new tank should i add some fish

**goldfishnoob** · 03-01-2013, 08:07 PM

i won a goldfish at the fair so i got a ten gallon tank for it should I add some fish to keep him company whats your best advice?

**talldutchie** · 03-01-2013, 08:13 PM

Best advice would be not to participate in anything that offers live animals as throwaway prices.

A 10gallon is awfully small for just one fish, adding more makes things worse.

**goldfishnoob** · 03-01-2013, 08:15 PM

so shoud I not add fish or just small fish what 10 gallons is small for one fish

**fishmommie** · 03-01-2013, 09:24 PM

Hi
Congrats on your win and I wish we could give you better news. Unfortunately the reason gold fish that are kept in bowls and small aquariums (like a 10 gallon) most often die is because they need a minimum of a 50 gallon tank.

So you asked for best advice: Here it is. If you are wanting to keep fish and start up a 10 gallon aquarium, I would suggest that you take the gold fish to your local fish store and give him to them for their orphan tanks. Someone who has a tank large enough to keep it will most likely be very happy to get it.

As for your 10 gallon, you also need a hood, a light, a filter (rated for a 20 gallon tank) a heater, gravel or sand substrate, a thermometer, an API Master liquid test kit, and water conditioner (like Seachams Prime). These are the minimum items you need to set up a successful aquarium.

Next step would be to cycle your tank before you add fish to it. If the tank is not cycled, your fish will most likely die of ammonia and or nitrate poisoning. Check out the Beginners section of the forum and look for the FISHLESS CYCLING thread. That will walk you through the steps to get your tank set up so you can have healthy fish that you can enjoy.

Good luck