Tips On Looking After Golfish

I must confess, I did not do much research before I brought the fish... :(
But, I hope to be able to look after them properly and carefully.
Even though a lot of you have given me guidance on how to clean the tank, I'm still a bit confused....
See, my tank is very simple; 3 goldfish, gravel, water (obviously) and a plastic plant. So, I need to know how I can clean the tank, simply.
Also, are there any pieces of equipment that I REALLY need?
Must I take the fish out while cleaning?
How should I take out the fish, if necessary?

I hope I'm not too confusing or if I'm asking too much...

Thank you everyone who has already posted looks of good and helpful tips for me!

There is like suction syther things you can get for like £10 which clean the gravel and sythen then water out cleaning the gravel at the same time. Then you re-fill with water and put the fish back in if you get what I mean. Also, get a magnetic glass cleaner.

To get the fish out, if they arent that big, put some water from the tank in a bucket and get or buy a new jug for the puposes and get the fish out using that or a net. Then take more water out, use the sythen OR put it in the bath and clean it by hand, re-fill and put the fish back in.

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Originally Posted by Alkaz

There is like suction syther things you can get for like £10 which clean the gravel and sythen then water out cleaning the gravel at the same time. Then you re-fill with water and put the fish back in if you get what I mean. Also, get a magnetic glass cleaner.

To get the fish out, if they arent that big, put some water from the tank in a bucket and get or buy a new jug for the puposes and get the fish out using that or a net. Then take more water out, use the sythen OR put it in the bath and clean it by hand, re-fill and put the fish back in.

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Thanks for that!
So, I probably will end up buying that suction-sythen thing as it would make cleaning the gravel easier. So, does this mean that I don't have to change the gravel? Also, how many times a week should I do this? Lastly, do I have to take out the gravel and ornaments when cleaning the water?

I never had any equipment but if it makes it easier then fair enough.

I had a small net to catch the fish and quickly put them into a bowl or bucket of water. People will probably say it's better to use water from the tank rather than new water and to also take them out with the water if you can (in a bag or something), but I always just used the net with fresh water and it never seemed to do them any harm.

Then you want to get all the water out of the tank and probably pour the stones out into another bowl or whatever. Then just clean the tank and replace everything (stones, then fresh water, then fish).

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Originally Posted by Robald

I never had any equipment but if it makes it easier then fair enough.

I had a small net to catch the fish and quickly put them into a bowl or bucket of water. People will probably say it's better to use water from the tank rather than new water and to also take them out with the water if you can (in a bag or something), but I always just used the net with fresh water and it never seemed to do them any harm.

Then you want to get all the water out of the tank and probably pour the stones out into another bowl or whatever. Then just clean the tank and replace everything (stones, then fresh water, then fish).

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Thank you very much!

Well, I think that's answered all my questions but one; After how many day's should I clean the tank?

When you can no longer see the fish.

No, About once a week :)

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Originally Posted by 9y

When you can no longer see the fish.

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When they are floating on top ;)

Thank you to everyone who posted some helpful tips on this thread! ^.^
Now I feel much more confident about looking after my goldfish!
I'm going to add reputation to people who have helped me. ;)

i remember i had goldfish a few years ago called goldie and bubbles, my neighbour killed them because he put hot water in them when we went on holiday lol

my sis and her bf have got two goldfish called cyril and sally.

and dont feed them to much

You need to buy some form of filter - they are relatively cheap - they certainly will be for a tank of your size.

It's advised to fill your tank and turn the filter on and leave it for at least 24 hours, it's reccomended to leave it for a week, for your tank to establish equilibrium in the bacteria levels. During the week your water will probably go through stages of looking dirty, cloudy etc but when the water turns clear you can add your fish, make sure you add them using the instructions given, in the bags etc.

Make sure you use goldfish food which helps add to the good bacteria, Aquarian is a good brand.

DON'T clean your tank weekly, or change the water as this will disrupt the levels in your tank.

My tank hasnt been cleaned in 6 months, and the water is crystal clear. If you have a good filter, it should keep your tank clean for you.

The only thing which is advised if the tank starts to smell (i dont do it) is you change 1/3 of your water on a monthly basis. Never change ALL of your water, only change 1/3.

My fish have been alive 2 years so :)

Hope that helps (:

edit: oh and only feed them once a day, they don't need anymore, overfeeding can kill them.