New Goldfish Aquarist!!

Hello!!

My name is Kobe, and for this Christmas I was surprised with a 15-gallon aquarium stocked with new baby goldfish. I have done some research before on goldfish, so I know what they need in order for them to be healthy. I also know that goldfish need a larger tank once they grow up, so we're already planning for that in the future!

As a first time aquarist, I'm pretty worried about my goldfish so far in their first few days in my home. I just did a my first full water change today just to get the hang of water changes.

I have a few questions. My goldfish can be seen down below, I attached a video of them swimming for about two minutes. They have a filter and some lighting and everything, I've also added a bottle of dechlorinator and another bottle which instantly starts the aquarium cycle, allowing for instant addition of fish. I use flakes but I am thinking of getting pellets due to them sinking instead of floating. These I got from the pet store.

Here are two minutes of my fish swimming. This footage was taken an hour or so after I hand-fed some of them.

Here are my questions:

1. Are my goldfish healthy? Is this their normal swimming pattern? I've noticed that my black goldfish is frequently going up to the surface of the water, some others in my fish do too . Some research says that means that the goldfish is very distressed and sick, while others say it is the result of feeding them flakes instead of pellets -- is this true?
2. How can you tell its gender? I researched online that you should look for white spots underneath their gills and if they have a sleeker body, but I am not entirely sure. My oranda goldfish seems to be chasing the other goldfish around, does that make him male?
3. Is my aquarium setup fine? There are people also saying that gravel and stones don't make the best for goldfish tanks. I'm fine with going bare-bottom, but I really want to keep the little driftwood thing I have in the middle.
4. What kind of goldfish do I have? Since it was a Christmas surprise gift, I don't really know what type of goldfish is really in my tank. I know that the one with the red hat is an oranda, and the two others (whom I thought had dropsy) are pearlscales. I do not know which type the black fish is, can anyone confirm this?
5. What else should I buy for my aquarium? I'm getting a larger aquarium next year, but for now this is my setup. I do not have the testing kit for ammonia, is that required and should I get it? Also, people say that bubblers are good for goldfish. Are those also required?
6. Should I do partial or full water changes? The pet store owner advised us that we should do a full water change every two weeks. However, some people here say a 15-40% water change is good every week for these types of tanks. Which one is the best for my current tank?
7. I am going on a 3-week vacation soon. I am planning to change the tank water partially weekly, or bi-weekly with full-time water changes. If I go on a 3-week vacation, will they survive not undergoing a water change? I've hired someone to feed them twice everyday, but I am worried that it's not enough.
8. What are some tips for new goldfish owners, or new aquarists in general? I'm getting a little worried that my goldfish will not survive, and that's devastating as a first-time owner. Do you guys have any tips in order to prevent them from dying anytime soon?

Sorry for all the questions! Thanks for reading and answering!! Merry Christmas!!

 

Merry Christmas and welcome to fishlore!
I have kept goldfishes a long time back and will try to answer some of your questions.

Are my goldfish healthy? Is this their normal swimming pattern? I've noticed that my black goldfish is frequently going up to the surface of the water, some others in my fish do too . Some research says that means that the goldfish is very distressed and sick, while others say it is the result of feeding them flakes instead of pellets -- is this true?

Based on the video, I honestly cannot tell. Usually, sick goldfishes will just stay near the surface or at the bottom. For fancy goldfishes, they're more prone to swim bladder disease and indigestion because of their body shape and overfeeding. Other problems would be pathological like parasites & microbial diseases which would be seen in the change of behavior and bodily symptoms.

How can you tell its gender? I researched online that you should look for white spots underneath their gills and if they have a sleeker body, but I am not entirely sure. My oranda goldfish seems to be chasing the other goldfish around, does that make him male?

- You're right that the males will have whitish spots but it will be on the gill covers (sometimes on their pectoral fins too) and body shape but for this you would have to wait until your fish are mature enough to show the tell-tale signs of their gender.

Is my aquarium setup fine? There are people also saying that gravel and stones don't make the best for goldfish tanks. I'm fine with going bare-bottom, but I really want to keep the little driftwood thing I have in the middle.

-This should be fine for the mean time but you have to transfer them to a bigger tank the sooner the better.

What kind of goldfish do I have? Since it was a Christmas surprise gift, I don't really know what type of goldfish is really in my tank. I know that the one with the red hat is an oranda, and the two others (whom I thought had dropsy) are pearlscales. I do not know which type the black fish is, can anyone confirm this?

- It looks like that you have a red cap oranda, two pearlscales and a black lionhead (or a black ranchu). I almost didn't noticed the black one.

