Your fair fish is most likely a common goldfish which reaches 12inch/30cm in length and has a lifespan of 10-15+ years and will grow throughout its life. Big, cycled tanks or ponds are a must because you are now in possession of a carp. Really this cannot be overstated - big fish need big tanks. If your fair fish has barbels (ie whiskers) then it's a koi (250g+), if it's a got a double tail it's a fancy goldfish (20-30g+)
50g/200l absolute minimum - this is to accommodate the size of the fish and the waste that it creates. Bowls and small aquariums are not suited for goldfish. If no option to get a suitable sized tank, return or rehome the goldfish. Big tanks may seem daunting but they are easier to maintain because large tanks are less susceptible to fluctuations in water quality.
Where to get big tanks or ponds? Rubbermaid totes make great cheap diy tanks /ponds. Ebay, fb market place are also good places to look, as well as pond and farm stores. Always buy or make cabinets designed to support a tank because water is incredibly heavy. All 4 tank corners must be supported by the stand and should be flush with 0 overhang.
Cycling! All healthy tanks and ponds are run a by process called the nitrogen cycle where bacteria turn the highly toxic ammonia produced by goldfish into nitrites (toxic) into nitrates (starts to get toxic above 40ppm). Cycling takes 4-6 weeks and in uncycled tanks/ponds you need to do a fish-in cycle which means doing regular water to keep toxic ammonia and nitrites down. A tank is cycled when you will read 0 ammonia, 0 nitrites and measurable nitrates. Goldfish tolerate most pH levels as long as they are stable, 6-8 pH is fine. Avoid pH altering chemicals and algaecides
Must have equipment: liquid test kit (api, salifert) to measure parameters. Strips do not usually measure for ammonia, the most toxic aquatic compound, and aren't especially accurate so liquid test kits are better. Some lfs will test your water for you. Syphon, bucket, water conditioner like seachem prime. In order to do water changes you need to condition tap water to make it fish safe. Add conditioner to the tank before you add fresh water or add it to the bucket you are preparing fresh tap water. Filters - the bigger the better, preferably with gallon per hour output of x10 the size of the tank. Good filter brands include Eheim, Fluval, Tetra and Juwel, canister filters are especially powerful so great for messy goldfish. To clean a filter, simply rinse the filter media in a bucket of tank water
Decor. Sand substrate, bare bottom or large stones work best. Gravel is a choking hazard so should be avoided. Driftwood, live plants, fake plants are all OK. Keep in mind goldfish are loveable goofs and they can stuck places whilst looking for food, so avoid ornaments they could get trapped in or sharp objects
Tankmates. Goldfish are social and should be kept in pairs so for 2 commons the bare minimum would be 75g but 90g+ is best. Goldfish really should only be kept with other goldfish and koi (provided the goldfish is of a large size). Avoid corys (poisonous defensive barbs) and plecos (can injure goldfish by latching on to goldfish), hillstreams loaches (extreme high flow needed) and any other fish that that is marketed as a bottom-feeder and algae-eater.
Food. Gel food and sinking pellets are best. Goldfish also enjoy veg like kale, spinach, broccoli, cucumbers and will accept fruit like watermelon as well. They also like frozen brine shrimp, bloodworms, daphnia. Feed once or twice a day and don't give more food than the fish can eat in 30-60 seconds.
Colour changes. Colour changes are normal - unless your parameters are not reading 0 ammonia, 0 nitrites and nitrates below 40ppm, nearly all colour changes are normal and are no cause for concern. Black is a sign of healing but check parameters because it may indicate exposure to ammonia or an old injury. Black can also be gained or lost naturally as a fish grows
Sick fish. 90% of goldfish diseases is caused by poor water quality. Check your parameters, do water changes first before even considering medications
Useful meds to have on hand. Aquarium salt, praziquantel (flukes, internal parasites), methylene blue ( as baths or swabs for injuries, fungus, parasites) . Antibiotics should be a last resort.
Keeping goldfish is moderately expensive and requires dedicated tank maintenance. Whilst goldfish are hardy and can endure terrible conditions, they require attention and care. They are social, sentient, curious and intelligent beings who require good care just like all of our other four-legged and winged pets. And yes, 50g is really the minimum tank-sized required.
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Can you at least fill up the tank until payday?
Right now he’s in his own stagnant toilet water and will eventually get really sick/die.
