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meaghan9930

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Oct 27, 2005
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I have a 20gal. tank with 2 Goldfish. I have had the tank for about 2 years or so and I want to update it. I have fake plants and want real ones, please tell me some good plants to have that are good for the goldies and low maintenance (if there is such a thing). I want to go for a more natural look. Please give me your suggestions. Thanks.

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You'll be overstocked when they grow larger but for now I think you're alright, as long as you have enough filtration. I had a fluval 303 on my 20 gallon for a while and it was fantastic. With goldfish, I definitely recommend a canister rather than a HOB. Much cleaner, easier to deal with, more efficient, quieter.
The problem with goldfish is they will eat just about any live plant you put in there, since carp are omnivorous. So I'd stick with silk plants. It looks like you have plastic plants in there, and when I had plastics I got sick of them in a hurry. Definitely look at silk plants. Goldfish won't eat them, and IMO they look just as nice as real plants, without all the hassle.
 
I have Anacharis (Elodea densa) floating in my goldie tank and they don't eat it. I also have some Java moss that they don't bother.
 
IME, I was only successful with some Java Ferns. They ate the Elodeas that were floating, mostly since they were always (and even now) waiting for food to fall on the surface of the water.
 
Sooner or later you will need a bigger tank..most likely sooner if not already overdue.

Plants will be an iffy for or any length of time.
 
Yes I know I will need a larger tank once they start growing. I am hoping by the end of this year. I live in an apartment on the 2nd floor and they wont allow any bigger. I am moving in Sept. so I figured I will start looking for a tank then.

Thanks for all the plant info
 
Plants seem to be hit or miss, many think though that its a myth you cant keep a nice planted goldfish tank. Some of the nicest Madagascar Lace I have ever seen was in a metal halide lit co2 injected goldfish tank. Right now I have some shubunkins and comets in a 40 - long (48") low tech planted tank with several swordplants (red rubin, amazon) as well as lots of java fern and anubias. They havent touched any of it. They do often pick at the huge floating masses of baby tears, but they could eat all of that for all I care, but they never seem to eat any more than the plant grows. In a low tech tank make sure to pick tough plants that the goldies can eat well, like anubias, java fern, large swords, etc., or maybe fast growers that replenish themselves quick. On high tech tank, the growth should be high enough that you dont have to be as careful, but I suppose that will depend on the individual personalities of your fish. As for me, I have a 150G tall waiting to setup for my goldies, which I will also include a group of dojo loaches as well (atleast 6). I am going to try the high tek tank out, with good lighting and co2 and see what happens.
 
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