Care Tips for Oranda Goldfish

Set up a large tank with plenty of room for swimming. An aquarium of 20 gallons or larger is ideal. Avoid plants that are not weighted down, since they will dig in the substrate and uproot them. Provide plenty of decorations for hiding in. Water temperature should stay between 65 and 78 degrees Fahrenheit; pH range is broad, between 6.0 to 8.0, but it should be stable. Place a strong filter in the tank to create water movement and mitigate waste and debris. Remove 10 percent to 15 percent of the water every two weeks and replace with fresh, chlorine-free water.

Feed an amount that your goldfish will consume within 20 minutes, twice a day. The majority of the diet should consist of flake or pellet goldfish food. Offer treats of fresh or frozen brine shrimp, bloodworms and other meat based foods periodically to give variety and encourage bright coloring.

Observe fish daily for signs of illness while you are feeding. Signs to watch out for include lack of appetite, lethargic swimming and backward swimming. Watch for white specks on the bodies of the fish, which is likely a fungus called ich that you can treat with medication. Small strands hanging from the bottom of fish may be worms, which can also be treated with medication. Move any fish showing signs of illness to a separate tank until the illness can be identified and treated successfully.

Oranda goldfish are peaceful community fish who need to be placed in a tank with other peaceful fish. Other goldfish make good tank mates. Other ideal tank mates include mollys, guppies and smaller types of danios. Consult the personnel at your chosen fish store for types of fish that do well together before making a purchase.