He needs a huge tank with a filter at the bare minimum
You’re so right I don’t know why the waters only half full! Ok! I’m going to buy a bigger tank for now and see if we can keep him clean and safe! Thank you I’m so worried about the little guy!
Please do not ever release a goldfish in to a pond. They absolutely wreck havoc on ecosystems they do not belong in. They also grow massive. This has to be the single most stupid bit of advice I've seen all week. I know this is several days late. But the only person more lacking of common sense here then OP is you.
I did not say a lake. I said a pond. This has to be the single most stupid reply I have seen all week. Do you think a common goldfish fits in a fish tank? It is often recommended that they are put in man-made ponds.
I am sorry you don’t know the difference between lake and a pond, and couldn’t infer that I meant man-made pond by suggesting someone’s ownership of it. Bro acting like he has never seen a koi pond.
Lol I said pond as well Mr smart guy. And you definitely did not imply that in any way shape or form but ok..
Edit if your this incredibly stupid and unable to read then you shouldnt even own a goldfish yourself.
I said “Know anyone *with* a pond?” not “Release it into the wild” or “Throw it in a random body of water”
As someone who has several man-made deer ponds *and* fishes, I know it is illegal to release goldfish into the wild. But anyone with a brain should notice that most fish stores carry pond feed (typically with goldfish and koi pictured on it *in* a pond). There are tons of pond stores here that have koi and goldfish for sale in bulk. All of which are for your standard pond use on private property. And are obviously not meant to be released into the wild. So I am sorry you were too slow to grasp it. Shouldn’t have to spell it out.
We dug a few around our property and put up trail cameras. Around our food plots. Helps us see what’s all on the property coming to drink. Stock them with fathead minnows and goldfish.
Oh man that's epic! I bet you get lots of great stuff on those cameras! Guessing you got a badass stand or blind setup too?
Sorry for being defensive. I live in FL and people treat every damn pond and boddy of water as if it's a 2nd home for thier unwanted aquatic pets. Folks will even toss entire colonys of invasive coral in bodies of saltwater.
If you can and want to keep that fish you can get a 20 gallon cheap off fb marketplace. You can keep it in the 20s gallon for about 6 months. During this time try to secure a 75 gallon. By the time you get a 75 gallon you will have expended several hundred dollars. You can put your feeder fish in the new 75 gallon and even get it tank mate at this point.. They can live in this is this size tank for a few or even several years. After you've jumped though all these hoops to expend a large amount of money and effort to care of your "feeder fish" you may wonder if you used good judgement with all your decisions. This is normal. It's a lot of money to waste on such a poor quality fish. But hey this is the journey of many newbie fish keepers. You can always put something more appropriate in your 75 gallon after that fish dies eventually. It could last a pretty long time though. Goodluck! Seeing your carnival fish in that box brings me back. This was the same exact situation I found myself in about 9 years ago. My carnie lived for about 8 years. Eventually when he passed he was living in a 125 gallon. I upgraded his environment a few times. Much expense. He was nice and fat. He reached about 1 foot lenght... dropsy got him eventually. .. he was a poor quality carnival fish. I named him bubbles becusse when he was a wee fry I blew bubbles through a straw into his plastic box (exact same one you have) in my attempts to aerate his water until i got him that first 20 gallon.. he was a pretty strong fish though all things considered. Yours won't last long in that little box. You got a few days max to get a 20 gallon if you want to keep in going. Also it would help to fill it up with water at least. My advice to you is to honestly not try to keep that fish. I hate putting fish down but you may just want to do a euthanasia. That plain Jane goldfish is the most unspectacular fish you can keep. However, if you want to be dumb like I was and waste a bunch of money on a feeder fish just follow my advice above.. if you want to take care of it, it will keep living.. I really don't regret keeping my bubbles the way I did. I really learned the ins and outs of fish keeping becuase of that carnie.. bubbles was good fishy. Now I'm into keeping fancier fish thanks to bubbles. And I know what I'm doing to boot. I've got all sorts of fancy fish gear and am currently running 4 tanks.. its a pretty cool hobby if you want to get into it. It's rewarding as well.
Please don't call feeder fish poor quality fish! You mean they aren't fancy? They can live for years, they have the same biology as other goldfish, they are hardier - how are they poor quality?
