I Won a Goldfish at the fair….Now What?
Your New Goldfish deserves more than a bowl. EasyClean Aquatics breaks down everything you need to know to keep your fish healthy, happy, and thriving.
Why Fair-Won Goldfish Need Real Care
Most Fair-won goldfish are handed out in plastic bags with zero instructions. But they’re not disposable-they’re living creatures that can live for decades with proper care.
Goldfish can live 10-20 years with proper care
Goldfish are not just objects; they are complex, social, and intelligent animals. Studies have shown they have good long-term memories and can feel pain, fear, and chronic stress. Treating them as a disposable prize for a game shows a profound disregard for their well-being.
Bowls are Harmful and Cruel-goldfish need 20+ gallons of filtered water, plus an additional 10+ gallons per additional fish.
The common image of a goldfish in a small bowl is a myth. Goldfish are part of the carp family and can grow to be over a foot long and live for more than 20 years with proper care. A small bowl stunts their growth, but their internal organs continue to grow, leading to organ failure and a shortened lifespan.
Fair Fish are often Stressed and under fed, They suffer from a lack of oxygen and toxic waste. When a goldfish is won at a fair, it is typically put in a small plastic bag with very little water. The small surface area of the water and the lack of filtration or oxygenation quickly deplete the oxygen and allow the fish's own waste, which contains toxic ammonia, to build up.
Many die within days of being won
The journey home, the sudden temperature changes, and the improper setup of their new environment (often a small, unfiltered bowl) are all highly stressful. The majority of these fish die from shock, ammonia poisoning, or a lack of oxygen within a very short time after being taken home.
First 24 Hours-What to Do Immediately
Get a proper container immediately. Do not leave the fish in the small plastic bag. Get a large, clean, unused bucket or plastic container. A 5-gallon bucket or a large storage tub is a great temporary home. This provides more oxygen and a better environment than the suffocating bag.
Use a water conditioner. Tap water contains chlorine and chloramines, which are toxic to fish. Before adding the water, use a water conditioner, also known as a dechlorinator, to make it safe. You can get this at a local pet store.
Acclimate the fish slowly. Temperature shock is a major killer. Float the sealed bag in the new, temperature-safe water (68°-72°F) for about 15-30 minutes so the temperature can equalize. Then, carefully open the bag and use a net to transfer the fish to the new container, discarding the old water from the bag. Do not pour the old, dirty water into the new container.
Do not feed them. A newly moved fish is highly stressed. Feeding it can foul the water and cause digestive issues, which will only add to the stress. Wait at least 24-48 hours before offering any food. When you do, use a high-quality sinking pellet or gel food designed for goldfish.
Start researching and preparing a permanent home. The bucket is only a temporary solution. In the first 24 hours, start looking for a proper, permanent aquarium setup. This should include a tank (at least 20 gallons for a single goldfish), a good filter, and a plan for how you will "cycle" the tank to establish a healthy bacterial colony.
Long-Term Goldfish Care Basics
Goldfish are more than just a prize; they're intelligent, long-lived pets that can grow to impressive sizes. Their reputation for being easy to care for is a myth, as they are actually quite messy and require a specific environment to live long, healthy lives. A small bowl or an inadequate tank will not only stunt their growth but can also lead to organ failure and a shortened lifespan. Proper care allows them to live for over a decade.
Here’s what they need to thrive:
Minimum 20-gallon tank per fish A small bowl or tank will stunt a goldfish's growth, but their internal organs continue to grow, leading to a painful, shortened life. Providing ample space is crucial for them to reach their full potential, which can be over a foot long for some varieties.
High-capacity filter Goldfish are known as "sewage factories" because they produce a large amount of waste for their size. A powerful filter is essential to process this waste and remove harmful toxins like ammonia and nitrite from the water.
Gravel substrate and hiding spots A layer of gravel gives beneficial bacteria a surface to colonize, which helps with filtration, while providing safe places for your goldfish to retreat to reduces stress and mimics a more natural environment.
Weekly water changes and water testing Even with a good filter, toxins can build up over time. Regular water changes and testing the water for pH, ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate levels are necessary to ensure the water remains safe for your fish.
Balanced diet A proper diet is vital for a goldfish's health and coloration. Feeding them a variety of high-quality sinking pellets, gels, or flakes, along with occasional fresh veggies, prevents common digestive issues like swim bladder disease.
Want help setting this up? That’s where we come in.
Why Trust EasyClean Aquatics?
We’ve helped hundreds of families turn fair-won fish into thriving aquatic companions. Our advice is grounded in science, compassion, and real-world experience.
“We don’t just clean tanks—we build underwater worlds.”
Ready to Upgrade Your Goldfish’s Life?
Whether you need setup advice, a tank install, or just want to ask questions—we’re here.