What do Goldfish like in their tank? On this page, we will explore some of the things that goldfish need in their tank. We will also discuss how to create a healthy environment for your fish. So if you are curious about what things will make your Goldfish happy, keep reading.
Artificial Plants for Goldfish

Goldfish like artificial plants in their tank, as they provide hiding places. Live plants can also be beneficial, as they provide oxygen and help to remove nitrates; however, you want to be sure to get a type of plant that is safe for goldfish since Goldfish will likely try to eat them.
If you want a more natural look than plastic plants, there are artificial plants made from silk available for purchase online and at most pet stores.
MyLifeUNIT Aquarium Plants 10 Pcs and Fish Tank Decor Plants 4 Pcs Green Water Plants Bundle
The MyLifeUNIT Artificial Plants (Buy Online) bundle comes with 14 green artificial plants and 1 ceramic base. They can stand upright by themselves without any support from other objects like rocks or driftwood, which means they will be able to hold up to Goldfish who lover rearranging plants.
MyLifeUNIT Aquarium Plants, 20 Pack Artificial Fish Tank Plants for Aquarium Decorations (Green)
MyLifeUNIT Aquarium Plants (Buy Online) are made from silk which makes them safer for your goldfish to hide among the stems and leaves without getting injured by sharp plastic edges or having pieces left behind when you remove it from your tank. The ceramic base also keeps it firmly planted on the bottom of your tank even if your Goldfish try their best to move them.
Live Plants for Goldfish
Java Fern Bare Root | Microsorum Pteropus – Low Light Freshwater Aquarium Plant
Java Ferns (Buy Online) don’t need much light or water movement, and they’re easy to attach to rocks or driftwood with fishing line or thread. And these live java ferns are available online at an affordable price so that every fish lover can enjoy having a beautiful planted aquarium without breaking the bank,
AquaLeaf Florida 10 Species Live Aquarium Plants Bundle
The AquaLeaf Live Aquarium Plants Bundle (Buy Online) provides you with everything you need to start growing beautiful aquatic plants right away. This bundle includes ten different species of live tropical aquarium plant bunches ranging from 6-12 inches in height. And Each bunch has several stems so there should be enough for a medium-sized Goldfish tank.
Goldfish Tank Decorations
Goldfish like decorations in their tank. It’s important to provide them with plenty of places to hide and explore, so they don’t get “bored” or feel unsafe. Some common items that people put in a goldfish tank include live or fake plants, caves or unique themed decorations, light-up decorations, and background inserts. They also enjoy hanging out in flower pots or other homemade DIY decorations if you’re not interested in adding kitschy fish store decorations to your tank.
GreenJoy Aquarium Decorations Fish-Tank Accessories Plants – Fish Tank Decor Kit
The GreenJoy Aquarium Decoration Kit (Buy Online) has everything you need to add color and interest to your tank in one convenient package. This kit includes 12 plastic plants, 1 blue or pink starfish, 9 artificial plants, and an artificial decaying tree trunk. Plus, these decorations are made of durable resin so they look great while being completely safe for your fish.
Aeration
Goldfish like tanks with good aeration. This is because they come from lakes and ponds where there is a good amount of oxygen present in the water. Most store-bought pumps just won’t provide enough aeration to an overstocked goldfish tank (FYI which most goldfish tanks are). That’s why it’s a good idea to get a commercial air pump since they can deliver more oxygen to a greater depth, and they are less likely to fail over time.
Air Pump Goldfish
Pawfly 7 W 254 GPH Commercial Aquarium Air Pump Adjustable Quiet Oxygen Aerator Pump
The Pawfly 7 W 254 GPH Commercial Aquarium Air Pump (Buy Online) is the perfect way to provide aeration for any size goldfish tank. This air pump comes with a 4 outlet divider to manually control the airflow individually from each port, and it has a Max pressure of 0.025Mpa and it only draws 7 watts at full power. Plus, it doesn’t cost much more than a standard fish store air pump, but it literally blows them out of the water.
Airstone for Goldfish
NEPTONION air Stone Disc Aquarium Fish Tank Bubbler
The NEPTONION Air Stone Disc Aquarium Fish Tank Bubbler (Buy Online) adds oxygen to your tank by releasing tiny bubbles into the water. This helps prevent algae growth while keeping your fish healthy. and this stone disc lasts longer than other cheap air stones on the market. Plus, these bubblers are great for all types of tanks, including freshwater or saltwater aquariums.
