Which types of goldfish should I get?

So as you've seen on my last thread, I decided to get 2 fancy goldfish instead of a blood parrot cichlid. The only question left:

What two types of fancy goldfish should I get?

I preferably do not want the same type of fancy goldfish, but I know the options are limited because each fancy has a different "disability" that they might get bullied over.

Orandas were on my list, but I heard they get too big for a 29? If someone could clarify this, that would be very helpful.

 

So as you've seen on my last thread, I decided to get 2 fancy goldfish instead of a blood parrot cichlid. The only question left:

What two types of fancy goldfish should I get?

I preferably do not want the same type of fancy goldfish, but I know the options are limited because each fancy has a different "disability" that they might get bullied over.

Orandas were on my list, but I heard they get too big for a 29? If someone could clarify this, that would be very helpful.

I would say one fancy in a 29g. How bout a ranchu? IDK, I just love them.

 

I would say one fancy in a 29g. How bout a ranchu? IDK, I just love them.

Wouldn’t the goldfish get lonely? I heard they like having a buddy.

 

Wouldn’t the goldfish get lonely? I heard they like having a buddy.

I guess you could do 2, but then you would really need to minimize decor and the area that the substrate tanks up. You would also need to over filter (Maybe Seachem Tidal 55 and a Fluval 307 Canister filter). As for recommendations, I would do an oranda and a ranchu.

 

A goldfish is a 20 plus year commitment . Or if you listen to our chain store Petbarn 10 years.

I don’t think anyone has thought this though.
One it’s a long term job.
Two you already had a stop start in the hobby. Three 29 gallons is not even big enough for a 6 inch BN pleco in my opinion.

Have you seen a 26 year old goldfish?

Its your tank and you can do whatever you like.
Buy a new fish each time you paint a new colour in the kitchen if you want.

link on the size of a common goldfish in 2 years.
note the chart from pets at home

http://injaf.org/aquarium-fish/the-goldfish-section/what-size-tank-for-goldfish/

 

A goldfish is a 20 plus year commitment . Or if you listen to our chain store Petbarn 10 years.

I don’t think anyone has thought this though.
One it’s a long term job.
Two you already had a stop start in the hobby. Three 29 gallons is not even big enough for a 6 inch BN pleco in my opinion.

Have you seen a 26 year old goldfish?

Its your tank and you can do whatever you like.
Buy a new fish each time you paint a new colour in the kitchen if you want.

link on the size of a common goldfish in 2 years.
note the chart from pets at home

What Size Tank for Goldfish? - INJAF

Yes, I am aware of their lifespan.
When I stopped in the hobby, it was only because my remaining inhabitants in my community aquarium sadly passed away; not because I lost interest. I didn't want to impulse buy a fish, which led me to not keep fish for a while.
Yeah, I'm aware that goldfish get that large.
There are so many different ideas for tank sizes. The one I follow is the 20 + 10 rule.
The only reason I followed this rule instead of the 30 + 10 is that I heard goldfish get lonely/do better in pairs or groups?
If this isn't true, I am perfectly fine keeping one in a 29 since the "lonely" statement was the only reason I wanted to keep a pair in there.

 

Yes, I am aware of their lifespan.
When I stopped in the hobby, it was only because my remaining inhabitants in my community aquarium sadly passed away; not because I lost interest. I didn't want to impulse buy a fish, which led me to not keep fish for a while.
Yeah, I'm aware that goldfish get that large.
There are so many different ideas for tank sizes. The one I follow is the 20 + 10 rule.
The only reason I followed this rule instead of the 30 + 10 is that I heard goldfish get lonely/do better in pairs or groups?
If this isn't true, I am perfectly fine keeping one in a 29 since the "lonely" statement was the only reason I wanted to keep a pair in there.

Yes, they do better with buddies.

No, you don't need to upgrade for two fancies. 29 is fine, you just need to keep it clean like any other tank, overfiltering and adding live plants will help. It's not super extreme, many find it totally doable.

