Stocking Suggestions?

[soldier-sailer]

Hello everyone, I've recently been given a 55 Gal tank, hood, lights, 2 HOB filters and other goodies. I have experience with tropical fish, African and New World Cichlids, as well as limited experience with Marine fish but now I want to dedicate a tank to Goldfish (my kids helped with the decision). My only experience with Goldfish was as a kid and the results were not spectacular. I would like to get enough to make the tank look interesting but I dont want to crowd the fish either. I'd like to see them hit their full potential. The kids ( and myself) like the "plain" fish (not into the bulging eyes or extremely long fins). Could anyone out there give me some guidance on what my fish limit would be on this size tank? And any suggestions on types would be appreciated. Thank you all very much.

[Flowcus]

Not really a coldwater specialist here, but i'll take a shot.

I do know the bio-load of a goldfish is insane, their one of if not the messiest fish out there. Personally I view them as the Cows of aquariums... big, ugly, eat a lot, and poop non stop. And being you have a 55gallon your stocking options will be limited as far as what goldfish and how many you can stock. Also make sure your filtration is a good 8-10x per hour on a tank with goldfish. I do beleive the general rules to stocking goldfish is 20gallons for 1 goldfish, and an additional 10gallons for each added after the first.

I honestly don't know offhand the sizes of the different types of goldfish, but I do know most get quite large... My suggestion to you would be to google the different species that you like and read up on their size and care requirements. ALWAYS research fish before you buy... google is your friend when it comes to this.

Good luck with the tank! And on a side note look into Dojo Loaches... very interesting cold-water bottom dwellers! thumbs2:

[saix88]

Flowcus for not being a specialist you sure did get the important information right, but goldfish are far from ugly :hmm3grin2orange: most people forget about the 10x filtration. Since it's a 55g tank, it would be best if you had your filters running a total of 550gph.

I would go with 4 fancies in a planted sand substrate. Not only do aquariums with sand look a lot better *imo* but also your goldfish won't end up sifting through gravel and choking on a pebble or won't lose some scales if they get scared or rub against the gravel. All the waste will sit on top of the sand and should get picked up by the filters and if not it's an easy water change. As long as you keep your goldfish well fed they shouldn't uproot the plants.


Having 4 goldfish in a 55 will look incredibly empty until they get to their full size and you will be very impressed.

I doubt you would like orandas and ranchu/lionheads since they grow wens. I would just get some really nice Ryukins and/or fantails *not to be confused with the long veiltail*.

[iZinedane]

i personally think you can only fit 3 in there.
i think its 20g per goldfish and as flowcus said an additional 10g or any additional goldfish
after the first one :goldfish:
and try lionchus xD

[soldier-sailer]

Thanks to all of you! I have well over the 10x filtration. I know Goldfish are messy. Thank you all so much for your time and your help. I will keep the site posted on my progress.

[iZinedane]

Thanks to all of you! I have well over the 10x filtration. I know Goldfish are messy. Thank you all so much for your time and your help. I will keep the site posted on my progress.

hey.
thats why were here :hmm3grin2orange:

[Kaz]

I agree with the things said. those are the reasons we don't reccomend goldfish to most people.

[labnjab]

I would say no more then 3 fancies in a 55. We had 4 in a 55 and quickly upgraded them to a 75. IME they are not as messy as people keep saying they are. They are no more messy then anything else their size. Our angel fish is just as messy as one of our goldfish of similar size, and its really not that messy