Goldfish tank - beginner questions?

Question

I am just starting out (innocently bought 3 goldfish for my kids one day, ended up upgrading to a 30 gal. tank!) I have a Fluval 5 filter with carbon wafer, and good lighting etc.

I have a 1.5" orange Fantail Goldfish, a 1.0" Black Moor, and a 2" Ryukin. (sizes are lengths, inclusive of fins, tails, etc.)

I added one mystery snail, and recently, 2 chinese algae eaters, to control algae.

My questions are: 1) can I add one or two small Pearlscale goldfish (knowing I may have to upgrade later!)

2) are Pearlscale goldfish pond-friendly in cold climates?

3) will they all get along?

Thanks in advance for your help everyone!

Answer 1

I was so excited to read that you got the proper size tank for your 3 goldfish, and a good filter and lighting. Good for you! Thank you. But then, I got a little apprehensive when I read that you also have two algae eaters. Depending on what you have, they can grow to 3-12 inches in length. Your fish are small enough now that you'll be okay, but in a year or so, you are going to need to upgrade to around a 50 gallon tank to handle these two algae eaters, plus the growth of all of the fish. Your fantail and ryukin are already getting close to needing 20 gallons a piece. So, no, you can't add any more fish, especially pearlscales. These are the only fancy that breaks the rule and grows to be gigantic. They can grow to 12 inches in size and with their huge girth, at this full grown size, need 100 gallons of water for one goldfish. Don't put any fancy goldfish in ponds that experience winter temperatures. They cannot handle it. You can put them in the pond in the summer, but you will have to bring them indoors in the winter. Yes, all of these fish will get along, it's just a matter of making sure you have enough room to properly house all of them. Good luck with your new goldies and don't forget to cycle the tank!

Answer 2

I would like to caution you about the algae eaters. They can grow up to 10 inches long - longer than your goldfish will probably get. They tend to have a taste for the slimecoat on goldfish and will attach themselves to goldfish (trying to eat them). They are just as messy or messier than goldfish. A well-cared for tank will not have enough algae for an algae eater to live off of, so you will need to provide extra food for it. The algae eaters end up making more mess than they clean up and they could attack your fish - not a good choice. Goldfish are bottom feeders and will clean up food off the bottom of the tank - provided you don't overfeed - and so you shouldn't have a need for algae eaters to clean up extra food either. The same thing with the snail - although I haven't heard anything bad about the snail - just may not be necessary if you are getting it to help with cleaning the tank.

All goldfish are cold water fish and will do fine in a pond, except fancy goldfish (what you have) don't do well once frost hits - then you will have to move them indoors.

These are all fancy goldfish and should do fine together. Just don't get any faster moving goldfish like comets, sarassa or shubunkins which will eat food quicker and bump into the other fish.

Answer 3

Chinese algae eaters are notorious goldfish eaters. Bring them back. Stick with snails for algae. You can add the small pearlscales since you are willing to upgrade. Make sure you check the water parameters and are sure that filter can handle the bioload you have. The only other problem I see is the ryukin. Ryukins are to one "aggressive" variety of goldfish and if he starts chasing or nipping the others at all, get rid of him. Those pointy little mouths of theirs are perfect for taking out the eyes of other goldfish.

Answer 4

*My husband worked at a Fish/Pet store a few years ago,for many years.He suggests:
Question 1).Upgrade and then add,regular water changes to keep amonia levels down.
Question 2).Don't know,as long as the pond os more than 2 ft deep it SHOULD be fine.It's recommended that "Fancy Fish" should be left inside,
Question 3).Yes,as long as they have space and she has a hiding place.The male Beta will want to have sex with her and if she fights or doesn't want to,he'll kill her.
Question 4).It's better a few males are in a tank alone or a bunch of females in a place with lots of room.Basically females get along together better than males.But not together,unless you MUST HAVE HIDING places for the female!!
I hope this is helpful,Good luck!!