mommybaby295

I used to have a betta in one of those tiny cups a few years ago. I thought that's what you were supposed to do. Little did I know that I drove it to an early demise (it lasted maybe 3 months, poor thing).

I think there are very few fish that work okay with a betta. Here, experienced members will tell you they do better on their own. I think that other fish, such as tetras, have a tendency to nip on their pretty, flowy fins (I think the other fish are just green with envy ).

I think it's awesome that you are trying to do your best with your fish. The people on this site are passionate in their endeavor to educate fishkeepers and will give you awesome advice. The must important thing is to understand the nitrogen cycle. Once you've got that natural balance in your tanks, your fish have a much better chance of living happy, healthy lives.

I find the cycle to be confusing, but some people here have explained it so that it makes sense. You should poke around the forum to see how people like Lucy have explained it.

Good luck!

Da_Crinkly

Thanks for the welcome everyone.. meant to say that earlier but my brain thinks faster than my fingers type. lol.

Anyway, talked it over with the BF and for now will get the tank for Pike and let the gal who brought in the goldfish to work know she needs to get a bigger tank for them. However, after checking out the link about Gremlins' goldfish I am thinking what we have at work might not be goldfish after all. They don't look much like any pics I have found online of goldfish.

Amanda

Could you describe the fish then?

lorabell

Hey and welcome!!!!! Glad u found us!!!!! Tons and tons of great info here...and everybody will help anyway that they can!!!!!!

Da_Crinkly

well they are sort of shaped like this guy but one is black and orange and the other is white with orange speckles http://pond.dnr.cornell.edu/nyfish/c.../goldfish.html
Theres no fans of any kind on them. They are kind of plain actually

MaddieLynn

They are probably common or "feeder" goldfish. Or they could be commet godlfish. Either one grows to at least 12".

Da_Crinkly

i checked ith the gal that bought them and she said they are feeder goldfish. Well we've named them so now i dont think I could feed them to anything.
Would they be okay in the tank with the betta until we can get the larger tank set up?

MaddieLynn

No, not really. Goldies need temperatures around 70 and bettas need temps around 78-80. Also there is the possibility that the goldies will produce so much ammonia that it could kill the betta.

aquarist48

Hello. Here are a few links you may find helpful:
Goldfish Caresheet
Welcome and Betta Care Guide - Please Read First!!!
http://www.fishlore.com/Profiles-RedTailShark.htm
Best of luck!
Ken

Da_Crinkly

Things I have learned since I posted my intro yesterday:
1.) no picking up the new fish on Friday since we haven't cycled the tank yet.
2.) Nothing in the tank but Pike the Betta once we DO have it cycled (I hope he can survive in the bowl that long though )
3.) The goldfish at work are going to die and theres not a whole lot i can do about it at this point unless I buy a 10 gallon setup for Pike and get the 20 gallon setup as a hotel for the goldfish until I can find a good home for them.
4.) Check out Craigslist and the buyer's guide for cheap equipment cus it looks like im going to need tons lol

Oh now I have another question: If I decide to set up the monster tank for the goldfish (I think it might be a 75 or 100 gallon but again am not sure at this point) can I mix fancy goldfish with the common ones?

The final thing I have learned is that I have a LOT to learn about keeping fish. But, being a Pisces I believe I will be awesome at this. After all my sign IS two fishes

aquarist48

Hello Da....yes you can mix your species of Gold Fish. However, do not include Koi. Too, some common Gold Fish (Commets I believe) can grow to 12" or more so I would recommend them for a pond with the Koi.
Best of luck. I'm sure you're doing all that you can for your fish. Many of us have been where you are, not knowing about the nitrogen cycle. Hang in there. It will get better.
Best wishes!
Goldfish, Fancy Goldfish - Carassius auratus
Goldfish Caresheet

Ken

Da_Crinkly

Omg! I always wanted a pond. We have the tiniest yard though... wonder how the BF would feel about digging me a hole

aquarist48

Hello. Ponds can be a lot of fun. One of our members Gremlin has a beautiful Gold Fish Pond...Lifesabeach has a beautiful pond. I know there are others but these two come to mind.
Just hand BF a shovel and say "have at it". LOL
Ken

Da_Crinkly

LOL Ken, he says he doesn't want to raise his own bait. That's what he thinks of goldfish... even though all of the girls in this house think they are very pretty.

aquarist48

Gasp! lol Maybe BF is afraid that if he gets too attached to the fish he won't be able to go fishing any more. teehee Hide his rods and reels! lol
Ken

Da_Crinkly

Ken I would but then I would have to hide my own as well. We are both avid fisherfolk but do know the difference between food and fun . Well, the subject of a pond shall have to be broached another day. For now I am attempting to sort out what we will need to get the first 20 gallon tank started right for Pike. Already know no other fishies but will look into getting some fun inverts for him... Does anyone know if fiddler crabs are okay to put in with him?

Okay tell me if I have the list right please?
Filter (the adjustable type so we can keep the current low for Pike)
Heater (The tank already has a stick on thermometer but should we get another one or a different kind just be safe?)
Aerator for CO2 for the live plants
Air pump with a flexible wand for bubbles
Live plants (Not sure what kind I want just yet will know them exactly when I see them)
Hidey spots (am thinking a shipwreck and a couple of caves, possible a bridge)
flat glass beads over a layer of black gravel for substrate
A bottle of Prime
a net
a gravel vacuum
medications (vita-chem, garlic stuff *can we use the garlic juice from the jar of garlic in the fridge or is this something specifically designed for fish we need to get?*, Rid-Fungus and Triple Sulfa)
Did I forget anything? I have taken some "before" pics of Pike in his very rundown "apartment" and will start a thread over in the Betta section I guess to chart his progress.

**Pikes pics are in the Bettas in Bowls thread**

MaddieLynn

You could mix fancy goldies and common ones, but you'd have to watch very carefully to make sure the slower fancies are not bullied by the faster common's at feeding time. And I really wouldn't recommend putting black moor's in there because of their delicate eyes. Fantails might work.

mommybaby295

Here's something I learned the hard way: get a filter that's rated for the next size up. For example, I have a 30 gallon. I got a canister filter for 40 gallon. It's not big enough, so I had to get one for a 70 gallon. And goldfish produce a lot of waste, so you want extra filtration anyway. And for the betta, as long as you can control the flow, I would think that a higher-flow filter couldn't hurt.

As far as medications, I wouldn't buy them unless I know I need them. A lot of people here recommend avoiding their use, anyway. And you'll be wasting a lot of money on stuff that you are unlikely to use. You can use garlic from the grocery store.

Make sure the live plants you purchase are aquatic (I've read other people's advice on this, I only have plastic).

You'll need a thermometer. The heater will have a temperature control, but I think most would agree that the heater's internal thermometer isn't too accurate.

A bucket (or 2) that have never been washed with soap.