Freshwater BeginnersA place where freshwater aquarium fish beginners can go to post their questions and hopefully get responses from those more experienced. Also check out the Freshwater Fish Beginner's Guide and Aquarium Setup Guides. Setting up a new freshwater aquarium can be a rather large project and you want to make sure you do it right the first time. If you need help with your fish tank please don't be afraid to ask questions. That's what this fish forum is all about!
I currently have 3 goldfish in a 10 gallon. 1 as a comet goldfish, its very beautiful, with long fins. I've had it for over 3 years and its still only 3 or 4 inches. The other 2 are common goldfish I think, 1 is about 3 inches, and 1 is about 2 inches. Other than that, they are very healthy and happy. I've had them for over 3 years now.
I'm going to get a 50 gallon long aquarium soon. I've decided on a planted tank.
Fishes will be : 10 Harlequin rasboras, 8 cardinal tetras, 1 britlenose pleco, and 3 oto catfish.
I'm thinking of putting my 3 goldfishes in the tank too. Since I think their growth has been stunted, they probably wont grow much anymore and stay at around 4 or 5 inches. Since they are so small, I don't see a risk that they will eat any of the tropical fishes, since their mouth is so small too. And actually I've had these with neon tetras before and it was fine.
Also, about the coldwater thing. I think they've adapted to warm water too because I've had them for over 3 years in a 10 gallon thats around 20- 25 degrees celsius and they are still healthy, maybe not very happy, but still healthy.
So if they really have adapted to the warm water and their growth really have stunted, will it be alright to add them to the 50 gallon? because now I don't see any problems.
First off, I think that it was very cruel of you to knowingly stunt their growth.
Second, as you said they are not happy in the warm water. They are surviving, not thriving. Goldfish prefer temps. between 68 - 72* F.
So I guess they won't cause any problems for my tropical fish then. Since they are small and have adapted to warm water.
Also would anyone know why my comet goldfish has a long body shape. I searched on google for comet goldfishes, and they are all fat and rounded. Mines is a long shape, like a shark's body shape. And with a long fork tail.
That is a comet aka feeder goldfish.
They should not be kept with your tropicals. If anything, the larger tank should be used just for them as a coldwater tank.
So I guess they won't cause any problems for my tropical fish then. Since they are small and have adapted to warm water.
Also would anyone know why my comet goldfish has a long body shape. I searched on google for comet goldfishes, and they are all fat and rounded. Mines is a long shape, like a shark's body shape. And with a long fork tail.
Actually, they might also over pollute the water, since every goldfish needs around 20 gallons of space.
That commet might have growth issues, since they need something the size of a POND or more to grow well. When you stunt a fishes' growth you also stunt their shape... and they die a an early death.
I think with a really good filter you could keep all the goldies in the large tank. Just because they are in warm water now doesn't mean that they are happy there, so you should make it a coldwater tank for sure. Basically, I wouldn't suggest getting any more fish until the ones you have are in suitable conditions.
Also would anyone know why my comet goldfish has a long body shape. I searched on google for comet goldfishes, and they are all fat and rounded. Mines is a long shape, like a shark's body shape. And with a long fork tail.
Possibly from being in a tank of inappropriate size and temperature it hasn't been able to grow to it's natural form.
One of the reasons goldfish require larger tanks is because they are such heavy waste producers. Warmer water raises their metabolism and causes them to mature and age faster. They also need more oxygen and warmer water holds less oxygen.
As far as being a danger to your tropical fish... I don't think they would physically harm them but there will be stiff competition for food and space.
Carol
I wouldn't try the goldfish in the Tropical Tank because they are a Coldwater Species. Sorry, I know it's dissapointing to hear that your plans arent going to work it hurts alot i know how you feel.
Last edited by NUMB3RS; February 8th, 2009 at 08:29 PM.
To give you a comparison of how much these goldfish have been stunted, I got back into fish with goldfish last summer. Those cute little feeders my nephews brought home at 1 inch, are now all 4 inches. I too started with a 10g, and once I started re-researching, I realized that they needed a lot more space. Right now, my comets are in a 30 long with a UG filter, and 2 HOB filters, both rated at 300 GPH. In the next 6 months, they'll be moved to a 125 (checking Craigslist daily).
If I were you, I'd put those goldies in the 55, over filter it, and forget the tropicals till you get them stabilized. Just because you did it wrong at first, doesn't mean it shouldn't be corrected now .