What else should I buy for my aquarium? I'm getting a larger aquarium next year, but for now this is my setup. I do not have the testing kit for ammonia, is that required and should I get it? Also, people say that bubblers are good for goldfish. Are those also required?

-In my opinion, API freshwater master test kit is a must have for beginners. For the bubbler, it's not really necessary if you have enough surface agitation for oxygen exchange but it wouldn't hurt if you have one.

Should I do partial or full water changes? The pet store owner advised us that we should do a full water change every two weeks. However, some people here say a 15-40% water change is good every week for these types of tanks. Which one is the best for my current tank?

- For a small tank, weekly partial water change will be more advisable for goldfishes. Bi-weekly will be better.

I am going on a 3-week vacation soon. I am planning to change the tank water partially weekly, or bi-weekly with full-time water changes. If I go on a 3-week vacation, will they survive not undergoing a water change? I've hired someone to feed them twice everyday, but I am worried that it's not enough.

- I guess it would be better if the person you hired will do the water change also.

What are some tips for new goldfish owners, or new aquarists in general? I'm getting a little worried that my goldfish will not survive, and that's devastating as a first-time owner. Do you guys have any tips in order to prevent them from dying anytime soon?

-These are my advise:
1. Read from various sources (which you have already done so far) and take many things with a grain of salt and listen to the advice of experts and long time hobbyists. Also ask around your area for fishkeepers and ask for tips.
2. Don't be afraid to ask in the forum.
3. Be observant of your fishes' behavior
4. Diligent water change schedule
5. Don't overfeed them.
6. Enjoy your new pets.

 

At this point, you actually need that larger tank. 15 gallons would not be even large enough for a quarantine tank for that many goldfish. Not enough room means quality of water deteriorates rapidly and they can become more aggressive because of it and the lack of space. You will need to do large water changes multiple times a week and your fish will still likely become stunted if kept in that tank very long. I would turn it into a small community tank instead and try to find a 50-75 gallon tank for the goldies.

 

At this point, you actually need that larger tank. 15 gallons would not be even large enough for a quarantine tank for that many goldfish. Not enough room means quality of water deteriorates rapidly and they can become more aggressive because of it and the lack of space. You will need to do large water changes multiple times a week and your fish will still likely become stunted if kept in that tank very long. I would turn it into a small community tank instead and try to find a 50-75 gallon tank for the goldies.

Oh, really? The pet store owner said that this could even house 8 goldfish! Guess he was wrong. I'll try getting a bigger tank as soon as possible!

Merry Christmas and welcome to fishlore!
I have kept goldfishes a long time back and will try to answer some of your questions.

Based on the video, I honestly cannot tell. Usually, sick goldfishes will just stay near the surface or at the bottom. For fancy goldfishes, they're more prone to swim bladder disease and indigestion because of their body shape and overfeeding. Other problems would be pathological like parasites & microbial diseases which would be seen in the change of behavior and bodily symptoms.

- You're right that the males will have whitish spots but it will be on the gill covers (sometimes on their pectoral fins too) and body shape but for this you would have to wait until your fish are mature enough to show the tell-tale signs of their gender.

-This should be fine for the mean time but you have to transfer them to a bigger tank the sooner the better.

- It looks like that you have a red cap oranda, two pearlscales and a black lionhead (or a black ranchu). I almost didn't noticed the black one.

-In my opinion, API freshwater master test kit is a must have for beginners. For the bubbler, it's not really necessary if you have enough surface agitation for oxygen exchange but it wouldn't hurt if you have one.

- For a small tank, weekly partial water change will be more advisable for goldfishes. Bi-weekly will be better.

- I guess it would be better if the person you hired will do the water change also.

-These are my advise:
1. Read from various sources (which you have already done so far) and take many things with a grain of salt and listen to the advice of experts and long time hobbyists. Also ask around your area for fishkeepers and ask for tips.
2. Don't be afraid to ask in the forum.
3. Be observant of your fishes' behavior
4. Diligent water change schedule
5. Don't overfeed them.
6. Enjoy your new pets.

Thank you so much for your answers!! I'll try providing a better video soon.

 

That pet store owner was very wrong! Fancy goldfish can each get up to 8 inches long, so they need a very big tank. I’d recommend 50 gallons minimum for four fancies, I have mine in a 55.

Congratulations on the fish, by the way! Keeping goldfish is so much fun when you do it right, and so rewarding in the long run!

 

T

Oh, really? The pet store owner said that this could even house 8 goldfish! Guess he was wrong. I'll try getting a bigger tank as soon as possible!



Thank you so much for your answers!! I'll try providing a better video soon.

the pet store owner is so irresponsible ! Obviously they just want $$ but not the health of their fish

Make me so sad and angry !

