Good news and bad news. The good news is you're setting up a tank, and you will love it.
The bad news is that you can't put all that many fish in a 10-gallon tank. Examples: maybe three or four platys and three cory cats. Or two or three goldfish (which will get big and definitely outgrow the tank). The deal about a 10-gallon tank is that the smaller the tank, the quicker it gets dirty (and goldfish are dirtier fishies than most tropical fish) and the quicker any problem like ammonia, etc., will reach toxic levels. In a larger tank, an ammonia spike isn't as serious as quickly, because the bigger volume of water dissipates the hit a bit. In a small tank, that can't happen because of the small quantity of water in there.
Do not be discouraged!!! Once you get going, it will become a Passion and you will probably have a whole new area of your life open up. Have you thought about tropical fish instead of goldfish? They can stay very comfortably in a 10-gallon tank. Fish like neon tetras, black tetras, fancy-tail guppies, cory cats, etc., etc. (there are hundreds of varieties), don't get over an inch or two long, which makes them easier to keep in a 10-gallon. Or, you could even opt for the world of dwarf cichlids. These are my favorite fish, because they exhibit true parenting behavior when they breed. They're beautiful fish who guard the eggs, then guard the fry (babies) as they herd them around the tank looking for food. It is an amazing process to watch. There are several varieties that could do okay in a 10-gallon tank, especially if you plunk a few live aquatic plants in there.
To get started: a new tank (whatever size) will cycle. There are two methods to do this (fishless and with fish), and there's a thread at the top of this forum where you can read all about that process. I prefer cycling with fish; others feel just as strongly that fishless cycling is the best. You decide--but do read that article or research it on the internet, because you'll probably lose your fish if you don't know how to handle the cycling process. It's a biggie to know about.
A word on buying your tank and equipment: I've tried it both ways, and I highly recommend buying the tank, filter, heater, and lights separately (not as a kit). This way you can be assured of getting quality equipment for not much more than you'd spend on a kit (which, for me, contained equipment that shortly had to be replaced). For goldfish, of course, the lights and heater aren't necessary; but they're going to outgrow your tank anyway, I think (someone correct me if I'm wrong here).
One more word ... I can't resist ... get a 20-gallon tank. That is a very good standard size for keeping quite a few fish in an easily sustainable environment without undue stress and frustration on the part of the fishkeepers (a 20-gallon long is best.)
Hope this helps. I look forward to seeing how things go! It's always exciting to see new folks get into the hobby, and you'll have lots of questions. Post 'em here, or feel free to send me a message or e-mail. Good luck!!
-- Pat
P.S GREAT web site!!!!
