Are goldish the easiest to keep?
Goldfish are one of the most hardy fish available, and this is why they are so popular, but with advances in filter technology and better fish keeping advice, there are now many alternatives which are just as easy to care for. In fact, because Goldfish can grow large and tend to be quite destructive, as well as producing lots of polluting waste, some of the alternatives may even be better as 'first fish'
Alternative coldwater fish
The 'fancy goldfish' breeds are quite popular amongst new fish keepers, although these fish can also grow large so they eventually need a sizeable aquarium. There are also plenty of smaller fish suitable for coldwater, or unheated, aquariums. These include the White Cloud Mountain Minnow, Rosy Barb, and Danio species.
Maintaining the aquarium
It is not uncommon for fish keepers to catch all the fish, empty the tank, clean the gravel, clean the filter, refill the tank and put the fish back in on a monthly basis. This is a lot of work, very stressful for the fish (and fish keeper), can encourage more problems (such as diseases and algae) and completely wrong! Correct maintenence basically comes down to correct feeding, a weekly or fortnightly small water change (using a gravel cleaner) and light filter clean.
Done properly, keeping fish (tropical or coldwater) is very easy and should take no more than 15 minutes once a week (along with daily feeding) Our staff are all experts in keeping fish and will be able to easily get you on the right track.