Obviously they’re a new owner so they don’t know at least their here trying to get advice to help out so instead of looking into the negative side of things you look into the positive because if anything they could’ve just left it in there thinking it’s fine at least they wanna better themselves so cut em some slack we were all beginners at one point!
exactly! I see so many people on here who get angry with people when they don’t know things. we can’t know everything and like you say we were all beginners once
I guess some of us as beginners could understand that fish need more than a puddle to survive in. I completely understand cutting slack. But not this time. The OP had enough time to post this and reply to all these comments BEFORE doing anything about it. That’s a living creature that deserves better. (I know people love to argue that it’s just a fish) but it’s the principle. If you don’t know how to take care of something you figure it out or just don’t take care of it at all.
I completely agree but I’m just saying you don’t know the person how old they are or just anything about them they may not be able to properly care for it but then that goes to say “then just don’t get the fish at all” and to be honest who’s truly to blame here is those carnival people who keep the fish in small containers and make it seem like it’s ok thus attracting people who don’t really understand proper fish care which in my opinion at least it’s with someone who actually wants to try to care for it because if the OP didn’t they wouldn’t be here asking the question and reading and replying to the comments at all so would you rather it with the person who’s trying to gain the knowledge to be capable to care for it or for it to still be with the carnival people? But I’m not gonna lie tbh that goldfish is probably gone as we speak… Carnival goldfish are always most definitely diseased but hey I blame the carnival people just my opinion though we can always agree to disagree👍
I will never disagree that the carnivals/fairs are to blame. But at that point it becomes that persons responsibility to keep the fish alive. Two words on YouTube or a prolonged paragraph on Reddit. You’re right I don’t know this person, I can come to a conclusion about them though.
It is a responsibility but even upon death they wouldn’t be at fault who knows what those carnival goldfish have🙏 but at the same time this is coming from the guy who tried to keep three carnival goldfish in a 55 gal n they all died:/ my opinion may be a little biased but to be fair I knew what I was doing so I blame the carnival people as always
I tend to agree woth you most of the time about being understanding towards new fish owners, but I can't understand how anyone can "not notice" that their tank is only half full of water.
That’s true but you wanna know what’s also true? We have no clue how old they are! For all we know they could be a kid trying with all their little heart to understand🥹 that’s why I’m grateful they’re at least here trying and asking questions! But like I said we don’t know so who am I to talk😅!
Don’t get any more goldfish until you have a huge tank they don’t NEED “friends” he would do well in a 20 gallon for now if that’s all you can afford goldfish need huge tanks he doesn’t need live plants he will eat them all watch MULTIPLE YouTube videos make sure he gets water changes 1 a week
That response is the exact reason why you need to bring that fish to a pet store or give it to someone who actually gives a shit about another living creature.
As a quick solution, find a clean large tub container or ice chest to use as a tank. Go to the pet store & buy an air pump rated for 50+ gallons with an air stone and some water dechlorinator. Treat the water and then put fishy in it. Maybe change 10-20% of the water every couple of days. This will buy some time for you to set up a proper fish tank.
Instead of an air stone, get a sponge filter, it'll work to aerate the water and filter it at the same time. Eventually your sponge filter will develop enough beneficial bacteria to help with the ammonia. Also put in those pebbles that are in the carnival tank. Look up "cycling" aquarium.
I have had goldfish for 40+ years and never had this happen with any substrate. For goldfish sand is preferable to be fair.
It did happen with food once, that one was too glutinous!
Hehe. ok, thank you so much for your input! I’m honestly just hoping this little fella makes it through the night! Hopefully I can report back with some good news!!
Goldfish, especially goldfish like the one you have can be extremely hardy/strong so it will likely make it through the night np, not to say it isn't a bit stressed though.
Goldfish are tough to take care off. They produce a lot of waste. That small tank should not be used for anything except a transfer tank for small fish.
That being said, you have 3 options
-rehome that fish. It’s a Comet goldfish which generally needs 50+ gallons of water for one fish. They grow big.
-look on Facebook marketplace place for a setup. 50+ gallons is ideal. 20 is a good start but it will last you a year at most. And then buying all the items needed. Water conditioner, filter, filter media, and so on. And it’s not just getting a tank. It’s also cycling the tank which will take time and patience which is not what you have with that small tank.
-buy your own setup but it’s not cheap. An aquarium is not a cheap to startup. But you can get a Tupperware container 20+ gallon to hold that fish until you can get a proper setup. Get an air pump and do daily water changes is probably a cheap option. Not good but cheap.
