Goldfish 101

[LagerthaM]

HI guys! I have a question that may be a little dumb, but I am not finding a lot of consistent or believable information on the topic so I thought I would ask you guys. I have been thinking about buying a goldfish, I have a five-gallon tank that I was planning to use for a little while until I can get a bigger tank. Is five gallons enough for a smaller "potbelly" goldfish that is maybe an inch long as a starter, or do I really need to get a bigger tank first?

 

[Crispii]

5 gallons is on the smaller size when keeping goldfish. How long are you keeping the fish as well as getting the tank? Keeping a goldfish in a 5 for long periods of time will causing stunting.

 

[LagerthaM]

5 gallons is on the smaller size when keeping goldfish. How long are you keeping the fish as well as getting the tank? Keeping a goldfish in a 5 for long periods of time will causing stunting.

I was planning to get a 20 gallon asap, so probably around January? But, I would have to cycle it so I am not sure how long that would take before I could add them.

 

[Crispii]

I was planning to get a 20 gallon asap, so probably around January? But, I would have to cycle it so I am not sure how long that would take before I could add them.

You can take your filter and/or media from the 5 gallon and insert it into the 20, which will speed up the cycling process.

 

[LagerthaM]

You can take your filter and/or media from the 5 gallon and insert it into the 20, which will speed up the cycling process.

I didn't think of that, thank you! So, the goldfish should be okay in a five-gallon
for about three weeks?

 

[Crispii]

I didn't think of that, thank you! So, the goldfish should be okay in a five-gallon
for about three weeks?

Should be okay, but be sure to do daily water changes.

 

[LagerthaM]

Should be okay, but be sure to do daily water changes.

Will do! Thank you for all your help!

 

[flyinGourami]

I know this is a late response but a 5 gallon should be fine(you have probably already moved him to a 20). I find that with goldfish, they are REALLY hardy. The most important thing to them ime is just clean water. Nitrates can be a little high, but "fresh" water, aka frequent water changes is very important(and the reason why they are important doesn't really have to do with stunting).