Considering goldfish...

I have recently set up a few new tanks that are in the cycling process (with existing filter media for a jump start). I have a 29 gallon that I am considering adding a fancy goldfish or two to. I have been reading quite a few threads, and many people say minimum is 20 gallons for your first goldfish and 10 gallons for each additional. Then, there are several that say you should have minimum 30 gallons for just one goldfish. Ideally I'd like to have two as I know they are social fish. Are there smaller types of fancies that would be best for this situation? Or should I just abandon it altogether? I am not able to have any tanks larger than a 29 gallon at this time. I was interested in orandas, but I think they are the largest of the fancy goldfish? Plus, that whole trimming the wen thing kind of scares to be honest, haha.

 

I think a 29 would be okay for two smaller fancy goldfish, you’d just have to do more water changes than you would with a bigger tank. It’s mostly a problem of keeping the water clean because goldfish are super messy.
Orandas are definitely the biggest fancy, and would probably outgrow a 29. I’ve had one and he was huge, to the point that I almost had to use two hands to hold him! But if you like the oranda look without the oranda size, you could try two ranchus. They’re smaller and usually don’t need the wen trimmed, but they’re much more expensive and difficult to find than an oranda. If you’re interested, I’d recommend East Coast Ranchu.

 

Thank you for the information! If I do end up getting goldfish I will be sure to be on top of my water changes. I'll take a look at the ranchus and other smaller fancies. Thanks!

 

I have two fantails in a 30 gal,so far I had no problems with it,consider having live plants in their tank the type of plant that they won't it (crypts,anubias,java fern) it helps the overal water quality,if u watch the water parameters and manage to keep it at stable level 15 gal per fancy goldfish is fine

 

The problem is Goldie's ( I have 7 now one passed away recently ) get HUGE. And fancies can get bulky. I have 2 baby orandas in a 20 gallon tank for qt bc I just got them. My min I keep a couple in but will need to be upgraded is a 55g. They are also super messy, and keeping them in tanks smaller than they should be in can stunt their growth. It's typically advised to get a filter or 2 that runs a tank size bigger than what you have. And I highly advise don't pull my mistake. About rinsing the cartridge out in facet water. -face palm- I managed to cause minI cycles that turned into a pain in the rear. I would definitely as you had mentioned look into smaller fancies. Also fancies shouldn't be in tanks with slI'm body goldfish. Example are Commons , comets and Shubunkins Ranchus are def beautiful.

 

The problem is Goldie's ( I have 7 now one passed away recently ) get HUGE. And fancies can get bulky. I have 2 baby orandas in a 20 gallon tank for qt bc I just got them. My min I keep a couple in but will need to be upgraded is a 55g. They are also super messy, and keeping them in tanks smaller than they should be in can stunt their growth. It's typically advised to get a filter or 2 that runs a tank size bigger than what you have. And I highly advise don't pull my mistake. About rinsing the cartridge out in facet water. -face palm- I managed to cause minI cycles that turned into a pain in the rear. I would definitely as you had mentioned look into smaller fancies. Also fancies shouldn't be in tanks with slI'm body goldfish. Example are Commons , comets and Shubunkins Ranchus are def beautiful.

Yes, that's what I'm worried a little about - the fact that they get so big. I am going to take a look at what my LFS has (they have a lot of different goldfish), but I also have some ideas for stocking other fish if I decide to wait on the goldfish. I am hoping to buy a house in the next few years so once that happens I will be able to get a bigger tank. Right now, I live in a rental. Thanks!