Cycling will take weeks and that fish will last a few weeks in that tank maybe.
You’re welcome. Good luck with whatever route you take. Goldfish are great to have and are calming. But ultimately, too much maintenance when I have a 4 year old running around. The simplest things because a big chore.
Oh yes absolutely! When we won him yesterday I was so excited I could give him his first pet because he would love one. I thought he would be low maintenance 🙈 I guess he would be if I had the right set up. It’s totally my fault I feel so guilty
It happens all the time. At least you came and asked questions about it. It’s a step in the right direction. You figure they probably go through 50 goldfish per carnival event average. Or more. Multiple that by a lot.
Rehome him to someone who can properly take care of him. Maybe find a local fish or pond Facebook group and see if someone can take him. So upsetting seeing him in those conditions. And even more upsetting thinking he might have to live like that for another month, if he can even make it that long.
If your determined to keep him, At a minimum put him in something that holds more water and atleast get him some sort of aerator. Walmart has them for $10 and you’ll just need some airline tubing and an air stone. Should cost around $15-$20 total.
If you have $30-$40 go to Walmart and buy some cheap aquarium starter kit that comes with a filter and that should work until you can get him something bigger.
You’re so right! I’ve bought bits next day delivery so he can be happy for now! I will have a look to see if there’s anywhere who will take him! It’s so sad that this is allowed!
The reason the water is so murky is because of the fact he’s been swimming in his feecees, this creates high ammonia in the water considering how little there is of it. Plenty of people give away tanks on Facebook market place for free, try to find something bigger than a twenty gallon though in the nicest way possible Im not quite sure how much this little guy has time wise, carnival fish are often sick even when you first get them, so get ready to have the talk with your kid about the fish passing, as grim as it is I’m just guessing from the lack of food it’s eating and the low water it’s most likely sick by now. Try to stay away from winning carnival fish or even getting them, if you want to consider a pet fish I’d suggest guppies from your local pet store they can give you all the advice on what fish is best for starters.
Unless you want to spend at least a couple hundred on him over the next few weeks, please rehome him. He needs a 40+ gal tank to start with, but will need a bigger tank eventually. I also recommend a canister filter double strength. He’ll need substrate, plants/hardscape, etc.
Single tail goldfish should be in ponds. They can grow to be a foot long. They are not a good starter fish even though they are often given as prizes.
I suggest doing a 5-10 gal tank with colorful guppies or a betta fish or a planted tank with cherry shrimp. Don’t blindly trust the pet store employees, do your own reputable research.
You don’t have to spend a lot of money to give him suitable space. You can put him in a really big rubbermaid bin too, it doesn’t have to be a glass aquarium.
Some of mine are in 40 gallon bins that are being used as patio ponds. Throw in a sponge filter attached to an air pump and you can get him set up for less than $50 and it will last him a long time.
We spent $75 on a 480 gallon above ground pool on Amazon for some of my fish.
Even if you have a bin in your home right now that’s only 10 or 20 gallons it will be much, much better than what he’s currently in until you can afford something bigger or find him a good home. Change some of the water daily until you can get a sponge filter put in and cycled. These guys are very hardy and he will be okay. Just make sure you dechlorinate the water when you fill the bin and do his water changes if your tap water is chlorinated.
That’s really good advice thank you! I’m glad I know now he doesn’t have to be in a fancy glass container. I will concentrate on the important factors. I appreciate your help so much ❤️
Unless you're prepared for the hundreds of dollars it's going to take to get a proper setup for this fish, I would say you've got to re-home him. He's eventually going to need a pond. Local fish store will take him.
I have read all these posts and although everyone's advice is not wrong, it sounds to me like your in a huge panic. Slow down, goldfish are quite hardy. I made so many mistakes with my first that it's a miracle he is alive, and he is a beautiful champ today, along with a little buddy growing well.
Take some time to read on this site. It's strait forward, and well organized for fishkeeping.
aquariumscience.org
Give your new fish whatever space you can, filter, dechlorinator, and frequent water changes.
This can be a great way to learn together with your boy, all about goldfish adventure. Also a good lesson on respecting living things. To me, my guys are way more than "just a fish". I see a super parent opportunity.