Orandas (and all goldfish breeds) will only get large under certain conditions. They need lots of water changes and or a large volume of water, good genetics, high protein food ect. to grow very large. It's not necessarily a good/bad thing, there are pros and cons to growing out your goldfish, one of which being large grown goldfish have shorter life spans (due to the fast growth) and obviously require more room. Any way, I generally prefer smaller fish, and it's up to your personal preference.
So, the point of that is to say, get whatever kind of goldfish you want, decide whether you want to put in the work to grow it, and care for it well.

 

Yes, they do better with buddies.

No, you don't need to upgrade for two fancies. 29 is fine, you just need to keep it clean like any other tank, overfiltering and adding live plants will help. It's not super extreme, many find it totally doable.

Orandas (and all goldfish breeds) will only get large under certain conditions. They need lots of water changes and or a large volume of water, good genetics, high protein food ect. to grow very large. It's not necessarily a good/bad thing, there are pros and cons to growing out your goldfish, one of which being large grown goldfish have shorter life spans (due to the fast growth) and obviously require more room. Any way, I generally prefer smaller fish, and it's up to your personal preference.
So, the point of that is to say, get whatever kind of goldfish you want, decide whether you want to put in the work to grow it, and care for it well.

Thanks for the reply. I think there are always multiple sides when deciding on goldfish tank size. Of course, bigger is better but the question is what the baseline minimum should be. I will be sticking to the 20 + 10 rule; if goldfish didn't do well together, I would definitely just keep one alone. You know, I would rather live with a buddy than alone

If I were to do 2 fancies in my 29 gallons with no substrate, a few live plants, and weekly 50-75% water changes, is there an exact filtration you recommend? It would be great if it was a HOB unless a canister is absolutely necessary. I already have an Aquaclear 70 that I used to use, but I'm not sure if that is enough.

EDIT: I just realized Acorn said a few filters that were good to use but is it possible to keep it 100% HOB?

 

Thanks for the reply. I think there are always multiple sides when deciding on goldfish tank size. Of course, bigger is better but the question is what the baseline minimum should be. I will be sticking to the 20 + 10 rule; if goldfish didn't do well together, I would definitely just keep one alone. You know, I would rather live with a buddy than alone

If I were to do 2 fancies in my 29 gallons with no substrate, a few live plants, and weekly 50-75% water changes, is there an exact filtration you recommend? It would be great if it was a HOB unless a canister is absolutely necessary. I already have an Aquaclear 70 that I used to use, but I'm not sure if that is enough.

EDIT: I just realized Acorn said a few filters that were good to use but is it possible to keep it 100% HOB?

I guess you could do 2 seachem tidal 55. I just recommended the canister because I like the look of them more than an HOB.

 

I agree with NevermindIgnoreMe , goldfish tank size is often overstated on here. I'm of the camp that says you can definitely keep a pair of fancies in a 29. I did so for a long time and I only upgraded because I adopted a stunted common that lives with them now. They were perfectly happy in there. As said above, plants help out a lot and make sure to buy a filter rated for a larger tank and your fine. I use a marineland 350.

Individual varieties greatly depend on personal taste. What looks prettier to you? The only thing you have to really be careful about mixing is bubble eyes.

 

Thanks for the replies, everyone!

So for the filtration, I want to use my Aquaclear 70 (since I already have it). It has 300 GPH which is more than a Seachem Tidal 55.

I was wondering if an Aquaclear 70 along with sponge filters would work, one on each side?
Here is the sponge filter I'm thinking of: https://www.amazon.com/Aquapapa-Spo...keywords=sponge+filter&qid=1602525297&sr=8-20
I prefer these over the normal sponge filters because they can stick to the walls and they take up less space. I was thinking one on each side to provide good flow and aeration throughout the tank.

 

Thanks for the replies, everyone!

So for the filtration, I want to use my Aquaclear 70 (since I already have it). It has 300 GPH which is more than a Seachem Tidal 55.

I was wondering if an Aquaclear 70 along with sponge filters would work, one on each side?
Here is the sponge filter I'm thinking of: Amazon.com : Aquapapa Pack of 2 Bio Sponge Filter for Betta Fry Aquarium Fish Tank Up to 55 Gallon, Double Sponges : Pet Supplies
I prefer these over the normal sponge filters because they can stick to the walls and they take up less space. I was thinking one on each side to provide good flow and aeration throughout the tank.

