10 Gallon Tank Koi and Shubunkins

Hey guys, I just got 4 new fish. Two 2 inch koi. One is gold and one is silver. The other fish are shubunkins. One of the shubunkins is a sky blue one. They ate right away after I put them in the tank. Just so you know, I don't intend for these fish to live in a small aquarium forever. Once they get larger, I will put them in a kiddy pool with a filter and heater in my basement. So the problem is they look really scared and I feel bad. They are all huddled up in a little group and freak out whenever I feed them or turn the lights on in my room. Does anyone have suggestions to help these little guys settle into their aquarium?

 

They should be in a big aquarium/kiddie pool now. 10 gal is too small for 4 goldfish, even temporarily.

 

Agreed.

 

They are very tiny and that wasn't the question though.

 

They likely feel cramped. They also have high bioloads, and they can easily suffer from exposure to ammonia and nitrites. That'll be a problem soon if your tank isn't cycled.

 

What do you mean by cycled?

 

You should read up on the nitrogen cycle (click the words - they're a link!)

 

What do you mean by cycled?

HI pacman, your tanks filter builds up a set of bacteria that act like a septic system that breaks down tank contaminants. Best of luck.

 

If your tank is not cycled then I suggest that you do a fish in cycle. Go to a pet store and get a bottle of Tetra Safe Start Plus or Tetra Safe Start. It comes in a size for a 10 gal tank. If you have not put any seachems prime in the water, then dump the whole bottle of Whichever version you bought, in the tank. Then do nothing for 2 weeks except feed your fish lightly. and only add dechlorinated water to make up for evaporation. At the end of two weeks then test your water and the tank should be cycled to the bioload of the fish in the tank. Welcome to the forum. Alison

 

Don't bother with that stuff, ive spoken with a guy who tests those things in a labratory setting, and none work.

 

It worked on my three tanks. However back in the dark ages when I first had fish 60 plus years ago we didn't do anything to cycle a tank and it apparently cycled it self over time. My three 10 gal tanks were cycled in two weeks with no fish loss. Entirely your decision. Alison

 

If your tank is not cycled then I suggest that you do a fish in cycle. Go to a pet store and get a bottle of Tetra Safe Start Plus or Tetra Safe Start. It comes in a size for a 10 gal tank. If you have not put any seachems prime in the water, then dump the whole bottle of Whichever version you bought, in the tank. Then do nothing for 2 weeks except feed your fish lightly. and only add dechlorinated water to make up for evaporation. At the end of two weeks then test your water and the tank should be cycled to the bioload of the fish in the tank. Welcome to the forum. Alison

HI Alison,

Just wanted to clarify that you need to wait 24 hrs after using water conditioner before adding Tetra SafeStart, as it could disrupt the beneficial bacteria. Also, if you need to top off the tank water, have some treated water (24 hrs after using conditioner) saved for this purpose.

I also highly recommend TSS, it has worked very well on all my tanks.

 

Don't bother with that stuff, ive spoken with a guy who tests those things in a labratory setting, and none work.

1000s of people on this forum alone, myself included, would refute that.

If I may be so bold - it boils down to how much you truly care about the creatures you have elected to keep, provide for, and (in the vaguest sense of the word) play god for. They deserve the best care you can give them - they did not ask to be in your possession. Just remember, they are living beings, just like you. Treat them as you would like to be treated.

 

What do you mean by cycled?

Don't bother with that stuff, ive spoken with a guy who tests those things in a labratory setting, and none work.

I'm sorry, I'm a bit confused.
These statements seem to contradict each other.
If someone does not know what cycling a tank means how can they converse with a person about cycling products.

Maybe I have misunderstood something?

 

HI Alison,

Just wanted to clarify that you need to wait 24 hrs after using water conditioner before adding Tetra SafeStart, as it could disrupt the beneficial bacteria. Also, if you need to top off the tank water, have some treated water (24 hrs after using conditioner) saved for this purpose.

I also highly recommend TSS, it has worked very well on all my tanks.

Thanks for adding that .I thought I put that in there but I didn't make the 24 hours clear. I don't know why we can't all learn to be mindreaders I deserve that. I really appreciate the input......Alison

 

I know most common knowledge about aquariums, but I didnt know what the worddd meant. I haven't heard it called cycled, but ive heard it other names.

 

You are being so bold, just because I don't believe in these products, doesn't mean I don't care about my organisms. I am offended and I am considering reporting you to a staff member.

 

Heres the deal @ ..

You came here to ask your question about why your fish are acting strange. You received very accurate reasons and suggestions on how to fix the problem. If you choose to think the person that responded is lying and trying to sabotage you and your fish, that is your choice. If you want to get all defensive because you got an answer that you don't like (even though its true), that is your problem.

As for my opinion on the situation.... No, Shubunkin and Koi should not be in a 10 gallon tank unless they are newly born fry. After that stage, and especially at 2 inches, they need much larger space. They need this space not only to swim and feel comfortable, but extra space holds extra water than the ammonia produced by their poop can dilute into, minimizing the effects ammonia poisoning (and nitrite poisoning) can have on ANY fish, especially these fish because they produce so much when compared to an similar sized tropical fish. As for you putting them in a kiddie pool "when they get large" is practically worthless. They need ponds, not a splash pad. The very minimum for your 4 fish would be a 300 gallon tank or pond, and larger is better. Some experts even say that koi shouldnt be in anything less than 1000 gallon ponds.

Bottom line is this. You asked for advice. You received advice. You can accept or decline to act accordingly to this advice, that is on you. Just like the health and well being of your fish is on you. The fish you possess have been know to live 20-30 years, koi can live 50+ years and grow to over a foot long, koi can grow 2-3 feet long. They rarely do so under human care because the environment they are kept in is not appropriate, very similar to yours. This is why many don't even survive a year in tanks.

Best of luck to you. We are all passionate about the hobby, which is why we are here to help other people. We have nothing to gain from trying to sabotage another member. Just remember that.... Good day.

 

You've received very good information here. You don't have to take it.

Also for my two cents - You will NEVER be able to maintain proper water parameters in a 10 gallon with 4 Goldfish. I have trouble maintaining parameters in my 55 Gallon Goldfish tank, imagine a 10 gallon.

I honestly doubt the stunting will be the thing to kill your fish if you don't cycle your tank.

 

just because I don't believe in these products, doesn't mean I don't care about my organisms.

You are not alone there.
Everyone has their own opinions and experiences with different products.

Best of luck with your fish.

 

Since you "don't believe" (it's an aquarium product, not a religion....) in using bacteria, you will need to cycle your tank the hard way. Daily water changes are required, for probably well over a month, since your fish will be producing so much ammonia (koi and goldfish are dirty fish) for your filter to process. Do you have a test kit? It is definitely essential for keeping fish, I recommend the API Master Test Kit.

I think you should immediately upgrade to a 40 gallon tank for your goldfish, they will get big (also need a really good filter)! As for the koi, if they are well-taken care of, they can outlive you and grow to around 3 feet in length. In a 10 gallon, that will not happen. You will need at least a 1,000 gallon pond, if not more, for your koi. Keep this in mind, since you obviously do care about keeping your fish healthy!

 

We are closing this thread.

At this point it's up to pacmanfrog101 to ponder over the suggestions given, do more research and make the choice they feel is best about their fish.