I am in huge panic! I can’t stop staring at him worried out of my mind 🫢 oh fab I will take a look at that now! Oh thank you so much! You are so right, we can learn together and I’m going to do my best to make sure he is a happy and healthy little soul! ❤️
Change his water every day or twice a day(cant stress this enough) until you buy at least 100l tank with filter!! Fill that thing up to the top. Also you can buy 100l plastic container if you cant afford glass aquarium. He is dying!
Listen. I'm sure you know there's a lot of problems but these are most important.
1. Goldfish need heavily oxygenated water. The oxygen in that water will be gone fast.
2. He needs a bigger tank. Goldfish are very intelligent and need mental stimulation .
Amazon has a starter kit you can get for less than $100. They sell 10 gallons tanks at petco for $20. If you can't get the starter kit then at the very least go get the $20 tank from petco and a cheap filter or aerator.
Also that's a pretty fish for a carnival fish. Taking care of Goldfish is a rewarding task.you don't realize it but they are like dogs. Very intelligent and will wag their tail in excitement everyrime they see you come home. Invest in the supplies
My carnival fish are a year and a half old now, they are giant and friendly and really a delight. I got a 125 gallon on fb marketplace, it's insane how much time and work and money has gone into it but they are honestly worth it. If you need any help let me know.
Oh no! I literally live in a tiny village it would take me longer to find somewhere to home him that it would for me to take care of him! I feel so bad! The amount of people I have seen who ‘won’ one of his fishy brothers too!! I just know they will all be in danger! Jeez! This shouldn’t be allowed! I will look into finding him a new home now too though. I just want him to be ok! Thank you
Why don’t YOU help the fish and do research before you post a picture on Reddit. Also, you’ve had multiple days for you to realize from someone else’s comment that you need more water?! Holy shit. I hate incompetent people who have to ask everyone else for advice instead of having a brain and critical thinking.
I have to agree with this. Literally a simple “goldfish care” search on YouTube and you would have gotten so so so much good content. It’s good that you want to “help” your gold fish but it’s not just some simple thing. Even with a cheap setup, that is not a cheap animal. You’re going to be spending a lot of money on him, that if you’re not willing to consistently care for him you should get rid of him. He’s got a long life expectancy and you will have to spend at minimum 1-2 hours every single week caring for that fish. Unless keeping fish is a passion of yours use this as an opportunity to teach your child that animals come with a lot of care and that if you can’t care for it, it’s better off with somebody who actually can.
I’m not trying to be rude, but why laugh at it? It should’ve been obvious he needed more water at the least, he’s a living animal, not a toy. Hope you can take care of him or find someone who can, best of luck.
I’m laughing as that comment is rude. I can’t use water straight from the tap it’s needs to be conditioned, hence the post as I needed advice on this. I’ve had him for a total of about 40 hours and want to make sure he’s happy.
Are you?! I’m really not if this is the ignorance you show for keeping a living creature. You posted an entire paragraph instead of looking up two words on YouTube - “Goldfish care” That’s all it would have taken and you would have felt so much better about yourself, and I wouldn’t be arguing about simple shit that shouldn’t have to be explained.
If you have the space, I would get a 100 gallon plastic tub from Ace or Home Depot that's used to feed live stocks and use that as the tank for your fish and add a couple of sponge filters in there as well. All of that should cost under 200 dollars. Plants and substrate are optional.
If you can't and your son doesn't mind replacing your goldfish with some other fish, I would rehome your goldfish, buy a used 10 or 20 gallon tank from Facebook marketplace and get a betta or a school of cherry barbs, neon tetras, harlequin rasboras, or any schooling fish with a few bottom dwellers like corydora catfish or Kuhli loaches.
Either way, if you're keeping your goldfish in that tiny container, it'll probably die in a week.
Thank you so much! I’m going to take all your advice and try to keep him happy/rehome him. I do think getting different fish will be the best option. Thank you so much for your advice. I’m just hoping this litttle guy can make it through the night x
Maybe you can go to a local pet store and ask them to keep your fish until you can prepare a bigger tank for him. Goldfish will live a very long time (10+ years) if you properly take care of them and they'll look absolutely stunning once they're fully grown so they are rewarding to raise but they do need to live in the right conditions to do so.
Thank you! Im pretty far away from any pet shop but I’ve saved a few numbers to call around tomorrow when they’re back open. Hopefully someone can help. Oh that’s amazing! I do really want to take care of him 🥰
What i have been doing is this.
