Goldfish Decor & Enrichment

elemental-kiss:

Bare goldfish tanks are very common. Yes, it can be hard to find appropriate decor, but goldfish do benefit from decor and other enrichment. With some effort, it is possible to have a decorated aquarium for your goldies! It may take some trial and error, but here are some options to consider instead of going with a nearly empty tank! Please add any other ideas for decor, or what you’ve had success with using in your tank.

1. Sand substrate
Providing plenty of sand that can be foraged through is an easy and safe way to keep your goldfish entertained and allow them to express natural behaviors. Playsand and filter sand can be purchased cheaply in large quantities.

src Large, smooth rocks can also be used in conjunction with sand to make the tank more interesting.

2. Live plants
Goldfish often have a reputation as plant eaters, but that isn’t always true! Even if they do eat plants, offering them occasionally can still benefit your goldfish.

src Live plants are generally easily moved through, and give your goldfish the opportunity to hide behind them.

3. Ceramic Decor
Ceramic decor pieces are smooth, which reduces the risk of a goldfish injuring itself on it. You can order custom made pieces from artists or scour the internet for premade ones.

Make sure any holes are larger than your goldfish so that they cannot get stuck!

4. Toys
Goldies often like to push around ping pong balls, or plastic cat toys. This engages their mind and makes them exercise!

src You can also make or buy food dispensing toys to encourage your fish to interact with their environment.

5. Floating Plants
Frogbit, duckweed, and other floating plants make great additions to a goldfish tank. It provides shade for the fish and a sense of security.

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Duckweed and elodia are good, hardy plants that can be cultured in a separate enclosure (i.e. a lit bucket full of old tank water) and put in as food/enrichment. 

Also, it’s not decor, but teach your goldies tricks! They’re intelligent and can remember things for over 2 months. Offer them food and use it to lure them through hoops and around things, and they can be taught to travel a mini obstacle course or go through a hoop in exchange for food at the end.