At a loss for what to do.

Sooo I am feeling so poop about myself but I need the help. I have a special needs kiddo that wanted goldfish really bad and I thought that it would be very calming for him but it has been nothing but a disaster! Its a tall tank which I regret now because the fish are getting too big. And I originally had it planted and looking so lovely but they ate all the plants. I continued to try with more plants but its no use with our goldfish. And now they are big leaving me with little options for putting anything in the tank. It's sad really because there is only substrate in the tank now. My son loves fish but I'm afraid it would be better if we got different fish and gave these guys a better home. What do you guys think? I'm feeling guilty and stupid.

 

Welcome to Fishlore!

Sorry about the goldies, they do get quite a lot bigger than many people realise, and I'm so glad that you're willing to move them to give them a better home!

What size is your tank, both in gallonage and in lengthXdepthXwidth?
Is your tank cycled?

In my opinion if your tank is tall and not very long you are kinda stuck for options, as the smallest tanks would only fit a betta, and even they prefer length over height (for ease of air exchange in the labyrinth organ)...

If you could provide a few more details about the tank that'd be great! Bettas have tremendous personalities and I don't see why your son wouldn't fall in love with one too! Plus, they don't distrupt plants, and in my experience actually form a loving relationship with them!

 

What size tank is this? I suggest rehoming the goldfish to either the pet store or someone you know who have an appropriate tank After you rehome them we can help you restock the tank

 

how about fake plants? Many tanks do fine with them and they can make the tank look great!

 

Welcome to Fishlore!

Sorry about the goldies, they do get quite a lot bigger than many people realise, and I'm so glad that you're willing to move them to give them a better home!

What size is your tank, both in gallonage and in lengthXdepthXwidth?
Is your tank cycled?

In my opinion if your tank is tall and not very long you are kinda stuck for options, as the smallest tanks would only fit a betta, and even they prefer length over height (for ease of air exchange in the labyrinth organ)...

If you could provide a few more details about the tank that'd be great! Bettas have tremendous personalities and I don't see why your son wouldn't fall in love with one too! Plus, they don't distrupt plants, and in my experience actually form a loving relationship with them!

I already have a betta I actually cared for my own 55 gallon since my teens. I sold that when I had my kiddo six years ago. Last year I started in on my hobby again. The goldfish tank is 15gal tall and its been running for a year and a half now. Cycled and clear very clean but its just empty with the goldfish and substrate now. My betta has his own 10g.

how about fake plants? Many tanks do fine with them and they can make the tank look great!

I've thought about that but I'm afraid there won't be much room left for the fish. :/ I've always been a planted tank kinda girl. Nothing seems to compare.

I do have another 55gal but no stand no filters no nothing to get that started :'( If I did the goldfish would already be in there. I would love to finally set up that tank. I've never once have set it up and I've had this 55 gallon just sitting lonely for 4 years now. That's my ultimate goal that I can never seem to have the money for :/

 

Why don't you move the goldfish into the fifty five for now (dont filter it for now)and then buy some tropical fish for the fifteen hallon

 

Why don't you move the goldfish into the fifty five for now (dont filter it for now)and then buy some tropical fish for the fifteen hallon

That's what I want to do with the 15 gallon they are in. As for the 55 gallon I don't have a stand. I have a kitten lol. If I had a stand I would feel good about especially since I have lots and lots of big and medium size driftwood so it wouldn't be bare. I mean if I did that the 55 would be sitting on the carpet... no hood...fat kitten....

 

You could put a large tablecloth tied to the tank with clamps or rubber bands and place it somewhere that your kitten isn't likely to go

 

Yep, suggest you move the goldfish to the 55, not sure if you mentioned but what kind of goldfish? Are you planning on building a stand? Cheapest and aesthetically look would be a stand made by 2x4 wood studs. However the easiest would be cinder blocks and wood plank .Do you have a filter for the 55? You want the tank to be at least cycled otherwise the goldfish can die in a uncycled tank due to ammonia poisoning. The faster you get that goldfish in the 55 the better