The Aquarclear sounds good. I would get those sponges and do one on the right side, one of the left, and the HOB in the middle. Make sure to get an air pump that has 2 outputs.

 

So, filtration is decided

The only step left is to cycle and choose which 2 goldfish to pick. Hmmm... After browsing on google, I found to favor these ones the most:
Ryukin
Fantail
Veiltail
Telescope
Black Moor
Oranda
Ranchu

I don't want two that look similar, for example, a black moor + telescope.

Any ideas of cute pairings for the tank? Any goldfish I should eliminate from the list?

 

So, filtration is decided

The only step left is to cycle and choose which 2 goldfish to pick. Hmmm... After browsing on google, I found to favor these ones the most:
Ryukin
Fantail
Veiltail
Telescope
Black Moor
Oranda
Ranchu

I don't want two that look similar, for example, a black moor + telescope.

Any ideas of cute pairings for the tank? Any goldfish I should eliminate from the list?

I will stick with my original opinion and say Oranda and Ranchu.

 

I have a ryukin, an oranda, and a fantail in a 45. I was most excited about the fantails and least excited about the ryukin, but it has turned out to be my absolute favorite of the three. They're just as cute as they can be!!
PS I also think an AC70 would be fine, even with just one sponge filter for extra aeration. I have an AC110 on y 45 and it seems to be more than enough so far. Remember fancies are almost all disabled in the "swimming" category and you don't want them to have to fight current all the time in the name of overfiltering. I personally feel like the AC70 will provide all you need. Don't fall into the "If more is better, then too much must be just right!" hole.

 

I don’t know a lot about goldfish lol but I love the look of black moors

 

I have a ryukin, an oranda, and a fantail in a 45. I was most excited about the fantails and least excited about the ryukin, but it has turned out to be my absolute favorite of the three. They're just as cute as they can be!!
PS I also think an AC70 would be fine, even with just one sponge filter for extra aeration. I have an AC110 on y 45 and it seems to be more than enough so far. Remember fancies are almost all disabled in the "swimming" category and you don't want them to have to fight current all the time in the name of overfiltering. I personally feel like the AC70 will provide all you need. Don't fall into the "If more is better, then too much must be just right!" hole.

Hmm, ok! Since when I get the goldfish, they'll still be little babies, I'll just use the Aquaclear 70, then add the sponge filters if I think it is necessary. Thanks!

I thought a fantail + black moor would look cool, like orange and black. If I'm not doing that, I'm definitely going to do something with an oranda. Still thinking, and more suggestions are still welcome

 

I love my Black Moors. They are super cute when they are little, but have turned out to be beautiful fish. Mine are not quite a year old, and are at about 4" now. I keep mine in a 40 breeder, and run two HOB filters on the tank. They do the job just fine. Also run a good sized airstone for surface aerration. Good sized water changes weekly are a must, they are messy.
Also, I highly recommend the Repashy Gold Gel Food for your goldfish. Mine have done wonderfully on it. It is a bit pricey, but it lasts a long time, and it's easy to mix.

 

I love butterfly telescopes, my pic would be one BT one ranchu. I don't really like ryukins, the hump is kinda weird to me, less cute imo. They also are more athletic and more prone to pic on other fish from what I've heard. Veiltails are absolutely gorgeous as well, but it's not advisable to mix them with ryukin. Also, I love calico and kirin goldfish, they're just so cute and kirin looks kinda regal to me.

 

Thanks, everyone! I attached a poll here so you can vote

You can pick up to 3 different types if you are indecisive (like me). If you don't know what I should get, pick what you would get if you could keep 2 goldfish.

 

RANCHU FOR THE DUB! LOL

 

RANCHU FOR THE DUB! LOL

If I do get a ranchu I'll let you name it XD

I usually never name my fish but in this case there's only 2 so why not

 

If I do get a ranchu I'll let you name it XD

I usually never name my fish but in this case there's only 2 so why not

Really! OMG this is the best day of my life! I haven't stocked my 29g yet, but it has $120 worth of plants in it so it's not like I can get a goldfish I will think of a good name, but for now my #1 name idea is marshmallow. Do u like it or no?

 

Aww marshmallow is a cute name! Look up "white ranchu" they look like marshmallows!!!

