Larger tank?.........

Question

i want to get a large aquarium (about 55-75 gallons) to keep fancy goldfish.

i currently have a 5 gallon tank with a variety of fresh water fish with a filter and a small heater. i change the water about once a week.

i don't have any experience with larger tanks, so my question is what kind of setup would i need for fancy goldfish and how would maintenance and stuff work? any and all information would be extremely helpful. any recommended sites? thanks

Answer 1

Well, larger tanks are MUCH easier than small tank, so this will be a walk in the p[ark if you are successfully maintaining a 5 gallon tank! No heater, goldfish are cold water. Just follow the rule 20 gallons for the first goldfish and another 10 gallons for every goldfish you add after that. So no tank mates can be with goldfish because they are cold water and all other cold water fish need a river like set up. 2 air stones or more would be good, and it would add oxygen to the water, goldfish need LOTS of oxygen! Live plants CAN work, but you need really sturdy plants! Like Anibus! Anibus is kinda expensive but grows like crazy! You need to feed them sinking pellets. Anything that floats, like flake or floating pellets are bad. The goldfish Will swallow air along with the food and that can aggravate or CAUSE swim bladder disorder. They also enjoy a once a week treat of frozen or live meaty foods. and once a week treats of veggie matter, like lettuce. Pretty easy to care for! You need a filter that is double the power needed, because goldfish are SO messy! So a canister filter is a must. Other than that.......your good!

Answer 2

AQUARIUM EQUIPMENT

Heaters are not a requirement for goldfish; however, I have found that my goldfish are more active when the water temperature remains near 74 degrees Fahrenheit.  I suggest keeping the water temp steady year round.  If the tank's temperature fluctuates a lot, this could create stress for your fish resulting in illness.

Lights create a well illuminated aquarium that allows better viewing and highlights colour of your fish.  You should leave the lights on at least 4 hours but no more than 8 hours each day. Goldfish have no eyelids, and will be shocked and stressed if lights are suddenly turned on. It is a good idea to always turn on room lights first. Fish do sleep every night and will get the best sleep when the lights are off.  You should try to get them on a schedule and turn the lights off at approx. the same time each night! If you leave the lights on around the clock the fish will find some time to rest during the day but will remain healthier if they are allowed to get some sleep at night. So make your fish a happy fish and turn off the lights each night! (goldfish are sensitive to light) There are different types of aquarium light fixtures available; for example, strip lights, full hood and canopy lights available in fluorescent and incandescent fixtures. Fluorescent fixtures produce more light per watt and give off less heat than incandescent bulbs.

Filters come in various brands and types that will efficiently clean your tank.  I would suggest that if your tank is larger than a 10 gallon investing in a undergravel system with powerheads, which creates a biological system within the gravel.  I would also use an outside filter system. These use fibrous material and activated carbon which purifies and cleans the water.

Tank Location is important.  Do Not place the tank near a heat source, direct sunlight, or cold drafts.  Remember to place the tank in a location that permits servicing of the filters and performing general care. Goldfish are also sensitive to bumps and loud noise. The tank should be kept where the fish will be spared from excessive noise or thumping(stereos, speakers, etc.). A fish that is swimming around with jerky motions or jumping may be frightened! Even tapping on the glass can frighten your goldfish. All of these can cause unwanted stress to your fish, and should be avoided whenever possible.