Preparation

• 1). Make sure you are able to take care of coldwater fish before you even decide on your fish or buy a tank. They may not be the most demanding pet to keep, but they still need attention and a certain environment to survive.
  
  
• 2). Research and read books on how to take care of coldwater fish.
  
  
• 3). Choose a tank that is the right size; there are different sizes depending on how many fish you want to house. You want to make sure you've got a vibrant tank with fish that can live in harmony together.
  
  
• 4). Place the tank in your house away from direct sunlight or drafts to keep the tank water at a consistent temperature.
  
  

Choosing the Fish

• 1). Decide how many fish you want depending on the size of your tank. The general rule is 1 inch of fish per gallon of water. Overcrowding a tank can lead to health problems for the fish inhabiting it.
  
  
• 2). Start your choice by deciding which type of goldfish you'd like; the two varieties are common goldfish and fancy goldfish. However, some types of each should not be kept together. For example, the long-bodied goldfish are fast swimmers so should not be kept with slow-moving, round-bodied fancy goldfish as they'd compete for space and food.
  
  
• 3
  A community tank can be colorfulfish tank image by Tammy Mobley from Fotolia.com
  
  Choose from minnows, ricefish and dannios if you want a community tank with other types of fish aside from goldfish. You will need to ask your local pet store which combination of fish are compatible, otherwise the fish can fight or eat each other.
  
  
• 4). Check that the fish you've chosen are healthy; examine each fish for steady breathing and movement of gills, erect fins and bright eyes.
  
  
• 5). Introduce your fish to the tank gradually over a few weeks. Coldwater fish take time to adjust to their new environment, so avoid putting a lot into your tank until they have settled.