Elvishswimmer

Its me again.

As my tank is finishing cycling, I have been looking around for goldfish. Its been hard to find some nice quality goldfish in the area, in tanks that aren't filled with disease.

I've been looking at an online breeder and found one that I have liked and picked out 3 goldfish that I would like to order when my tank finishes cycling.

The thing is this. I've never kept fish before! I really like these fish that I'm going to order, but I'm afraid that I will be spending all this money on shipping these fish, only for me to be not experienced enough and they die. Which will make me sad for losing pretty fish and for losing all the money.

My mom suggested maybe 'practicing 'with cheaper fish from a pet store, but that would mean that I would have to keep those fish, and then I would never get the goldfish I want.

So I'm asking you Fishlorians! I've studied and studied and read and read and tried to learn all that I can know. But fish keeping isn't all reading, part of it is doing, and the doing part is something that... well I've never done before.
Will my knowledge of what I have right now help me? I've probably read every beginner guide on the site, and read every new beginner post to try to glom all the info.

Will I be able to keep these pretty fancy goldfish that I want to order safe and happy?? Or should I just resign myself to more beginner fish?

iloveengl

In my opinion, goldfish are a wonderful beginner fish if you've done the proper research, which it sounds like you have done. Goldies aren't really difficult unless they are plopped in a too-small tank without proper filtration. 37g with really good filtration and weekly water changes will be a great size for your goldies.

One thing to be aware of is some types of goldfish grow very large - more than 12" and would eventually need a pond. Also, some goldies, like the bubble eye and the telescope eye, are prone to eye injury on decor, so extra care needs to be taken when aquascaping a tank for those kinds of goldies. This link gives great info on the different types: http://www.petgoldfish.net/goldfish-types.html.

What kind did you pick out?

We have some very knowledgeable members on this forum who can offer more specific advice about your soon-to-be fishies. I just wanted to chime in to let you know that I think goldies would be a great starter fish for you.

Elvishswimmer

Thanks!
I've chosen a Calico Ranchu, Black Moor and White Pearscale.

I've changed the decorations around to be safe for their fins and eyes.
From what I can tell, fancy goldfish never really grow long, but I would be prepared to expand in the future if they do outgrow their tank.

Thanks for the affirmation engl! I feel I need to be affirmed by some fish people like you all to make sure I'm not doing a dumb decision with the purchase.
Actually the purchase won't be that expensive overall, considering I'm getting breeder-quality fish, and getting them shipped. For 3 fish it will be $85US, which is a bargin from other places I've looked at, but it still is a good chunk of money (thank goodness for a nice exchange rate right now!)

aquarist48

Hello Elvish. It's so nice to see that you've done as much research as you can
I agree with Ilovee and think that goldfish would be an excellent choice as a beginner fish.
Goldfish, Fancy Goldfish - Carassius auratus
Goldfish Caresheet
Best of luck!
Ken

Beth1965

Elvish: you sound as if you will be a very responsible fish keeper, I say go for it.
Best of luck, though I don't think you'll need it.

Elvishswimmer

Thanks guys!

I'm feeling a bit better about this decision now.

*twiddles thumbs and puts spells on tank to make the bacteria grow faster*

MaddieLynn

I think that those 3 goldies would be great in your tank as long as you have a good filter.

Are you the same Elvishswimmer that plays on Equine Ranch?

Elvishswimmer

Why yes I am! The one and only!

jdhef

Elvishswimmer,

I'm guessing that you will be ordering all three goldies at the same time, so one thing to keep an eye out for is an ammonia spike after adding them. Goldies are pretty big waste producers and it is possible that they will overwhelm the bacteria in your tank.

So just keep an eye on your water parameters for the first few weeks and you should be fine.

Good luck with them. Goldies are really full of personality!