 

Aww marshmallow is a cute name! Look up "white ranchu" they look like marshmallows!!!

Lol they do. How bout Lion?

 

Lol they do. How bout Lion?

Lion will be an alternative if I can't find a white ranchu XD

 

Lion will be an alternative if I can't find a white ranchu XD

Yeah. I'll think of more...
EDIT: How about lava.

 

Yeah. I'll think of more...
EDIT: How about lava.

If it is RED I'll name it lava lol

White: Marshmallow
Orange/Yellow: Lion
Red: Lava

Depends on what I can find!

 

Really! OMG this is the best day of my life! I haven't stocked my 29g yet, but it has $120 worth of plants in it so it's not like I can get a goldfish I will think of a good name, but for now my #1 name idea is marshmallow. Do u like it or no?

The plant thing is another misconception. People don't feed goldfish enough most of the time. I feed 2-3 times a day (which means lots of poop , lots of water changes). Mine ignore most plants I put in there. The only thing they eat before it can grow is the duckweed and frogbit.

 

The plant thing is another misconception. People don't feed goldfish enough most of the time. I feed 2-3 times a day (which means lots of poop , lots of water changes). Mine ignore most plants I put in there. The only thing they eat before it can grow is the duckweed and frogbit.

I'll get duckweed just to be safe.

 

I'll get duckweed just to be safe.

They'll chow duckweed within minutes of you adding it. It's good food for them, but you need to grow it in another tank.

 

They'll chow duckweed within minutes of you adding it. It's good food for them, but you need to grow it in another tank.

I'll get a tub outside and grow them in there, with all the sun I think they will explode in numbers. I'll just scoop some in every now and then.

 

The plant thing is another misconception. People don't feed goldfish enough most of the time. I feed 2-3 times a day (which means lots of poop , lots of water changes). Mine ignore most plants I put in there. The only thing they eat before it can grow is the duckweed and frogbit.

The plants are rather fragile so just a fish of that size swimming into it could mess it up.

 

The plants are rather fragile so just a fish of that size swimming into it could mess it up.

Fair. That's not a good combination.

 

Fair. That's not a good combination.

Lots of tissue cultures too so the plants are rather small. S. repens and crypt parva tissue cultures would get destoryed.

 

You have a 29 to stock.
I have a 32 gallon cube ish tank. At times I have tried small schools of medium sized fish. With a footprint of 600mm x 500 mm I decided not to have corydoras or adult plecos anymore .That is based on personal preference having looked at the results. Fortunately I have a place for mistake fish.

Something I did when my wife wanted Australian Rainbows in one of our 55 gallons was cut out cardboard fish shapes and Sellotape them on the glass .
After having a cardboard school of 6 inch plus rainbows on the side of the tank we decided on 4 inch dwarf rainbows as our school. I suggest the decision about your stocking is as much to do with what you want to see everyday as it is about wither it will work out long term for the fish.

Current stocking in our 32 is based around a school of 15 tiny green neons.

Just a suggestion.
Cutting out two 12 inch goldfish from cardboard will take less time than a school of rainbows.

 

You have a 29 to stock.
I have a 32 gallon cube ish tank. At times I have tried small schools of medium sized fish. With a footprint of 600mm x 500 mm I decided not to have corydoras or adult plecos anymore .That is based on personal preference having looked at the results. Fortunately I have a place for mistake fish.

Something I did when my wife wanted Australian Rainbows in one of our 55 gallons was cut out cardboard fish shapes and Sellotape them on the glass .
After having a cardboard school of 6 inch plus rainbows on the side of the tank we decided on 4 inch dwarf rainbows as our school. I suggest the decision about your stocking is as much to do with what you want to see everyday as it is about wither it will work out long term for the fish.

Current stocking in our 32 is based around a school of 15 tiny green neons.

Just a suggestion.
Cutting out two 12 inch goldfish from cardboard will take less time than a school of rainbows.

Thanks for the idea! I'll try that and see what it will be like.

 

Maybe a panda moor and a calico oranda would be nice.

 

Top 2 so far are oranda and ranchu

 

Top 2 so far are oranda and ranchu

Yay! I have influenced everyone. Muhahahahahah