New Home For Goldfish

SweetieAngel

AC Members
Jun 12, 2010
145
0
0
Hi everyone, I have learned recently through this website that my fantail goldfish is not really suitable for my 10 gallon tank which I was originally told would be fine. So as I really don't want anything bad to happen to the poor little guy I was thinking about setting up a rubbermaid tub in my basement for him (if I can convince my grandmother, which shouldn't be TOO hard). I was thinking about a 40 Gallon tub such as this one http://www.rubbermaid.com/Category/...e=Storage&SubcatId=Roughneck&Prod_ID=RP091415 and an Aqua-Tech 30-60 filter as described here http://www.aqua-tech.biz/sites/aquatech/content.aspx?menu_id=34&id=56&linkidentifier=id&itemid=56 . My questions are:
1. Would a HOB filter such as this work with a tub?
2. Would this setup be suitable?
3. Would I be able to get one or two more goldfish?
4. Would they have to be fancy or could I get a comet or shubunkin?
5. What type of decorations should I have (fake plants, hiding places, etc.)
6. Would I have to have a substrate? (What kind would be best?)
7. Would I have to use an air stone or bubble wall?

Any help would be GREATLY appreciated as I really just want to do what's best for my little goldie!
 
There is a 50 gallon long blue/gray tub at walmart I believe. With Goldfish, the bigger is always better.

I've had my Golds in tubs & I only have HOB filters, they did fine.
It's fine, it's like a pond, with a fantail, you could get him another fantail friend.
Comet/Shub need more room, they get bigger and love to bolt around.
Fake/real plants are fine, you can use PVC tubing for cheap hide outs, I did.
With fake plants, no substrate needed. I would say sand is best if you do want something. Playsand or pool sand.
You don't need them, the filter should add enough air.
 
Okay thanks so much! I have about 50 bucks to set this thing up at first and then I can add things gradually....I'd actually rather not have a substrate..So if I got the 50 gallon would I be able to get 2 more fantails or just one more? Will the sides of the tub bulge?
 
You could probably find a pretty suitable set up for $50 on Craigslist and skip the Rubbermaid tub. I would allow at least 15 gallons per fancy (I keep mine in an over filtered 12/per and they are fine.) The fish will be fine in Rubbermaid-- they don't know the difference between that and a tank. Few plants-- good aeration and filtration and they will be happy campers.
 
So I should use an airstone? I am definitely going with the rubbermaid tub as it will be in the basement and there isn't any place for a stand/tank setup.
 
I would think it depends on the power of the filter and whether it is driven by a powerhead. I use two internal submersible filters in mine, both of which have powerheads and provide enough surface circulation. I just add the airstones, because my fish seem to like to play in the bubbles. It never hurts to have more aeration rather than less.
 
Okay thanks! I spoke with my grandmother and she said she might just help me get a bigger tank...probably around 30 gallons so then I would be able to have it upstairs and have an air pump in there and I would be able to get one new fantail plus the one I have which would mean 15 gallons per goldfish right? Correct me if this is wrong because I'd like to be sure this time haha. I would still get the Aquatech 30-60 gallon filter though just so there would be a bit of extra filtration in there. Thanks for everyone's suggestions! Keep 'em coming! :)
 
Okay well the plan has changed AGAIN. I am now getting a new 30 gallon tank from a local fish store which includes a filter and everything. I'll let that cycle then put the goldie that I already have in there and when he adjusts I'l get a new one, quarantine him, then add him to the new tank. :) I will post pictures as soon as I get it all set up. And also if I use some of the gravel from my existing tank to the new one will it help the cycling process? Should I add some tank water from my existing tank too?
 
You don't need to add water from your old tank. Any decorations, rocks, filters or media from filter yes. The gravel is a great source for good bacteria so you can either put it in your tank directly or put it in pantyhose and drop them in the tank for a couple of weeks. Remember with goldies the more filtration the better. Just relax and be patient your tank is going to be great.
 
AquariaCentral.com