goldfish in a tropical tank

phaedraeos

phaedraeos

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Nov 30, 2006
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Please go easy on me as this is just a question:

What is the main problem with keeping goldfish in a tropical tank? Say the water temp was kept at 74-75 degrees, and the tank was very, very overfiltered with water changes being done once a week. I understand that warmer water will raise a goldfish's metabolism and therefore make them eat/poop more often, but will it shorten their lives? Make them susceptible to more diseases? I keep reading that one should not keep goldfish with tropical fish, but I haven't been able to find a good, scientific reason for it.
 
I think you answered your own question. The high range for goldies does slightly overlap the low range for most tropicals. But you are putting them out of conditions where they will thrive.
 
I think if they were in parameters that are at their extremes, you would be inducing some level of stress not seen in the mid range. Just as fish can live in poor quality water but develop health issues they wouldn't get in good quality water.
 
fmost species of goldfish live for upwards of 30 years. that's "thriving". common goldfish such as commets need temperatures in the mid 60's. fancy's are ok at higher temperatures (72-75°). GF kept at higher than optimal temperatures 'survive' for maybe 5 years.
 
that and the potential for them to develop severe stress syndrome. fish under stress do not exhibit proper color, do not develop proper fin form, do not exhibit proper metabolic development, do not exhibit normal behaviour, do not develop proper musculature, do not develop properly functioning organ systems and as a result, slowly lose their inherant resistance to disease. this results in a significantly shortened lifespan and along the way, lots of diseases for which the poorly conditioned fish is a good target.
 
liv2padl said:
fmost species of goldfish live for upwards of 30 years. that's "thriving". common goldfish such as commets need temperatures in the mid 60's. fancy's are ok at higher temperatures (72-75°). GF kept at higher than optimal temperatures 'survive' for maybe 5 years.
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:thud: ...:laugh: Says who? I thought I'd heard them all... that's a new one!

A more accurate statement might be: "Most 'pet' goldfish generally only live a few weeks to 1 year due to them often being kept in bowls or small aquariums by ill-informed/uneducated owners."

phaedraeos, what kind of tropical fish are you 'thinking' of keeping gf with?

Here's a quick low down on 'carp' - which goldfish happen to be btw (Carassius auratus) - while they are labeled coldwater fish this is simply not true. Goldfish are a temperate species, meaning they naturally should go through seasonal changes (spring/summer/fall/winter). The temperature range which gf 'thrive' in would be from 50F to 80F, optimal would be 68F to 75F, give or take a degree or two ;) - this is when the gf metabolism is at it's best (and it's immune response system function a peak performace). Below and above this optimal range are needed for various reasons - one of which for burning fat as energy in 'winter' season. All this can be simulated in an aquarium with an aquarium heater. Granted some 'fancy' varieties are a tad less hardy when it comes to cooler temps than their standard cousins (like Moors) but generally they are pretty much the same when it comes to housing and care.

So,... to keep goldfish healthy they should be put through 'seasonal' temperature changes - even a period of fasting.

You 'can' keep goldfish with tropical fish but each require different care/needs/diet so it's advised not to do so - for over all health and quality/length of life. There are species that can be kept with goldfish(dependant on variety) quite well because their requirements are pretty close - White Cloud Mountain Minnows, Barbs, Danios, and even guppies come to mind.. all these tend to tolerate the same temp shifts gf require.
 
A more accurate statement might be: "Most 'pet' goldfish generally only live a few weeks to 1 year due to them often being kept in bowls or small aquariums by ill-informed/uneducated owners."
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well THAT's certainly true. :D
 
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