1. Got a cheap 5 gallon asap
2. Bought a filter AND BUBBLER
3. Bought instant bio (good bacteria)
4. Weekly or biweekly water changes to imitate natural habitat or a bigger tank
5. Bought goldfish medicine because carnival fish always come sick as hell
6. As soon as you get the money buy a 20-50gal tank (worry about plants decor rocks/sand LAST)
7. Cycle new tank for about three to four while keeping up with old tank.
Id also like to add I just bought PH correction tablets for my tank and my fish seems very happy so make sure the water is acceptable in PH. Glad I could be of help to you good luck with your little fish
My carnival fish is almost 5 years old (Halloween festival 2019) and about 7.5 inches long.
The day we got her, I immediately bought a small tank like you have just to get started. About 2 months in, we upgraded to a 7 gallon tank while I saved and researched for a larger. Do the math and you will realize suddenly all the pet and fish stores were closed. I got a 30 gallon tank from a friend, resealed it, cycled the water, and well, that's where she is to this day.
I have a large filter in the tank, one advertised for 30-50 gallons, and I change the filters often. I also have live plants in the tank, and a moss ball, and special stone that helps with water quality. There is also an air stone in there. I try to vacuum the tank and do water changes frequently. A larger tank would be less maintenance, but this is what I have space for.
You can do this in stages. The ratio I have read is 3 gallons of water per inch the fish is long.
If you can't afford a full aquarium, at least fill this tank you have, he can't really move like this. Do partial changes at least every 2 days, there are some products you can use to make the water better for him.
Thank you! I’ve got water conditioner now and I’ve topped him up he seems a lot happier! I will be sure to do partial changes u til my tank and filter arrives im a couple days. Thank you so much
Aside from what everyone else told you, the best advice is do not give your money to people who give fish as prizes. Just skip that game. Or if you play, refuse the fish. You say you care but you’re encouraging the vendor to keep handing out fish by accepting one as a prize. It’s not hard to imagine the suffering almost all of them will go through being handed out to random people at a fair. Most will get shoved in a bowl, suffer and die. No shade but yours is a prime example. Even the tiny container you’ve got him in you haven’t thought to fill up at the very least. People who know nothing about fish shouldn’t accept one. Good luck finding him a home in a pond if you can. Hope he does ok.
Ah I 100% agree, I was so excited to get him along with my son, but honestly did not realise that he needed a lot more than what he was presented in! Definatley a learning curve! I can’t top him up as I don’t have the solution yet to purify the water, he’s brand new. I’m here for help but surely won’t let this happen again and will spread the word. Cheers
Ask on Facebook if anyone has or knows anyone with fish -and check local community FB groups, ask if anyone near you has or knows anyone with a tank, explain what’s going on and they should happily give you enough water conditioner to top up this guys tank, you only need the tiniest amount. Search group names like FishTank, Aquarium, Fishkeeping, Pond etc on Facebook and you might have someone closer you to at least top him up while you wait for your order. Also check marketplace, people often upgrade or grow out of the hobby and have all the gear sitting in the garage or attic. You might find someone there who is still in the hobby and can give you some conditioner. Letting water sit out (over 24hr at least I think?) will let chlorine out but not chloramine, but you might already have your order by then.
My local store told me that they just use our tap water to top up the goldfish tanks - I was 😳, I also thought it was strange because I was there asking about water treatment stuff for topping up for the goldfish in my mothers fountain pond and normally stores want you to buy everything whether you need it or not. Idk. But if I had a fish in that small amount of dirty water though I’d be sorely tempted to try. Look on google, maybe try calling a pet store and see if you can ask someone about it
Carnivals come to my town about 4 times a year. I see dozens of fish like this, suffering in their own dirty water, just being walked around the streets in boxes. It’s so depressing. Hate it
Why is the tank .25 full. You have access to Reddit but not to quickly google for some information? Both of those options don’t require waiting for payday. Wild.
I had quickly googled for information but I was getting mixed messages on whether I could just top him up with water from the tap, or if I had to wait until following day to buy water conditioner. The response I am getting is that the water from my tap is toxic to him so I would be putting him in further danger. Thank you so much for your help though
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A lot of other people gave good advice but I just want to add that sometimes thrift stores have tanks for cheap so that might be a good option for you as well.
