reader Success Stories
- "Information is more accurate then a lot of fish advice that is usually given out, especially the part about how much water they need. Far too many fish live in overcrowded, too-small bowls and tanks. And the pictures were nice and helpful to understand." ..." more
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"Information is more accurate then a lot of fish advice that is usually given out, especially the part about how much water they need. Far too many fish live in overcrowded, too-small bowls and tanks. And the pictures were nice and helpful to understand."
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"My fancy goldfish was floating upside down this morning, I thought he was dead, but noted some life. After reading this article, I learned what to do, as well not. I was very pleased and want to thank you for your help."
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"When I got my fish I didn't know what to do, but with a fortnight behind us now, I'm getting used to it. I've realized that I'm over feeding my fantail, and will start to cut down his food as of today. "
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"Had bubbles on top water, changed my filter water pump, now all good. Love my fish."
"Everything from tank maintenance to temperature and complete fish care, thank you!"