Deep Substrate

Gravel or a clay-based planted tank substrate is usually the best choice for goldfish. However, you want to avoid sand since it can be unsafe for goldfish and can be hard to maintain.
TIP: In order for goldfish to thrive in their tank a deep clay-based substrate is necessary as it helps remove nitrates from the water when placed on top of an undergravel filter.
Learn More: Fish Tank Gravel Calculator (Click Here)
Rocks (Real or Artificial)
Goldfish like a tank that has real or artificial rocks. Real rocks provide hiding places for the fish and also help to anchor plants in the tank. Artificial rocks, on the other hand, are beneficial because they do not affect the pH of the water and they are less likely to cause problems in the long run.
Either real or artificial rocks will work, but it’s important to make sure that the rocks are stable and won’t tip over and break your tank or harm your fish. Additionally, you should make sure that rocks with holes in them are big enough so that your fish can fit through any openings without getting stuck.
PINVNBY Aquarium Resin Mountain View Decoration Artificial Rocks
PINVNBY Artificial Aquarium Rocks (Buy Online) make it easy to create a beautiful landscape for your fish without breaking the bank. And whether you want natural-looking faux rock formations you can find a wide range of artificial rocks for sale online (Click Here)
Filtration

Goldfish are messy eaters and they produce a lot of waste, so owners must be vigilant about keeping their fish tank clean.
That’s why a goldfish tank should have a deep substrate (at least 3-inches) placed on top of an undergravel filter to control nitrates. Plus, a goldfish tank will also need a powerful canister filter to remove any free-floating debris.
And don’t forget about water changes. Doing them regularly will clear out any built-up nitrates and organic waste. And the more often the better but once every two weeks should suffice if you don’t overfeed your goldfish.
Penn-Plax Clear-Free Premium Under Gravel Aquarium Filter
The Penn Plax Clear-Free Premium Under Gravel Aquarium Filter (Buy Online) is a high-quality aquarium filter with 2 carbon cartridges included right out of the box. Just clip each section together, place it under gravel, add some water and you’re ready to go. Plus, there’s no need to worry about purchasing additional parts as everything comes with this kit already included.
Goldfish Aquarium Chiller or Fan
Did you know that goldfish like their tanks in the low 60-degree F range? While this may seem cold, it’s actually just right for them. In the summer it can be hard to keep your goldfish tank cool enough in some places. That’s why we recommend looking into getting an aquarium fan or chiller if your goldfish tank reaches over 80+ degrees regularly.
Zoo Med Aqua Cool Aquarium Cooling Fan, Black
The Zoo Med Aqua Cool Aquarium Cooling Fan (Buy Online) solves fish tank overheating problems by providing constant cooling for your aquarium. It keeps your fish healthy even when it’s sweltering outside, so you won’t have to worry about them overheating during those long summer days.
Goldfish Tank Heater
Goldfish need a heater if you want to keep them active when the temperature drops. Even though they are very cold-tolerant they will start to slow down and become lethargic when the water temperature in their tank falls into the mid-’50s. This is natural for them, but it makes them less interesting and it also suppresses their need to eat.
If you want to keep your goldfish active year-round you can add a submersible heater to their tank. This will only be necessary during the coldest part of the winter if your tank is in an unheated room or a basement.
Fluval Submersible Heater
Fluval Submersible Heaters (Buy Online) automatically maintain the perfect aquarium temperature, and you just set it once and forget about it. They’re easy to install, affordable, reliable, and safe for both saltwater and freshwater tanks. Plus they look really cool with their reflective mirror finish.
Related: Try Our Fish Tank Heater Calculator (Click Here)
Fish Feeder
An automatic fish feeder can help you ensure that your goldfish have a balanced diet by providing them with the right proportions of food. Some feeders even have special programs that dispense food multiple times a day, which is perfect for goldfish since they need to eat small meals throughout the day.
