Setting up a new home for my Oranda

J

Jessika

AC Members
Oct 2, 2004
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I guys. I am posting on behalf of my little oranda, Squishy.

I am currently at Univ and he is living at home with my parents. I am going home for TG and plan on setting up my 15 Gallon for him. I really want it to have a natural feel but I have no idea what a goldfish's natural habitat is and if I even want to have to look at it! lol.

I have a few questions on this also - Is sand a bad idea for substrate? (I was thinking sand mixed with river rocks but Im nut sure that sand and GF mix) Are things like driftwood and rock formations ok? Will my mom be able to eaisily manage some Java Fern or should I stick with moss? Should I get some little floating plants for him to munch on?

Please help me make Squishy's home more pleasent and comfortable for him.

Squishy stats.
Got him at about 1 inch and he is now about 3.5.
Chocolate Oranda.
Likes playing with his rocks.
 
Hi Jessika

Goldfish are carp which live in lakes and rivers all over the US and other parts of the world. They are so far removed from their wild brothers though that I'm not sure they have a real natural habitat they would prefer.

Sand can trap pockets of low-oxygen/stagnant water where dangerous anaerobic bacteria can develop. Goldfish like to dig, so they might keep the pockets from ever forming if the substrate is shallow enough, but I'd be hesitant to try it. Also, I hear sand can be tricky to clean. I think the river rocks would look good; just be careful of the size. They either need to be small enough that they can't get lodged in the goldfish's mouth or too big to get in his mouth.

I would stay away from the driftwood and rock formations for two reasons: 1) a 15 gallon tank is borderline too small already, and large decorations will reduce the space available to the fish. 2) I wouldn't want any sharp edges near his long fins. I think he'd like some live plants to nibble on, but I'm not sure if they have any preference.

His name makes me a little nervous :) Is there a story behind it?
 
Thanks for the reply.

I figured the rock formations would be a nono. Oh well what can you do eh.

I think Ill go with the natural gravel then - but what texture? Since Squishy is no doubt going to grow then his mouth will grow too! lol. He does like to move the gravel around but should I go with a corser or a finer grain? I think for the backround Ill just do a solid backround and then get lots of plants to add some interest. Some live but probably mostly silk since my mom doesnt want 'too much' work - lol.

His name makes you nervous? lol. Well - have no fear - he is Squishy from the little baby Jelly Fish in 'Finding Nemo' - the one that stings Dory. Squishy is Squishy because of his squishy Oranda head. :rolleyes:
 
A 20 gallon tank is a little better for him, and costs about the same as a 15 gallon. You would probably use the same type of filter for a 20 as you would a 15 gallon anyway... So - I personally would just get a 20 gallon.
 
No worries. :rolleyes:

I am debating the specifics of the decor - but not the tank.

Probably within the next year or so Ill be getting my sister's 29 gallon because she will be getting a 55 for her oscar and pleco. At which point Squishy can live there. But for now the 15 will have to do :)

Any suggestions or ideas?
 
Well, in that case the 15 will work... just make sure you keep your plan to upgrade after a year. The 29 would work well. I would skip any sand for this tank - your notion is correct, the goldfish, river rocks, and sand would not mix well. You could stick to natural looking gravel, or medium river rocks. Just make sure the rocks aren't a size that the fish could get lodged in his/her throat. :)
 
Thanks!

I checked out your site btw - awesome job.

Now I have the question of gravel though - what grain should I go for? I really dont want the gravel to harm him but he does like to move it about. Should I just go for a finer grain - or should I go for one that will not fit in his mouth? Any suggestions??

Thanks so much for your help :)
 
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