new to this help please

[Rockylondon75]

FEW QUESTIONS?
I have a large fish bowl 12" in dia. and height, how far up should it be filled? I have filled 2/3's of the way, and the two fish I bought seem happy, with some coral pieces in the bottom, think I have the food down, and they are really interactive (I bought them today), Question I forgot to ask what type of gold fish they were, they have red heads, silver bodies, and split tales that look as if they are four, and look like silk, large dorsal fin, and two, little ones near the tail. How can I find out what type they are? (apart from asking the owner as he is off on Hols for 2 weeks).

help please. ;-)

[invadertoast]

Welcome to the site!

Unfortunately, your goldies will not survive long in a bowl. They are dirty fish and require 20 gallons of space, each. I'm sure you'll be advised by many people to either return them, or start over and buy a bigger tank and read up on cycling.

Here's a good place to start:
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They sound like red cap orandas, do a search for fancy goldfish varieties on google, it should help you narrow it down.

You'll quickly learn that keeping fish is much, much more than just a container, water, and a fish. I hope decide to get a proper tank for those guys and stick with the hobby, it's very fun and rewarding! You've come to the right place for advice!

*EDIT* As for where the water should be in the bowl, with bowls you are better off with a greater surface area than you are with a greater volume of water. You don't want it filled all the way up to the top (I keep my betta bowl around 3/4 full) This probably doesn't matter because you can't keep goldfish in bowls (and many people will argue you can't keep any fish in a bowl) but I thought I'd add it anyway.

[Alfcea]

I totally agree with inadvertoast. However, just to answer your question, you should never fill up a fish bowl to more than half. This is because at half hight, the surface area will be largest and the gas exchange between the water and the atmosphere will be most effective...

[gourami_kid]

i'm gonna have to agree with both posters here, goldfish not only need lots of room but good filtration too, what i would do is take the goldfish back and get a betta. They are relatively easy fish to care for and will help you get a grip on the hobby, as invadertoast stated, read up on cycling and how to properly care for fish

[Northernguy]

While you have the fish in that bowl,change 1/2 the water every couple of days and get an air pump with an air stone .
Good luck and welcome to the AC!!

[Sharkman]

If you must keep them in the bowl, make sure to feed them just once a day. Too much excess food can really be detrimental to the fish. Are you considering getting the goldfish a tank or just keeping them in there?

[angelcakes]

hello........will you be purchasing a tank for your goldfish?

[Gayle]

Hello and welcome!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Get rid of the bowl, get at least a 20 gallon tank for the fish to be happiest!