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I'm an eight-year-old girl who wants a cat but my parents want me to get experience with a goldfish first. Goldfish live two years and I don't want a pet who will die that soon. How can I make a goldfish live longer?

Ashlee

Dear Ashlee,

I think your parents are smart to suggest you gain experience with a small pet before making the leap to an animal who needs much more hands-on care. I think goldfish would be the perfect choice for a first pet.

Let me assure you that, with proper care, goldfish can live much longer than two years. In fact, 10 years is possible and, according to my research, the oldest goldfish on record lived to 43.

If your goldfish celebrates his 43rd birthday while in your care, your parents will never doubt your ability to look after just about any kind of pet.

Proper care includes tip-top housing right from the beginning and I suggest you budget for more than one goldfish because they're social creatures who appreciate a buddy or two. Since we're now talking about more than one fish, you'll want to buy a real aquarium instead of one of those little bowls that are often sold for goldfish.

A too-small bowl isn't necessarily a healthy environment. Can you imagine swimming around solo in a little bowl for the rest of your life? (I can hear your parents saying, "Oh great, now we need an aquarium!")

Let's start slowly with two goldfish but don't buy them yet.

It's best to set up their aquarium beforehand so visit a pet store and ask them to help you choose a tank that will hold five to 20 gallons of water. Often these small "starter" aquariums include a kit with lid, filter and gravel or pretty stones that are designed especially for fish tanks. Don't add your own gravel or ornaments as they may contain pollutants.

The water you'll use in the aquarium must be de-chlorinated, which can be done using drops available from the pet supply store. Plan to place the tank on a strong, flat surface that is out of direct sunlight. Direct sun can cause the water to heat up and promote algae growth. Ask your parents to help you fill the aquarium with clean water, add the de-chlorination drops according to instructions and set up the filter system (it's easy - honest) then wait 24 hours to make sure everything is working correctly. Next comes the fun part: go buy your goldfish.

The store staff will give you the fish in a water-filled plastic bag or container for their trip home. Don't forget to buy goldfish food while you're there. When you get home, float the bag or container in the aquarium for an hour to help the fish acclimatize slowly to the change in water temperature, then allow them to swim into the aquarium on their own.

If the tank has been set up correctly, keeping the water clean should include removal and replacement of one-quarter of the water volume every seven to 10 days. Let the replacement water sit until it has reached room temperature so you don't stress the fish with a sudden change.

The flaked goldfish food you've bought from the pet store will meet a goldfish's dietary needs but be careful you don't over- or underfeed. Check the instructions on the food and plan to feed once or twice daily, using about one small pinch of food per fish.

Fish will eat as much as you give them and too much food can be deadly. It can also cause the water to become murky, requiring more frequent replacement to clear it up sufficiently. Goldfish should look healthy, happy and energetic. If you notice any changes, ask your parents to speak with a veterinarian for advice.

Good luck with your fishy friends, Ashlee. I have a feeling your goldfish will live long, happy, healthy lives.

E-mail jacque-newman@rogers.com with a question, comment or suggestion.