Ready to move beyond goldfish...

Thanks, Kiss! Exactly the type of input I was looking for.

I will likely move the goldies to an outdoor pond, eventually. Right now they're serving as training for the big tank!

If I'm sticking to smaller fish, like the Mollies and the Platys, how many fish could a 55-gallon tank handle?
 
My first priority would be to get the goldfish into something more acceptable than a 10 gal tank - and I would do it quick. A 10 gal is barely suitable as a hospital tank for 1 (small) goldfish - let alone 2 goldfish. How long have you had them in that 10 gal tank and how big are they now?

FYI - I did an experiment once with fancy goldfish - Ryunkins actually. I bought them and put one in a 10gal and the other two in a 30 gal.

Over the course of only ONE WEEK - the size differential was astounding! The Ryukins in the 30 gal were MUCH larger than the one in the 10 gal. They were also more active and playful. My small ryukin in the 10 gal stayed physically healthy - but became an aquatic version of a couch potato. There just wasn't any room in there for him to swim around in - and he had the whole tank to himself.

Now, I'm not one of those guys who'd recommend a big 120 gallon tank for 3 fancy goldfish - especially the slower, calmer varieties like Orandas and Lion Heads. I think a lot of folks recommend an unrealistic amount of tank sometimes. But even I can agree that 10 gallons is way too small for these goldies. Especially the comet - which is supposed to get HUGE.

Before moving "beyond" goldfish - I would take care of these two little guys by getting them into some bigger digs.

Take Care,
Mark
 
dbelmont said:
Not being facetious, just want to understand. Why would you do that?
Click to expand...
That's what I get for posting and dashing. Most everyone has answered why and Mark summed it up best. Those goldfish can get stunted in a very short time. I am not talking about the old myth of "fish grow to the size of their tank", which isn't true, by the by, but I am talking about your goldfish will suffer from underdeveloped internal organs which makes them ill-equpped for the rest of their lives. Damage may already be occuring, especially in light of Mark's experiment. That's why I suggested moving the goldies into the larger tank and keeping the platies in the ten. Those goldies need room ASAP. If you are thinking about an outside pond for the goldies, I suggest that as a responsible fish keeper you'll want to be getting that done first before you consider the 55 gallon.
 
To derail this thread even further...
Just because goldfish have been historically crammed into tiny tanks and touted as hardy beginner's fish doesn't mean that we ought to perpetuate the practice. They are a fish that for the average hobbiest qualifies as a tankbuster, yet you'd be hard pressed to find any fish store that doesn't have them for sale, often in large quantities for only a few cents a piece.

Kas, when you find information on the internet (or anywhere else for that matter) you've got to evaluate it first. For instance, would you consider a 10, 20 or even 30 gallon tank a suitable accomodation for a full grown male managuense? A full grown goldfish can be just as large if not even a bit stockier.

I could easily publish a website that gives a minum tank size rule for pacu of 5-10 gallons per fish...would you believe it?
 
It depends on the variety on how big a goldfish gets.

Yes I would put the goldfish in the 55 gallon.

Platies and mollies are great fish for a 10 gallon.

I have some in my 10 gallon- platies and guppies.
 
HI,
sorry I can't help with the platy questions.
but I can tell you that your goldfish would love some anacharis! (and you can get some pratice with that live plant jazz)
What kind of goldfish are they? ("fancy or plain is good enough answer for me ;) )
Personally I Really Love common goldfish and was Very dissappointed to learn they can't really be kept in 'reasonable sized' tanks. Bummer, isn't it? But true.
I Know it is hard to delay the new community set up. but Getting the goldfish to a pond (or something) first, really is the responsible way to go.
Clearly you are the responsible type, since you are checking out compatability and such before you set up a new tank.
Can't wait to hear how it goes.
edit: Oh meanwhile check this out: http://www.fishprofiles.com/
~ Z
 
Last edited:
Wow. Thanks guys. The PetSmart guy told me no more than two goldfish in the 10-gallon, due to the filth factor, but he never even suggested that the tank might be too small due to their growth rate. I thought I was doing right by them just by doing regular water changes and vaccuming.

I guess I have to think about this. My first thought was that perhaps I should return them, as I'd rather the large tank be a community tank, and I want these guys to be taken care of. But on further reflection, returning them to the store would just mean that they'd be sold to someone else who would likely have a small tank and not research. (Like I did, but better late than never, right?)

Would a 29-gallon tank hold them for a while? I've had the Comet for about three weeks, and the Moor was just added this past weekend.
 
Last edited:
BTW, thanks for that link, Z. Good site for fish compatibility info.
 
Returning them could be a very good option - or adopting them out. I know the Comet would enjoy a pond - don't know about your black though (I'm not a pond guy).

However, if you are considering buying a 29 gallon tank - your black will like that one. Some will disagree that even that's not enough tank but my personal opinion is that is. Comet will grow too big though for the 29 gallon tank - again - best off with him in a pond somewhere.

As far as the LFS's go. Goldfish are pretty much considered a commodity. They sell them as such. Unfortunately, most people buy them as "entry level" fish and they are dead within a few days or weeks. That's why most folks don't even know that fancy goldfish can grow to over 6" long - not enough of them live long enough to grow that much. My wife came home with 4 comets many years ago and a 2.5 gallon plastic tank with a filter. I looked at the goldies and said "So where's the real tank for 'em?". She thought they were alread fully grown.

It's hard to get good advice from a LFS on Goldfish - they just want to make the sale. They don't want to tell you that you prollly need a minimum 50 gallon tank for those 4 fancy goldies you just bought.

Take Care,
Mark
 
Raskolnikov said:
...Kas, when you find information on the internet (or anywhere else for that matter) you've got to evaluate it first. For instance, would you consider a 10, 20 or even 30 gallon tank a suitable accomodation for a full grown male managuense? A full grown goldfish can be just as large if not even a bit stockier...
Click to expand...
As far as I care any more, today, the internet rules! :sim:
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
AquariaCentral.com
Top Bottom