Zacro Automatic Fish Feeder – Rechargeable Timer Fish Feeder with USB Charger Cable
The Zacro Automatic Fish Feeder (Buy Online) is a smart fish feeder that makes it easy to keep your goldfish fed. It’s the perfect solution for busy pet owners who can’t always be home during feeding time. And with a large 200ml capacity, this automatic fish feeder is great for multiple types of food including flakes.
Clean Up Crew
Goldfish like to live in an environment that is clean and free of algae. Some fishkeepers may want to add a nerite snail or pleco to their goldfish tank, which will help keep the tank clear of algae and uneaten food while giving your goldfish some company.
Snails
WorldwideTropicals Live Freshwater Aquarium Fish – (6) Varied Nerite Snails – 6 Pack of Mixed Nerites(Zebra, Red Spotted, Horned)
Nerite Snails (Buy Online) are one of the best types of snails for controlling algae in freshwater tanks. They eat all kinds of plant matter, including hair algae that grow on plants, as well as brown diatoms and cyanobacteria (blue-green) slime that grows on glass and decor items like rocks and wood pieces. Nerites also eat leftover food from fish meals and they don’t compete with other fish tank inhabitants for food making them great tank mates.
Pleco
Quinn’s Fins- Live Super Red Bushynose Pleco
A Super Red Bushynose Pleco (Buy Online) will keep your tank looking great by eating all the algae that grow on the rocks and plants in your tank. They are also very low maintenance since they don’t need much food or care. You can even order them online if you can’t find them locally.
Goldfish Training Games & Toys
Goldfish are intelligent creatures and they enjoy having things to do. You can keep them amused by adding some toys to their tank. In addition, you can play games with your goldfish by training them to respond to visual commands. For example, you can teach them to play with a ball or swim through a hoop. And training your goldfish is a fun way to bond with them and provides hours of entertainment for both of you.
R2 Fish School Complete Fish Training Kit
The R2 Fish School (Buy Online) is a complete training kit that shows you step by step how to train your fish using food reward training. You can teach them many different tricks like playing fetch and shooting hoops – it’s fast and easy.
This complete fish trick training kit includes everything you need to easily train your pet fish at home in simple steps with detailed instructions. There are over 25 parts included in the kit so you can create an obstacle course for your fish or just use one part at a time as desired.


















![Best Filter for an Oscar Fish Tank Oscar fish are voracious eaters that can grow to be up to 14 inches long. They need a lot of space and a big tank, but they also need good filtration. This is because Oscars produce a large amount of waste for their size, which can quickly pollute the water if not managed properly. Read on to see the best filter for an Oscar fish tank. [toc] Best Filter for an Oscar Fish Tank ***TABLE**** Best Filter for an Oscar Fish Tank OASE Indoor Aquatics Biomaster Thermo 600 The Aquatics Biomaster Thermo 600 Filter (Buy Online) has everything you need to keep water clean and healthy for your fish, plus some cool extra features too. It comes with four different filtration stages that remove debris from the water so your tank stays clear and safe for your fish to live in. Plus, it has a built-in heater which keeps the temperature of your tank consistent so you don't have to worry about fluctuations or sudden changes affecting your fish. The OASE Indoor Aquatics Biomaster Thermo 600 is a reliable and high-quality filter that will keep your water crystal clear. It has four stages of filtration, including a pre-filter module for particle removal, two main filters to clean detritus from the water before it reaches the pump area, an activated carbon stage with 45 ppi pores to trap organic chemicals and reduce odors, and finally a polishing cartridge which traps any particles left after the other three stages have removed most of the large debris. Plus, it comes with Hel-X Biomedia that has an extremely large surface area for beneficial bacteria colonies that break down nitrogenous waste. Overall, this filter can be used on 70 to 160 gallon tanks, and if you want peace of mind about how well your tank is being filtered and heated – this canister filter is perfect for an Oscar tank. Eheim Pro 4+ 600 Filter The Eheim Pro 4+ 600 Filter (Buy Online) is the best filter for an oscar fish tank because it’s easy to use and maintain while providing a high level of filtration. It has a self-priming pump that makes starting up very simple, plus its safety hose adapter means you won’t have to worry about any accidents with this unit. We recommend