My goldfish were 1.5" when I got them, they're now each 6" long. I have them in a 20 gallon long tank. One 'fish expert' told me they'd get to 8-10" long and needed at the largest a 29 gallon tank. Another 'fish person' said they need AT LEAST a 40-50 gallon tank now, and possibly a larger one ... and said they can grow to be 1.5 FEET or larger. I love my two fish, and want them to grow as large as possible ... but we live in a third story apartment that is 'small' ... I need help deciding 'what to get' to make my fish 'really happy' in our apartment.
2007-06-28 09:57:04 · 13 answers · asked by Kris L 7 in Pets ➔ Fish
Hi Kris, Goldfish are intelligent & curious animals so they need plenty of mental stimulation. Several clumps of real plants in the tank to swim through & hide in as well as various rocks, ornaments or other tank-safe decorations that help to diversify their environment should stave-off the boredom as well as plenty of 'racing' space. Regarding space-really, the bigger, the better for Goldfish, certainly I have never heard of a tank that was 'too big' for them!
Like you I live in a small upstairs flat & currently have my 5 streamlined Goldfish in a 40 gallon long. We are getting an 80+ gallon soon, it's just a matter of positioning the tank safely with regard to the building's characteristics, the attached info about sighting large tanks on upper floors may be of interest to you.
2007-06-28 14:43:19 · answer #1 · answered by John 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hi I have tons of fish. 5 goldfish and a Betta. Of course they all are in a different tank but i have just got a new tank yesterday and that is when i got the Betta but before i had a red rumkin that like yours was small when i got it but now is big. I had my red rumkin in a 4 gallon baby biorb when he was a baby but yesterday i moved him into a 10 gallon tank which for one fish only about 4-5 inches is big enought. If i was you i would save your money and get a bigger fish tank. Petsmart has great prices if you wait till they go on sale lol.Walmart also has good prices. I think you should get a 50 gallon tank and put something that your fish can hide in into the tank. The reason I didn't get a bigger tank for my fish is because he is a very mean goldfish I have put a goldfish in with him and its tail got bited off. I got really lucky and saved that fish by going as fast as i could to the pet store and i buyed a 5 gallon tank because it was a small fish(black moor) but now his tail is growing back. Hope I was some help!
2007-06-28 10:38:02 · answer #2 · answered by illinoisfan12345 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If your goldfish are single-tailed, they *could* grow 18-24" long given enough room and clean water. In that case, they honestly need a pond to reach their full potential in size and health.
If your goldfish are double-tailed, they'll probably max out at 8-10". They're probably also already outgrowing that 20 gallon. Since you're not able to put them on a ground level floor, I wouldn't buy a larger tank though; it's just too risky!
Have you considered buying a 2nd 20 gallon? You could separate the goldies each into their own tank on different parts of the floor, and give them each some smaller tankmates. Bristlenose plecos don't get nearly as large as commons and one in each tank would do well. Or you could get coldwater AKA hillstream loaches -- fascinating little things. Me, I would probably go with a school of minnows, but if it will bother you to see the goldfish occasionally make a snack of one, don't do it. ;)
Good luck, and thanks for caring enough to give your goldfish good homes!
2007-06-28 10:22:50 · answer #3 · answered by ceci9293 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
adult goldfish will grow up to 23 inches....a 20 gal is good for them just make sure you have bubble bar so the water becomes oxygenated....goldfish are one of the only fish who can live in cold water...the colder the water- the lower the metabolism- the less the fish will eat- the less they will grow....make sure you are feeding them once a day....they will always look like they are hungry...they;re good at that!! don't be tempted do feed more they they will get larger! make sure the water is not warm (metabolism will increase and they will be hungry more often)....normally goldfish will grow to the size of the tank...i never had any problems with mine...creamsicle is my pride and joy of goldfish...he survived a 300 mile move and lives to tell the story!!
good luck let me know if you need help!!!!
2007-06-28 10:07:37 · answer #4 · answered by mgugs17 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I don't know much about fish, but I do have a betta. I love to decorate his tank. THey have all sorts of fish home accessories at Petwarehouse and Petco. They even have a few things at wal-mart. My fishy seems to love it when I redecorate his home. Make sure you don't overfeed your fish. I wouldn't worry about spending a bunch of money on a new tank, they're fine.
2007-06-28 16:47:50 · answer #5 · answered by Pregnant with Baby #2 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I suggest getting a bigger tank. I play with my gold fish once a day and i use a laser pointer. they love it and follow it around the tank. I also bought glow in the dark plants for my tank.. i dont know if they like it.. but i sure do!
2007-06-28 10:30:59 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
55 gallon at least they will be happy in that and grow to there enviroment also what might look like bored to you and me is not to a gold fish
2007-06-28 10:01:54 · answer #7 · answered by Jesica C 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
A bigger tank would suit them better. A 55 gallon would be better and its not too big.
2007-06-28 13:43:13 · answer #8 · answered by Sunday P 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
well get the tank that you need and if theres a money issue look on ebay and also maybe get them some trees and stuff! Good Luck :)
2007-06-28 10:45:00 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
buy them little things to swin in and out of, and figurines. you know they are fish with a 5 second memory right?
2007-06-28 10:02:17 · answer #10 · answered by Ellie 3 · 0⤊ 3⤋