GloFish is a familiar species to aquarists. While they stand out with their unique appearances, GloFish can be difficult to take care of, mostly due to a lack of information.
Not much is known about the conditions required for GloFish to thrive comfortably, ranging from GloFish pH level to temperament and tank setup.
If you are interested in having a few GloFish at home, then this article is for you. Keep reading to see the most useful tips and tricks on how to nurture GloFish successfully!
What Are GloFish?
GloFish is an umbrella term used to describe any fluorescent species of fish. They were genetically engineered, patented, and then trademarked for commercial purposes.
Historically speaking, zebrafish (also known as danio rerio) was the first to be known as a GloFish. But now, there are tons of GloFish available for shopping such as bettas, sharks, tetras, and barbs.
Essentially, what makes GloFish different from normal, ordinary types of fish are their colors. Hence, people do not care much about GloFish’s origin, but rather the color selections.
You will see tons of different shades such as galactic purple, cosmic blue, Starfire red, moonrise pink, electric green, sunburst orange, etc. Most of these colors are bright and visually pleasing, making GloFish all the rage among the fish-lover community.
What You Need To Know About GloFish
Now that you have understood what GloFish are, it is time to learn a bit more about their characteristics.
Tank size
Most of GloFish are available in a relatively small size. Depending on the original species, GloFish can be anywhere from 1.5 to 6 inches in length. Thus, the tank required for their livelihood must contain at least 10 gallons of water.
Of course, you will have to adjust the tank size based on how many Glofish you want to have and whether you wish to add other species inside the tank. But for the average school of no more than 3 GloFish, a 20-gallon tank will suffice.
Water conditions
Having the right water parameters will make it easier for your GloFish to survive and thrive. When it comes to GloFish pH level, a range between 6.8 and 7 is recommended.
As for the temperature, make the water slightly warm to mimic the tropical environment. Anything between 72 and 81 degrees Fahrenheit will be acceptable for GloFish.
There is one thing to be aware of here, and that is to avoid drastic temperature changes. Make sure the temperature does not rise or drop by more than 2 degrees within 24 hours, or else you risk stressing out your GloFish.
Tank setup
GloFish enjoy having hiding spots and playgrounds. Thus, it is better if you can add substrates, rock caves, plants, barriers, and hollow logs to the tank. Not only do they serve as decor, but they are also useful for your GloFish.
Food
GloFish are not particularly picky when it comes to eating. However, you still need to ensure a balanced diet by providing them with both protein-rich food and plant matter. Feel free to mix dried food, frozen food, and pellet food if you want a change from live food.
Also, should you want your fish’s colors to remain bright and vibrant, an intake of beta carotene and carotenoids is a must. Without these two vital chemical substances, GloFish are not likely to retain their unique skin.
Breeding
The breeding patterns of GloFish are not universal, as they depend on the origins of the fish. That said, the general rule is that as long as there are male fish to fertilize the eggs, the eggs laid by female GloFish will be hatched eventually.
However, breeding GloFish tends not to bring about desirable results, as the offspring’s colors do not match those of their parents. If you want more GloFish at your home tank, buying them directly from the store is a much more convenient option.
FAQs
1. Do GloFish need hard or soft water?
GloFish tend to do better when placed in soft water. Soft water means the water is free from mineral concentration or has a very low amount of ions. Distilled water and rainwater are two prime examples of soft water.
Regarding soft water for fish tanks, you can take tap water and use a high-quality infiltration system to turn it into soft water. Or, you can use commercial GloFish water conditioners to replicate the best water environment for fish.
2. Can you use tap water for GloFish?
Not really. Tap water may contain toxins and other harmful chemical compounds that threaten the livelihoods of your fish. Leaving them exposed to tap water increases their risks of developing illnesses and rising stress levels.
Hence, it is better if you prepare the right type of water for your GloFish, which includes treatments recommended by the manufacturers.
3. What type of water do GloFish need?
The best type of water for GloFish should be colored and filtered. Toxins such as heavy metals, chloramine, chlorine, nitrate, and nitrite should be removed or minimized. Every two weeks, make sure to change your water and treat it properly.
4. Can you use bottled water for GloFish?
Yes. Bottled water is suitable for GloFish thanks to its lack of contaminants. Still, you are recommended to filter the water carefully before adding it to the tank.
This way, your GloFish will have an easier time adjusting themselves to the surrounding environment.
Conclusion
Now that you have reached the end of this article, hopefully, you have learned all the necessary information about GloFish, from GloFish pH level to how to feed them correctly.
Make sure to apply the knowledge to reality once you start having a GloFish tank on your own!
Alex is a pet freelance writer and editor with more than 10 years of experience. He attended Colorado State University, where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Biology, which was where he first got some experience in animal nutrition. After graduating from University, Alex began sharing his knowledge as a freelance writer specializing in pets.