Minimum 20 gallon for only one fancy goldfish

 

That pet store owner was very wrong! Fancy goldfish can each get up to 8 inches long, so they need a very big tank. I’d recommend 50 gallons minimum for four fancies, I have mine in a 55.

Congratulations on the fish, by the way! Keeping goldfish is so much fun when you do it right, and so rewarding in the long run!

T


the pet store owner is so irresponsible ! Obviously they just want $$ but not the health of their fish

Make me so sad and angry !

Minimum 20 gallon for only one fancy goldfish

Thanks! I didn't actually know I was getting goldfish for Christmas, but if I was involved in the purchasing, I definitely would've bought a 20+ gallon with not as many goldfish I have right now.

Also, does anyone know if light affects the fish? I don't know if I should leave it off all night or leave it on, but I feel pretty bad leaving the fish in pitch black. Anyone know if darkness/light actually does anything for my goldfish?

Thank you!!

 

Turn it off!

Here’s why: Goldfish sleep, just like we do, but don’t have eyelids. If the tank is lit 24/7, it will effect their sleeping patterns and make them stressed and unhealthy. It may seem bad to leave them in total darkness at night, but they’ll need it to sleep well!

 

Turn it off!

Here’s why: Goldfish sleep, just like we do, but don’t have eyelids. If the tank is lit 24/7, it will effect their sleeping patterns and make them stressed and unhealthy. It may seem bad to leave them in total darkness at night, but they’ll need it to sleep well!

Oh my!! Thank you for the quick reply! I did read that fish slept, but I didn't know that my light actually affected it! Thanks!!

Also, for anyone wanting a better video, here's some better quality footage I got from this morning.

I just uploaded the video, so the quality is a little blurry but it'll settle. My goldfish tank is a little cloudy as well, I read that it was normal due to the bacterial cycle, is this true?

Additionally, I'm documenting their growth every month, so I can show people how BIG goldfish really get!! We're also looking to buy a 40-50 gallon tank soon, is that enough or should they get more space?

My pearlscales are the friendliest, especially the orange-and-black one at the front. They always come to the front of the tank to greet me whenever I'm in the room! My ranchu/lionhead/still don't know is a little shy though, and my oranda is very playful and loves chasing others around.

Another question is, when do they change colours? And will my black stay on my pearlscale and ranchu/lionhead? I really like how they look right now!

 

Definitely get the 50. The rule for fancies is 20 gallons for the first fish and 10 for each additional, so four would need a minimum of 50 gallons. I’ve got four in my 55 gallon and they are super active and happy, I feel like they’d be very crowded in my 40 gallon. They can probably live in your current tank for a while, as long as you keep up water changes, but the sooner you transfer them the better. And then you can turn your current tank into a cool little community aquarium!

 

Just saw the edit, I can answer that as well!

Goldfish tend to lose black coloration over time, it’s usually replaced by orange (which is an adult color). But some of them will keep their black markings throughout their whole lives, or lose a few black spots and keep some. My late calico goldfish kept her black splotches and stripes until the day she died, and my current gray and black one lost a few of the bigger spots as she aged but still has the main ones. Fish are unpredictable when it comes to color, so you’ll just have to wait and see!

 

Just saw the edit, I can answer that as well!

Goldfish tend to lose black coloration over time, it’s usually replaced by orange (which is an adult color). But some of them will keep their black markings throughout their whole lives, or lose a few black spots and keep some. My late calico goldfish kept her black splotches and stripes until the day she died, and my current gray and black one lost a few of the bigger spots as she aged but still has the main ones. Fish are unpredictable when it comes to color, so you’ll just have to wait and see!

Wow, thanks! I really want my pearlscale to keep its markings, but I'm fine if it turns into a whole different colour! I learned that lighting helps goldfish with their color, but I'm not entirely sure about that either!

Also, how old do you think these guys are? I never got told how old they are but I'm pretty sure they're young. My ranchu/lionhead looks like they have already have a protruding vent, is this a telltale sign that she is a mature female already?

Thanks for all the help, LilBlub! Merry Christmas!!

 

Usually in pet stores, they’re sold at about six months old. So it would be reasonable to assume that they’re around that age, but it depends on where they were imported from, how long they lived at the pet store before being purchased, etc.

And I doubt she’s already “mature”, as goldfish have to be at least a year old for that. Usually by a year old they’re approaching full size, which should be much bigger than what your fish appears to be. Or maybe she’s just an early bloomer, who knows?

Oh, and if you want a natural way to enhance color, you can give them things like krill, carrots, orange quarters (sparingly)... And bloodworms apparently help the development of a fish’s wen, so those could be good for your lionhead! I believe she’s a lionhead, btw, based on the slope of her back.