Newby needs tank

[SteveV]

Hello everyone,
My name is Steve, and I've recently gotten 4 fantail goldfish. My new wife got them for use at our recent wedding. She placed them in 2 (large) bowls as you just started going up the steps to the church. She had thought that we would give them away to someone, but I've decided to keep them.

Now I'm in search of good information as to the proper care and housing of them. They are still in one of the large bowls, which is only about 3-4 gallons of water (about 11 - 15 liters). I know that is way too little water. But I've read different ways to determine how to measure the needed water.

One way was about 10 gals of water per fish (about 38 liters). Another way is 30 square inches of surface area per inch of fish (about 76 square cm per 2.5cm of fish). Even another way is a 4 inch x 4 inch surface area per inch of fish, which is 16 sq inches per fish (about 40.6 square cm).\

So I guess you can see my confusion. My first question is: Does having filtration (compared to not having filtration) make a difference is the size tank I will need?

The next obvious question is then: What type of filtration. I read somewhere that under gravel filtration is very good, but the guy at my local fish store didn't agree with that because the fish poop would just clog up the under gravel filter. He recommended a filter that hangs on the side of the tank, or both the under gravel and side hanging?

So I figure if I can get the answers to those questions, I'll be off to a good start. I need some answers soon, because I need to move the fish to a larger tank. I did invest in a small siphon that will clean the gravel for me, so I can make water changes easier, and more efficient, and healthier for the fish.

Any help anyone can give would be greatly apprciated.

Thanks

[RobbieG]

Said this in your other post too -

The rule of thumb I heard people use most is 20 gallons for the first then 10 for each additional fish.

You will need as much filtration as you can get for them - they are very dirty fish.

If I had those exact fish I would get a 55 gallon tank and use an AquaClear 110 Hang on Back filter at each end.

You already have the fish - so you will need a product called biospira or its equivalent to cycle the tank ASAP. This product is found in the refrigerator of your LFS. There is a product called Cycle that is not refrigerated and does not work - make sure to get the refrigerated product.

[SteveV]

Thanks Robbie.

Going to the a LFS in a little bit to look at tanks, etc. I'll look into getting biospira.

Thanks

[RobbieG]

The biospira will help get the cycle going as quickly as possible.

You should get a liquid test kit while you are there - there are test strips but they are not as accurate. The kits look like they cost more - but believe me they will save you a ton of money and aggravation. Make sure it contains tests for PH - Ammonia - Nitrite - and Nitrate. There are a million other things that can be tested - but those are the only ones you are ever likely to need.

[zackish]

You got goldfish at your wedding...that is amuzing.

Anyways, I know that goldfish make a mess but some of the requirement for them seem so ridiculous like tank size. I would agree good filtration is necessary but I could not imagine a 30 gallon tank for 2 goldfish.

Lemme give you an example. I have a friend that was given 2 goldfish from our science teacher in 7th grade. That was about 10 years ago for him. They are in a 3 gallon fish bowl and have been living like that for the past 10 years. Believe it or not...

[RobbieG]

A lot of people do a lot of things like that. That doesn't make it right.

I advise people to keep goldfish in the proper sized tank with proper filtration because that is what is best for the fish.

That is how I make decisions on what fish I keep and how I keep them.

[NWMountainTroll]

You got goldfish at your wedding...that is amuzing.

Anyways, I know that goldfish make a mess but some of the requirement for them seem so ridiculous like tank size. I would agree good filtration is necessary but I could not imagine a 30 gallon tank for 2 goldfish.

Lemme give you an example. I have a friend that was given 2 goldfish from our science teacher in 7th grade. That was about 10 years ago for him. They are in a 3 gallon fish bowl and have been living like that for the past 10 years. Believe it or not...

Those fish are stunted then and are not healthy.

[Rue]

I have my 4 fancies in a 55g tank...

They look awesome! They are obviously growing. Very active. They use the entire tank for swimming...

I'm sorry I ever kept them in a 25g.

[modster]

Since they attended your wedding, you probably want to give them the best that you can afford (space and money). I know 55g sounds a lot for those small fish, but you need that when they get bigger. Actually, i think you can keep them alive in a smaller tank if you have a good export of nitrate(plant or water change). But like chrona used to say, keeping them happy is a different thing.

PS where has chrona gone anyways?

[Kuli_Loach]

Talking about tank size, I went to a LFS out of town and they had a fantail in a 40 long, by itself. It's body was as long as your keyboard and that is not counting it's tail. I also saw a pleco that size and such but that is just to show you how big these fish get.

[gm72]

A lot of people do a lot of things like that. That doesn't make it right.

I advise people to keep goldfish in the proper sized tank with proper filtration because that is what is best for the fish.

That is how I make decisions on what fish I keep and how I keep them.

Very well said, Robbie. Very true.

I also agree with the tips on tank size and filtration. A 55 with dual AC110s would be very cool.

[cocoa_pleco]

PS where has chrona gone anyways?


and gelo_usa?

[gm72]

Wasn't Chrona going out of the country for a while?