going with their Pro 4+ model which has been designed specifically for tanks containing Oscars and other larger species of fish. This filter comes with everything you need including extra media baskets, spray bars, adjustable flow control valves, and more. Polar Aurora 4-Stage External Canister Filter 525GPH with 9-watt UV Light The Polar Aurora External Canister Filter (Buy Online) is an affordable yet high-quality canister filter and it has four stages of filtration (biological, mechanical, chemical and UV) that keep your fish tank crystal clear without taking up much space. If you have an Oscar Fish Tank, then you know that they are messy fish. They produce a lot of waste and your tank needs to be cleaned frequently. That's where this filter comes in handy. It can handle tanks up to 200 gallons and has a maximum flow rate of 525GPH from the built in pump. This is more than enough power for even the messiest Oscar Tanks. This unit also comes with three different media trays so you can use any type of filtration media you want - bio balls, sponges or ceramic rings. And not only does this filter provide excellent water filtration, it comes with a built in 9 Watt UV Light that allows it to easily control algae spores/bacteria and maintain clear water in your aquarium at all times. Fluval FX4 High Performance Canister Filter, External Aquarium Filter The Fluval FX4 (Buy Online) is an external filter designed specifically for aquariums housing oscars and other large tropical fish species like cichlids and catfish. There's also three different filtration stages included in this setup which will ensure that all the waste produced by your fish gets filtered out quickly leaving behind crystal clear water every time. The Fluval FX4 is the best aquarium filter on the market because it has a patented self-priming pump that moves 700 US Gal of water per hour. It also comes with all of the media you need to get started filtering your tank immediately after installation - no extra purchases necessary. This external aquarium filter is easy to install, maintain, and clean. With its multi-stage filtration process this canister filter removes harmful toxins from your water while providing superior mechanical filtration through three stages of bio-filtration using BioMax cartridges, activated carbon pads and biological ceramic rings . This powerful filter pumps out 700 US Gal (2650 L) of water per hour so it's perfect for even the largest freshwater or saltwater tanks up to 250 US Gal (900 L) Best Hang On Back Filter for an Oscar Fish Tank AquaClear Fish Tank Filter, Aquarium Filter for 60- to 110-Gallon Aquariums The AquaClear 110 (Buy Online) is a hang-on back filter that has an adjustable flow rate, and it'll last you for years. AquaClear filters make it easy, convenient, and affordable to keep your tank clean without all of the complexity and hassle of a canister filter. The AquaClear 110 filter has been designed with the hobbyist in mind; and it provides superior mechanical, chemical as well as biological filtration media at an unbeatable price point. It's ideal for aquariums up to 110 gallons (416 liters) in size and it has a flow rate of 500 U.S. gallons per hour (1,900 L/h). SeaChem – Large Aquarium Fish Tank Filter, Tidal 110 Gallon The SeaChem Tidal 110 Gallon Aquarium Filter (Buy Online) is one of the few hang on back filters specifically designed for Oscars and other larger tropical fish tanks (up to 110 gallons). This means that it has more than twice the capacity of other hang on back filters so there's no need to clean out debris as often. It also has an adjustable flow control valve - just set the dial where you want it and let the self-priming pump do its job. You can also use any kind of filtration media without worrying about clogging since the patented impeller design keeps everything running smoothly Best Sponge Filter for an Oscar Fish Tank Bacto-Surge Hikari Aquarium Solutions Foam Filter, 125 Gallons Bacto-Surge Foam Filters (Buy Online) are made from a durable foam material which allows them to last much longer than traditional sponge filters. They also don't require any electricity or have any moving parts, so you can use these as a cheap and reliable way to supplement the filtration in your Oscar tank. Best Under Gravel Filter for an Oscar Fish Tank Lee's 125/135 Premium Undergravel Filter, 18-Inch by 72-Inch Lee's 125/135 Premium Undergravel Filter (Buy Online) is the best you can get for an Oscar fish tank. It has a multi-level plate design made of high-quality plastic, so it lasts longer than standard models. And this under gravel filter can also be used to build an anoxic filter to lower nitrates, which improves overall water quality and it will also help keep your fish healthy and disease free. Best Filter Media