MaddieLynn

If I got an extremely small fancy goldfish, say, a 1" black moor, how long could I keep it in a 15-20g container pond without stunting its growth?

For some reason I've got the goldfish itch right now, and I've got a 15-20g rubbermaid container pond with a few tadpoles in it. I'd love to set up a bigger one in the future, but I've resolved not to do it until we move, which should definately be sometime within this year, probably sometime this summer.

**EDITED**: I just put the tub's dimensions in the aquarium calculator and it said the tub is 27 gallons - bigger than I thought!

MaddieLynn

Also, black moors are the hardiest fancy goldfish, right?

Amanda

27 gal. should be enough to keep the Goldfish just fine.

MaddieLynn

This would be the natural type of container pond - no filter, planted, & understocked. Would it still work?

Amanda

I'm not sure if you could get away without a filter, even the big ponds often have filters.

MaddieLynn

Container Pond Journal

That's where I got the idea from, and here's a website with info on the no filter w/ plants method:

http://www.naturalaquariums.com/faq.html

Amanda

I suppose it could be done, with it planted heavily enough. I rather be safe than sorry & have a filter, but that's just me.

MaddieLynn

Back to my original question - I know that if I went with the natural method, it would be better to have a larger container pond for a fully grown fancy golidie. But how long will this 27g one work if I start out with a very small fish?

Also, I'm planning to put some natural gravel in the bottom for some bacteria to grow on and also use TSS if I can find it at Wal-Mart.

MaddieLynn

Also, could I get a fantail instead of a black moor? I've been reading up on the 2 varieties and it seems like fantail would be a better choice because of a slightly smaller size when fully grown and also because they do not have the delicate eyes of a black moor.

gremlin

The fantail would be better than the moor. One could stay in that size it's whole life. Even heavily planted, I would still recommend a filter. Goldfish are such dirty fish, and they do like to munch on plants. You may be able to do it without a filter, but until it is well established, a filter of some sort may be essential. Also, with a filter, you could do a bit of a waterfall or fountain effect and then you would have the sound of the water. Very soothing! With a decent filter, you may even be able to have two fantails in 27 gallons. That way your goldie would have a friend. Be careful what size gravel you get for the bottom. Since goldies like to suck the algae of the rocks, it is possible for them to get a piece of the gravel stuck in their mouth. I would go with either very small gravel, or larger river rock or landscape rock size.

MaddieLynn

I'm going to go with larger rock because we have a river with larger rocks all along it close to our house.

I really don't want to have to look into pond filters right now - especially with this not being a permanent setup.

After we move, I'm going to want to get at least a 50 gallon tub.

MissMTS, who gave me the idea, has 2 fancy goldies in a 55 gallon natural container pond.

Red1313

... I didn't know that... will need to good into gravel now...

shih-tzu mom

Maddie; i have fan-tails and just to give you an idea-i rescued one in oct; and he was a 1-1/2 inch fish and he is now 6-inches from head to begining of his tail and man that guy eats and grows more everyday lol and he's just waiting on my 60-gallon to cycle as he's getting to big for the 40-he's in lol. but the fan-tail is a better bet and very slow unless hungrey lol.-and gorgeous fish you will be happy with them, eat right from my fingers lol-bella

joy1125

Hi maddielynn, I also just set up a container pond, a 25g half-whiskey barrel, plant only. I was considering a couple goldies in there too... but haven't made up my mind yet, so I'll be curious to see how you make out.

Some suggestions... don't forget that goldies prefer cooler water temps, so make sure you add some floating plants, they'll provide necessary shade for the fish (water hyacinth is great, plus it's an excellent water cleaner) Also, you probably should place the pond somewhere where it won't receive direct sun all day long, maybe place in an area that gets afternoon shade.

If you don't go for the filter, I'd suggest a submnersible pump with small fountain that'll serve to stir up the surface for aeration. (plus, it sounds so relaxing, you'll enjoy it too!!)

For the fishes protection, put some hiding spots on the bottom, like an overturned clay pot, or somthing similar. (predators come out of the woodwork when there's a pond around, including large birds)


good luck with your new project. It's so much fun, you'll absolutely enjoy every minute of it !


One more thing.
Don't forget to shut your fountain off at nite!!!
I forgot to shut mine off last nite, and wouldn't ya know it, it turned out to be a super windy nite. This morning, my container-pond was almost empty!!! The water from the fountain shower was taken by the wind, and the pump just kept pumping the water up....and the water kept blowing off in the wind. Good thing my pump didn't burn out, it was barely covered with water.

ABCDemily

Black Moores are lovley fish, however with the eye protrusion you'd have to be careful. And they don't grow to a massive size luckily, so in the growth aspects I'm sure you'd do just fine!

joy1125

Maddie, just something to consider. I found a small submersible power filter today at PetCo, the Duetto100, for about $34. It can be submerged totally, so you don't even see it. It's a 3 in one, mechanical/chemical/bio but on a small scale. I think with something like that, and definitely some aeration, your container pond will be fine for a couple small goldfish. (again, just keep it out of direct sun all day, and don't forget that you'll still have to do water changes .... as you probably already know)