aeparisi

Hello everyone! I got into this aquarium thing because my partner wanted some fish - she didn't know much and I didn't know anything so we started out in the wrong direction (basically, I know I'm doing things wrong but I'm trying to fix them! Because now I'm really getting into it and have become attached to our fish.) So I'm doing research and this site is awesome by the way! I have a 10 gallon tank with one goldfish and one pleco (yes I know I have to get a bigger tank for the pleco! they should really tell you how big they are gonna get at the pet store.) We had other goldfish and they all died, which now I know why after reading this site. My partner wants desperately to get more fish (she is not so interested in doing things "the right way") - so she went out and got 2 mollies and 2 platys which I told her we're not putting in the tank until we find out if its okay or even a good idea. I'm already looking into getting more tanks, but is there anything we can add to the tank we already have? The tank is in great condition, we've had the water checked and it is fine, and the goldfish and pleco seem very happy. Please help!!!

Lucy

Hi aeparisi Welcome to Fish Lore

We're glad you're enjoying the forum and finding it helpful.

I think already know the answers to your questions, now to convince your partner you need another tank.

Your fish aren't compatable and you're over stocked.

The goldfish is a huge waste producer and the pleco is going to get big, fast.
The goldie is a cold water fish with different temperature requirements than the mollies and platys.

I'd suggest returning the pleco unless you're planning on getting a huge tank, it's recommended they have 55g.

You're goldie needs a larger tank also. He may be fine in a 10g by himself for a short time, but you'd soon need to upgrade him to at least a 20g.

Good luck.

sirdarksol

Welcome to Fishlore!

I second everything Lucy said.
The pleco would do well in a 55g tank with the mollies and platies (you could actually have quite a few more mollies and platies). If you're interested in getting a tank that big, check Craigslist, and see if your area has an aquarist's association. Sometimes they have classifieds where you can find cheap aquariums.
Other than the increased size of water changes, larger tanks are easier to care for than smaller tanks, too.

The goldfish needs a bigger tank not only for its waste production, but also for the fact that it is among the most intelligent of aquarium fish. They get stressed out being confined in a too-small space.

aeparisi

Thank you thank you thank you! I'm printing this stuff out and showing her! And sirdarksol, good call on the Craigslist idea - I've been checking eveyday since the arrival of the mollies and platys - I hope I can find something this weekend! Thanks again! I will make sure to give an update.

Lucy

You can also try Freecyle.org.

sirdarksol

Although, don't hold out too much hope. My local Freecycle only sees aquarium stuff go up for grabs once or twice a week, it's usually the little stuff (kids' aquariums, mostly), and it's usually gone in seconds.

Still a good thing to try.

Lucy

Your right SDS, I don't even see it that often, once or twice a year maybe.
There was a big one last week, but it got snatched up quickly.

Your can always post that you're looking for a tank.
Freecycle is for giving and receiving.

Iron waffle

yeah, i know what that's like. It's happened that I try to get an aquarium and it's either already sold, they decided not to sell or something happened to it.
*sigh*

COBettaCouple

Welcome to Fishlore.