I am planing to get a 20 gallon tank but have no idea what kind of fish to get. I read that Exotic Pearlscale Goldfish(?) will work in a 20 gallon?If tis is true how mank can I get? Also will it be very easy to make it into a saltwater? If it is could I get any type of gobie, tang, clownfish,or sea horse? I really like colorful fish.
2007-03-13 15:29:35 · 11 answers · asked by Kyle 2 in Pets ➔ Fish
For a 20 gallon I think I would go with the goldfish personally, but then that's just me... I tend to like larger tanks for salt water.
One goldfish would be the limit for the 20 gallon. You could probably keep a few cleaner fish with it, but not 2 goldfish.
For the salt, there are several gobies any one of which would work in a 20 gallon. Seahorses would work too once the tank was very well cycled and very stable. Seahorses are a bit touchy to keep.
MM
2007-03-13 15:35:55 · answer #1 · answered by magicman116 7 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Pearlscale goldfish are the one fancy goldfish that can grow to the size of a comet goldfish. In length. Pearlscales can grow up to 12 inches long and, compared to a comet, would have 2-3 times the mass of a comet. As a small fish, you could keep it in a 20 gallon, sure, but, if this pearlscale survives to full grown adulthood, you are going to need about a 100 gallon tank for that one single goldfish alone. So, if you choose to have the pearlscale in the 20 gallon, plan on doing a huge upgrade in only a couple of years. Also, a saltwater tank is probably not the best thing to start with as a novice. A small tank is almost more difficult to take care of than a larger one, and although it isn't any more difficult to maintain than any other type of aquarium, it's learning all the specifics of the salinity issues that's the difficult part. Once you learn that, saltwater isn't really that difficult. However, as a beginner, I would suggest starting out with some freshwater tropicals. You could have perhaps 10 of the tropicals that stay small, such as tetras or rasboras, or maybe 4 gouramis. I, personally, don't like and don't suggest livebearers, such as guppies, because they are like rabbits and you'll have 100 fish before you know it. That's just a personal opinion though. These estimates are for when the fish grows to full size, which is a lot quicker than we expect and planning ahead will save you and your fish a lot of trouble. Once you get the hang of keeping fish, learn about the nitrogen cycle, proper water changes, proper tank cleaning, how to test water, proper filtration, etc., you can move on to more difficult fish. Good luck!
2007-03-13 23:54:01 · answer #2 · answered by Venice Girl 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Actually, despite what some people say, you can keep a 1.5 gallon saltwater tank (I've seen it done).
It's just more difficult and anymore than one 1" fish in it and you'll have problems.
Thing with saltwater is this:
The bigger the tank the easier it is to MAINTAIN water quality.
You can get your water quality OK with that tank (or even a tiny one), but to keep it that way takes more work.
That's why the ocean doesn't change that much. It is so big. In a tank (even a large one) it takes a lot more work to keep the water correct (salinty, nitrate levels etc.).
DO NOT get a seahorse if you go salt. They are super difficult to look after. You could get 1-2 Damsel fish.
Now, Goldfish.
Goldfish have this reputation for being an easy fish. This is not true! They are messy and actually quite sensitive. You'll need a really decent filter with them and you'll need to do regular weekly water changes.
I'd go with a fresh water semi-planted tank. 20 gallons is quite nice (I have a 30 gallon planted tank and a 1.5 gallon planted tank). You can't really put goldfish in with plants as they tend to eat them. You can, however, choose from a vast array of fish that IMO are much better looking than goldfish, and are easier to look after to boot. Plants also help chemically clean the water and help put oxygen back into the water for your fish.
Check out the link in my source for more information.
(If I HAD to choose between goldfish and salt...I'd go for salt...because it is cooler. Get plenty of live rock though. It helps filter the water. They are easier than you think too, you just need to be dedicated and be ready for a few - often deadly...to the fish - mistakes.).
Whatever you choose. Go the the library or bookstore and read a book on the subject.
Oh and don't be scared of saltwater. Yeah it can be a bit more expensive, but the tanks end up being so much nicer...than...dare I say it here...plain ol' goldfish tanks. ;)
2007-03-13 23:52:25 · answer #3 · answered by Stealthy Ninja 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Well, if you are going with goldfish they really need a bigger tank. If you are going with saltwater I think a bigger tank would be a good idea too. The smaller the tank, the smaller your margin of error when it comes to water quality can be without harming the fish. I've heard that it's really best to start out with like a 50 gallon for your first saltwater tank.
But for a 20 gallon there is a lot you can do with freshwater tropical fish. Get a school of tetras and some corydoras catfish (one of my favorite combinations). Or you could get some guppies (don't mix them with tetras though, specifically larger ones as they tend to be fin nippers). Just make sure you allow enough room in your tank for the fish at their adult size and that the fish you choose are compatible with each other (for example, neon tetras are part of the angelfish diet in the wild, so you wouldn't want to combine the two).
2007-03-13 22:41:15 · answer #4 · answered by lickitysplit 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Unless you have inherited a fortune and can afford a professional to care for your saltwater tank I wouldn't even suggest you go salt. The salt level of the tank has to remain constant or your fish will die rapidly. You have to know what your doing to maintain a saltwater tank ... A Very expensive undertaking ... Gold Fish and freshwater are much easier to maintain and care for....
I went the saltwater route and between the fish and maintenance It just about broke me...
2007-03-13 23:04:58 · answer #5 · answered by double_klicks 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Go for the goldfish. They become quite tame, and can even learn tricks.
Each goldfish needs 20 gallons all to itself.
Really, this is a good goldfish website. www.koko'sgoldfish.com
Salt water aquariums are more trouble than they're worth. Sea horses don't do well in captivity. They only live a few weeks.
2007-03-13 23:07:24 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
First off... you are a nooby at Aquariums.
If i were you i would stick with some plain goldfish until about a month when you get the hangs of it. When you think you got the hang of it go and buy yourself some cichlids (flower horn, Tiger Oscar, Red devil, and Electric blues). Wait about a year when you truly have the hang of things and then preceed to a salt water tanks. Know that saltwater tanks require a lot of money and time. Some that someone of your experience level could not handle.
2007-03-13 23:02:20 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 4⤋
saltwater would be beautiful, but it's a lot of work... make sure you read up on it first.
20 gallons is too small for goldfish.
http://www.aquariumfish.com/aquariumfish/detail.aspx?aid=9593&cid=3783&search=
My recommendation for a 20 would be to go tropical.... start with cyprinids... they tend to be hardy, tolerant of a wide temperature and ph range, and resiliant... which is a must for a newbie. :)
2007-03-14 04:07:19 · answer #8 · answered by Celena 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Plan on getting a much bigger tank in either case. A 20 is only good for small tropicals. Not saltwater or goldies.
2007-03-13 22:32:49 · answer #9 · answered by something_fishy 5 · 2⤊ 2⤋
Goldfish i think that tank is to small for saltwater
2007-03-14 00:31:53 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