So youve decided to bring a new life into your world, and no its not a baby, its a goldfish!

Growing up, many people had a goldfish as their first live pet, and their first dead pet too. Too many times have parents been required to flush poor Goldie down the toilet, only to replace him with a new fish before anyone had the chance to notice.

Goldfish care is assumed to be low maintenance and easy. Get a bowl, fill it with water, toss in some fish flakes and youre done right? Not quite. Before you even choose your new friend, you should be aware that goldfish have special needs and preferences that, if addressed, will help to prevent the creation of a goldfish graveyard in your toilet.

For starters, goldfish are social creatures and are happiest in groups of up to 5 fish. The tank should be big enough to accommodate the group and a 5-10 gallon tank (per goldfish) should provide adequate living space.

Choosing a tank can be almost as complicated as buying a car, there are so many flashy and expensive models! But the tank you buy should be in the best interest of your pet. Rectangular tanks allow for more horizontal swimming room, while the shape maximizes the surface area for oxygen levels.

The location of your goldfishs home should be away from windows and draughts, in a room with a stable temperature, away from loud noises, strong smells and wild children/animals. Remember location, location, location!

The dcor of your tank is just as important to your goldfishs health as food and cleanliness. It should include a layer of gravel on the bottom, ornaments, plants (real or fake), a filtration system and any other fish related product that your fishy friend might enjoy. A gravel layer of 2-3 inches is recommended to help remove old food and fish droppings from your fishs living and swimming area. Gravel should be rinsed and checked for sharp edges.

Ornaments and plants provide great hiding and sleeping places for your fish pal. Think of ornaments as fish furniture, its not a necessity, but it sure makes living a lot more enjoyable.

Filtration helps to keep your fish tank clean and for 2 or more fish, a mechanical filter is necessary. The gravel at the bottom of the tank acts as a natural filter, but can only handle so much abuse. Therefore, it is important to choose the right filter for your tank, and there are plenty to choose from.

Once youve got your equipment, be sure to set it up about two weeks prior to introducing Goldie to his new home. The gravel, ornaments and anything else being added to the tank should be washed and checked for sharp edges. Letting the tank to settle for two weeks allows for the pH levels to regulate, the water to oxygenate, and bacteria to grow, thus creating a happy and natural environment for your tanks new tenant.

Proper care will ensure a long and joyful life for your new best friend.