setting up new goldfish tank

[Hammy & Waf]

have decided to set up one of my 40 gallon breeders for my goldfish. we have 4 fancy goldfish, 2 of them are about 3.5" and 2 about 1.5", two are nromal fat fancy goldfish, one has big eyes and the other has bumpy stuff on his head. i will be using a penguin 350 for filtration. is there anything else i should get or do for the goldfish or does it sound like i'm good to go?

 

[kj5kb]

If it was me...I'd add a Reverse flow undergravel filter with 2 penguin 660r powerheads. Those goldies will grow like crazy in that tank (previous experience), and will probably outgrow it in a year or so. In the meantime, they will make lots of GF poop. An RUGF adds a load of biofilter, which wiill help the waste break down and will help keep the schmutz on top of the gravel where it can be vac'd up easily.

I'd also add a sponge filter to the penguin 350's intake if it doesn't already have one. The filter for a 660r will probably work fine.

I'd go with an inexpensive gravel substrate; amazon swords, java fern and anubias if you want live plants.

--Don

 

[Hammy & Waf]

that sounds like a really cool idea, thanks.

 

[~Kswords~]

Be sure to keep up on water changes and gravel vacs, as this will help with keeping their water clean.Also be sure to check your filter so that it doesn't clog. Goldfish can produce a lot of waste so don't overfeed even though they may always look like they want food.

In about 2 years maybe less you will probably need a larger tank.

Cuation if you have live plants though, goldfish like to eat everything. And if you have stones be sure they are either to big for your goldfish to eat or very small, enough for them to pass through if they ingest them. As goldfish sift throught the gravel for thier food.


So you possibly have 1 Redcap Oranda, 2 Fancy goldfish, and possibly either a Bubble-eye goldfish or a telescope goldfish. According to your descriptions.

 

[kj5kb]

yep ditto ~Kswords~ too

I've had good luck with the "all-purpose " gravel from the hardware store/DIY. It's usually river gravel, well rounded and nicely colored. It does need WELL rinsed tho.

Amazon swords, java fern and anubias will generally be left alone by goldfish, they won't EAT them much but pull 'em out occasionally if not well-rooted.

--Don