Shoaling Fish?

Question

I recently took my housemate's fish into protective custody -- they had been dropped off at our house, stuck in a pitcher half full of chlorinated tap water, "fed" bread crumbs, and left for a week -- by the time I took them they were near death. I did some research and got the fish much healthier with water changes, food, etc.

Now I have a complete aquarium set up with the goldfish, zebra danio, and bloodfin tetra (I think). I now know that the danio and tetra are shoaling fish and would be happier with more of their kind, but I'm concerned because my tank is only five gallons (and I'm a poor college student who really can't buy another one), plus there's the goldfish in there, too. Will my danio and tetra shoal together? Which type should I get more of? How many? The tank is still cycling, so I don't intend to get more fish for awhile, but I want to plan.

Also, will my goldfish keep growing? He's currently sick (ammonia, I'm working on it) and very small...

Thanks!

Okay, I KNOW the goldfish needs a bigger tank -- but he never full recovered and has been on the very of death for awhile (I'm pretty impressed he's still hanging on). I'd love to give him away, but who wants a sick fish? Anyway, I'm trying to get him healthy...and I know this sounds terribly self-righteous, but I really think he'll have a better life in my little tank (I may be able to get a bigger one, just not until summer) that he will in those overstocked pet-store tanks! I'm also really unimpressed with the petstores in my area, if anyone know of a good aquarium shop in central NY (near Ithaca) or someplace that is responsible about shipping fish (for when I get the danio and tetra some buddies), that would be great.

Really, be nice to me...I'm not a huge fish fan (have kept lots of mammals successfully -- my dad is a vet) but I'm doing the best I can for these little guys!

I also had no idea setting up an aquarium and trying to rehabilitate a fish would be so expensive...

Answer 1

I would suggest first getting the goldfish a new home. Give it away to the pet store if need be. The once the tank cycles you can add about 2-3 each of the other fish and still be just fine. Yes, the goldfish would very quickly outgrow the tank.

MM

Answer 2

I think people are being nice to you--with the exception of maybe one goofy post, people are giving you advice of what to do--maybe just not what you want to hear. The truth of the matter is, none of those fish will be happy or healthy in a 5 gallon tank OR a bowl. Yes, you are trying very hard to do the right thing, and the conditions they are in now are better than what they WERE in. But they are still not ideal by any means.

Your goldfish will keep growing. He will grow to a foot or more. See if you can find someone with a pond, or a very large tank, to put him in. Although he is sickly now, if it's from ammonia putting him in a bigger, cycled tank is the best way to get him healthy.

Your danio is a "zippy" fish and needs lots of swimming room (a 30 gallon at minimum), plus the company of at least 5 other danios. He will not school with the tetra.

A school of 6 bloodfin tetras probably needs 15 gallons to be happy and healthy.

I'm really sorry, because I know you're trying, but you're just not providing these fish with the ideal environment. If you would like them to thrive, rehoming them is the best choice.

Answer 3

I know most here are going to boo me for what I am about to tell you but it is an emergency at this point. Remove your gold fish to a bowl, yes I said a bowl. A large one. Dechlor water. Not only will he be happier, his health will improve by getting him out of the 5 gallon. Your other fish too will have a sense of relief. This is until you can get a larger tank. Yes your gold fish will keep growing. Once he has his health back, I am sure you will find someone, including the pet store who will take him back. (That is if you want to) As far as shoaling fish, it is better to keep them where the tank is not over loaded than worry about if they shoal or not. Fish adapt and they will be fine until moved to another tank rather than over load what you have.

Since your tank is still cycling, don't add fish and keep your eye on your ammonia and nitrates. Same in your gold fish bowl.

Being on a tight budget, you may want to check out the GoodWill stores, second hand stores, free ads in the paper or even roadside garbage just before pick up. These are wonderful inexpensive to free places to find tanks.

When it comes to saving your fish, there is nothing wrong with finding these items which someone tossed out. Your gold fish doesn't need a heater so that is a good thing. Just be sure the bowl or pitcher or what ever you decide to put him in is large enough for him to swim. He will do best in colder water 56-69. They are tougher fish then most realize.

Just wanted to add: Thank you. I say that for the fish you are trying to help since they cannot say it to you.

Answer 4

goldfish will keep growing- but very stunted due to the size of your tank. You could easily move up to a 10 gallon though- at most pet stores (at least around my university) the 10 gallons are actually cheaper than 5 gallons (something to do with how they cut the glass).
I would get maybe more more of the danio and tetra- two is usually enough to make them relatively happy. The goldfish may try to eat them though, especially as the goldfish grows and wants more room and food. They usually do not do well with other fish.

Answer 5

Neon tetras, certainly don't get zebra danios as i had them with my guppies and that they consume there fins mistaking them for flakes. Zebra danios are large fish yet do no longer bypass with guppies, I even have 3 and that they are large now i've got not got the guppies.

Answer 6

Don't mix tropicals with goldfish. You've got too many fish in too small of a tank. You've got a mess. I hate to say it, but you need a 2nd tank, much larger.

Answer 7

well if there were more peoplelike you the cost at the supermarket seafood section wouldbe affordable agqain. you would restore the oceans with my favorite cod and monk fish. have you thoght of going in forthis big time. i hope you do. the fish need help they are being fish out to extinction. the japanese they say are the worst.