First off, I think that it was very cruel of you to knowingly stunt their growth.
Second, as you said they are not happy in the warm water. They are surviving, not thriving. Goldfish prefer temps. between 68 - 72* F.
i agree that is horrible i cant believe you would do somthing like that on purpous , i have one feeder goldfish in a ten gallon but hes going to move to our 80 gallon pond in the spring.
Goldfish may survive in water that is too warm and in a tank that is too small. They may even appear to be happy and live many years. That does not mean that they are happy or that they are healthy. It only means that you have been very lucky so far.
Pics would be helpful to verify that you do indeed have comet/common goldfish. With good side view pics, we could probably also tell you male/female. The 50 gallon tank would be suitable as a cool water tank for the goldies. Yes their growth has been stunted. That does not mean that they will not start to grow again once they are in a larger tank. Also, with the three goldies in the 50 gallon tank, it is fully stocked. Because of the amount of waste/ammonia that goldies put out, it would not be a good idea to add any other fish, even in the 50 gallon tank. My goldies in my outdoor pond do well through out the summer with water temps over 80 degrees farenheit every day. The water does cool down at night. They are much less active during the heat of the day and spend their time down in the bottom of the pond where it is cooler. They are most active when the water temp is between 64-72 degrees farenheit (17-22 degrees celsius).
The tank should have double the filtration recommended (filter rated for 100+ gallons). No heater as the goldies will live longer and be healthier without it. If you use pellets instead of flakes, that also will help to reduce ammonia/waste in your tank. Your goldies can even learn to eat pellets (or sticks) right out of your fingers.
As for mixing the goldies and the tropicals - I do not personally have experience with oto's, but from what I understand, they can be sensitive to poor water quality. With the ammonia the goldies will be putting out, the oto's may not do well. Also, the goldies will grow once they are in the larger tank, and they may decide to snack on the tropicals. It would depend on how well they adapt to having other fish in what they see as their territory. The list of tropicals that you have chosen would be a good set up for the 50 gallon without the goldies. Goldies will also have a tendency to eat whatever plants you choose for the 50 gallon.
I see three options for you.
1. Turn your 50 gallon into a cold water tank for the goldies and get them set up properly.
2. Find the goldies a new home and set up the 50 gallon with the tropical fish you have listed.
3. Set up two tanks - one for the goldies and one for the tropicals.
That said, good luck with whichever option you choose.
hey mate,
i seem to agree with most of these people here. your goldfish would be better of in a larger, coldwaer tank. but thats not to say your i dea wouldn't work. i think that your goldies would do just fine in your big tank with a couple of your other fish. they survive pretty well in warmer water. i'd have to say goldfish are the hardiest fish i know. also if they're used to the warm water and the conditions they've been living in for several years know (i think you said years??) you would have to introduce them slowly to a coldwater tank.
so basically yes your plan would work. do it if you want, but if you want to do it right and not have the worries, then put them in the big tank with coldwater. or just get rid of them, (i suggest selling or giving them away, not the toilet option!).
good luck with your choice.
cheers
Last edited by Lucy; February 9th, 2009 at 07:33 AM.
Reason: edited out curse word. please check the rules :)
hey mate,
i seem to agree with most of these people here. your goldfish would be better of in a larger, coldwaer tank. but thats not to say your i dea wouldn't work. i think that your goldies would do just fine in your big tank with a couple of your other fish. they survive pretty well in warmer water. i'd have to say goldfish are the hardiest fish i know. also if they're used to the warm water and the conditions they've been living in for several years know (i think you said years??) you would have to introduce them slowly to a coldwater tank.
so basically yes your plan would work. do it if you want, but if you want to do it right and not have the worries, then put them in the big tank with coldwater. or just get rid of them, (i suggest selling or giving them away, not the toilet option!).
good luck with your choice.
cheers
I would have to disagree with this. Goldfish ARE coldwater fish. They will only thrive if you give them the environment they need. Goldfish may be hardy, but that doesn't mean you should take advantage of their adaptability. Surviving is not thriving! When given the choice, always do what is best for your fish, even if you have to tweak your plans.
If I were you, I would move the goldfish to the 50 gallon and have a coldwater tank. I would plant the 10 gallon and get a few tropicals to put in there. You will not be able to have as many as you were planning, but that way, all your fish will be happy and you don't have to buy a pond or anything.
Last edited by Lucy; February 9th, 2009 at 07:34 AM.