for an Oscar Fish Tank Premium Authentic Pinky Filter Floss for Fish Tanks Premium Authentic Pinky Filter Floss for Fish Tanks (Buy Online) provides two layers of filtration to keep your tank cleaner & running more efficiently than ever before. It's made in the USA from high-quality materials that are safe for both fish and humans alike. It also reduces maintenance time because it lasts 2x as long as other brands on the market today. AQUANEAT Aquarium Filter Sponge Open Cell Foam Sheet Bio Sponge Filter Media Pad Aquaneat's Black Fine Filter Sponge (Buy Online) is made with natural materials that are non-toxic and safe for fish & plants. It provides mechanical filtration by trapping dirt particles in the pores of the sponge material so they do not get through into your aquarium water where they could cause harm to your aquatic pets. The open cell structure of the Aquaneat Sponge means you can simply rinse it under running water when needed instead of having to replace expensive filters every few weeks. And we've tested these pads with many different types of tanks and they are one of the most durable and economical ways to keep the water in a fish tank free of debris. Seachem Matrix, 4 L / 1 gal. Seachem Matrix (Buy Online) removes ammonia, nitrite and nitrate from the water column in freshwater tanks through a process called denitrification. It does this by providing an environment where beneficial bacteria thrive and convert harmful toxins into less harmful forms (even anoxic bacteria that break down nitrates). This process reduces stress on aquarium inhabitants by reducing their exposure to these toxins while also maintaining pristine water quality in your aquarium Eheim AEH2507051 Mech Filter Media for Aquarium, 1-Liter Eheim Ceramic Cylinders (Buy Online) are reusable so you don't have to waste money on disposable filter cartridges or sponges every time you clean your tank. Simply rinse them out in decholorinated water when they get clogged, and you can reuse them indefinitely. Oscar Fish Tank Size A 70 gallon tank will work for an Oscar, but it's better to keep them in a 100+ gallon tank. The bigger the better. More space promotes greater health while also keeping them happier which in turn reduces the risk of stress and disease. Oscar Fish Water Parameters Oscar Fish Water pH Level Oscars prefer water with a pH between 6 and 8, but they prefer slightly acidic water and they can live in water that has a pH as low as 5.5 quite comfortably. Oscar Fish Nitrite Level The nitrite level in your tank should be at 0 ppm once your tank has cycled. Nevertheless, a weekly 10% water change with fresh water from the tap is always good early on in the cycle to reduce nitrites. Oscar Fish Nitrate Level To keep your Oscar healthy you want to keep your nitrate levels between 10-40 ppm. It's important that you test the water with a Nitrate Test Kit (Buy Online) to ensure the nitrate levels in your tank aren't reaching dangerous levels. If the nitrates in your tank stay consistently over 40ppm, it’s time to clean or replace old filters, clean out uneaten food, vacuum the gravel, and do at least a 25% water change. Oscar Fish Water Temperature The ideal water temperature for Oscars is 75-80 degrees Fahrenheit (23 - 27 Celcius). It's important to remember that Oscar Fish are from the Amazon Rainforest and they need a heater in their tank especially during the winter time If you want to know what size heater you need for your tank you can use our Fish Tank Heater Calculator (Click Here) Oscar Fish Water Change Water changes are an essential part of fish keeping for any type of fish. This is especially true when you have larger fish like oscars that produce more waste. Water changes, or partial water changes, should be done every 1-2 weeks depending on how many fish you keep in your tank Why Is My Oscar Fish Tank Cloudy Fish tank water can become cloudy for a few reasons. The most usual is that the aquarium is either experiencing a bacteria bloom or there is algae in the water column. If this is the case, you’ll need to do a 50%-75% water change immediately. You can also use an inline UV filter if water changes and regular tank maintenance aren't getting control of your cloudy water problem. How To Keep an Oscar Fish Tank Clean Water Changes Vacuum the Gravel Bed Cleaning the Filter Removing uneaten food from tank Check for any algae growth on plants or glass walls of aquarium and clean as needed Test the water regularly Do Oscar Fish Need a Filter Yes, Oscar fish need a filter because they are messy eaters that produce a lot of waste. The filter helps with this issue and also improves the water quality by converting harmful ammonia into less toxic nitrates.](https://thepetsupplyguy.com/wp-content/uploads/Best-Filter-for-Oscar-Fish-Tank-464x290.jpg)