Reason: edited quote for curse word
Zoodiac007;i resued 2-very small fan-tails in Oct; and they were around an inch and they now are 3-4-inches in growth but they have their own cold-water tank and they grow fast and the more warm water they have the faster they grow. So a bigger goldie only tank would be great for them and you will see a big difference inj your goldies lol bella
From what I can see in your video, the largest is definitely a male. The other two, one I think is a male and one I think is a female. Is there a way to get still pics of each of them?
From what I can see in your video, the largest is definitely a male. The other two, one I think is a male and one I think is a female. Is there a way to get still pics of each of them?
By the shape of the fins. Just as an example, I have a couple of pics of some of mine. They were bought from WalMart's feeder fish tank when they were just 1 inch long (or less). If you look at the tails, you will see what I mean. The male's tail (and fins) is longer, more pointy, and more deeply forked. The female's tail (and fins) are shorter, rounder, and not as deeply forked. In the pics, the orange and white one is a female, the all orange one is a male. In the last pic, the black one is a male and the orange one with him is another male that had recently lost the black coloring and is still growing out his tail/fins.
hey mate,
i seem to agree with most of these people here. your goldfish would be better of in a larger, coldwaer tank. but thats not to say your i dea wouldn't work. i think that your goldies would do just fine in your big tank with a couple of your other fish. they survive pretty well in warmer water. i'd have to say goldfish are the hardiest fish i know. also if they're used to the warm water and the conditions they've been living in for several years know (i think you said years??) you would have to introduce them slowly to a coldwater tank.
so basically yes your plan would work. do it if you want, but if you want to do it right and not have the worries, then put them in the big tank with coldwater. or just get rid of them, (i suggest selling or giving them away, not the toilet option!).
good luck with your choice.
cheers
I do not agree. It isn't right to put them in warm water. How would you like it if you were put in warm water and had to live there for the rest of your life?
Whoa!! I can't believe those fish are living in a 10 gal!!! They are sure pretty! It's a shame they are crammed in that tank! You need to put them in the 55 gal and take care of them the way they are suppose to be taken care of, Coldwater, space to actually swim! Then make the other tanks small community fish!
For the same reason goldfish are kept with tropicals, they can TOLERATE the warmer temperatures. that way, the fish keeper does not need to buy two separate aquariums.
I guess it's because goldfish are popular, known coldwater fish. White clouds are not as well known and people then assume that it's just another tropical fish. I'm sure as they become more popular, more people will be aware of this.
here's a video of my 3 goldfishes in the 10 gallon, i used cell cam, so it has bad quality
zodiac007
wow! There are some harsh comments on here. You may not be doing everything exactly right but I'll save words like "cruel" and "mean" for someone other than you.
I looked at the video of your tank and I think your tank looks really nice. I don't know anything about goldfish but I have seen some fish in aquariums that people actually are cruel to and that does not sound like what you are doing. You at least care enough to ask what the right thing is to do for you fish.
I'll let the members who know about goldfish tell you how to take care of them but in my opinion having a total of 3 small fish (total 9 inches) in a 10 gallon is far from cruel. (It sounds like eveeryone agrees its overstocked though)
I don't think you should put the goldfish in with the tropical fish you plan to get either (that drives me nuts when I see that lol) but you are doing way better than the people we all have seen at the LFS saying "I'll take one of those, and six of those, and ooh that one is pretty - give me three of those and I'll stick them all in this 5 gallon tank here."
Please take the advise of the people here that clearly know what they are talking about and want to help you create the best home for the fish you've cared for for three years.
I'll let the members who know about goldfish tell you how to take care of them but in my opinion having a total of 3 small fish (total 9 inches) in a 10 gallon is far from cruel. (It sounds like eveeryone agrees its overstocked though)
The problem with gold fish is they are huge waste producers. This is a good example of where the 1" rule doesn't work.
Another problem here is the size of the fish. Given the proper size tank Comets can grow to be a foot long. If they're not given the proper size tank, their growth is stunted and they're not able to grow properly.
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, i have one feeder goldfish in a ten gallon but hes going to move to our 80 gallon pond in the spring. 
I can't believe those fish are living in a 10 gal!!! They are sure pretty! It's a shame they are crammed in that tank! 
You need to put them in the 55 gal and take care of them the way they are suppose to be taken care of, Coldwater, space to actually swim! 
Then make the other tanks small community fish!