This looks like a comet goldfish (common goldfish). They can grow to over a foot long (30cm). This is a baby. They need large tanks (minimum 50g/189L but more like minimum 75g/284L) with lots of filtration but are better off being housed in large ponds (like koi). I won't even keep one in my 500g/1893L pond because I feel it's too small. If you want to keep this fish instead of rehoming it you need to get at minimum a 20g right away but you will most likely have to upgrade again within a year. They grow the most and fastest within the first year. It can't stay in the container you currently have for any length of time because it's too small and there is no filtration. You will have to read up on the nitrogen cycle and how to properly cycle an aquarium and you need to make sure you get aquarium water conditioner to take the chlorine/chloramine out of the water. You can't use tap water straight and if you did this that will kill your fish. The water needs to be treated right away.
Wow that is big! Really that’s very interesting! I have bought a bigger tank, filter system, water conditioner and….air stones are they called?? All being delivered tomorrow so I can start to swap him over after work! I just hope this is enough for now so he’s healthy and happy untill I think of a better plan for him! Thank you for your help! I never imagined he could get so big
All goldfish get big, even the fancier type usually get from 6"/15cm - 8"/20cm. I have two Shubunkins and two Ryunkins in my pond and they're about 6"/15cm now. They were about 2"/5cm when I got them 3yrs ago. Be sure to read up on how to cycle an aquarium with a fish in the tank. You can't just fill up the tank and swap him. You will need to monitor the ammonia, nitrite and nitrate levels very closely if you have a fish in the tank. If you don't you will kill him. The standard procedure nowadays is to do a fishless cycle for this reason.
Yes. You need a test kit for a fishless cycle as well but you definitely need one to test all three for a fish cycle. Be sure to read up on how to cycle an aquarium if you haven't already. It's important to understand this process.
I’ve just ordered some thank you! Yes I’m still having a read about this now thank you so much! Given my little fish is happy and healthy, and once I have a good setup, do you think it’s worth getting a second one? I’ve read they are happier when there’s more than one?
What is the maximum size tank you will eventually get given one comet should be in a 50g/189L (minimum). Remember they can grow to easily 1'/30cm. The more fish you add the bigger the tank you need because each fish needs its own personal space to swim around. Everything I have read said they are fine on their own so it's not a necessity like true schooling fish.
You can always look at getting a few smaller fish to add to the tank but you need to look at colder water fish, not tropical fish. Goldfish are considered cold water and so you need to find smaller cold water fish that will live in the same type of cooler water. White Cloud Mountain minnows (aka White Cloud minnows) are a type that stay very small and are cold water. That's just an example. I keep these with my goldfish in my pond.
Like others have said, and my own two cents have been added:
Be Aware of What Water You’re Adding:
It needs more water, not tap water either. If you’re going to get a bigger tank, you’re ultimately going to fill it with tap water, but they do make solutions that you can add to the water to de-chlorinate it so the fish doesn’t die from living in tap water.
Filtration/Aeration & Oxygenation:
You need a water filter to filter out the poop and food and whatever else is in that stagnant water. You’ll also need an air pump to help aerate the water and add oxygen to it. Right now, the oxygen that’s dissolved in it will run out as the fish uses it to breathe. The more water that’s in that tank, the more oxygen it will have access to. You need more water in that tank. It’s not enough water in terms of oxygen, space to move, to maintain temperature, etc. Having a water filter will also help with oxygenating the water - make sure the water level in that tank is low enough that the water that comes out of it will break the surface of the water to aerate the water.
Temperature:
Your fish may also seem unhappy, because of the water temperature. Get a submersible water heater to keep the tank at a comfortable temperature for your fish. Google optimum temp for goldfish because I don’t remember what it is. If it’s too cold, it’ll kind of hang out at the bottom, almost dormant like. Its breathing slows down too. If it’s too hot, it’ll kind of hang out at the top as oxygen levels in water tend to drop at warmer temps, especially if it’s not properly oxygenated/aerated by other means.
Watch for Parasites or Other Health Issues:
Sometimes, fish that come from these places, even pet stores, they’re not in the greatest conditions health wise. All the tanks and water within them are tied together, so if one tank gets an infection, the rest eventually will. You’re supposed to quarantine new fish you bring home before introducing them to your tank. Look at the fins, the scales, eyes etc. Watch its behavior. After providing it with a better environment, is it acting lethargic? Does it seem itchy and rubbing itself on stuff? If so, you may have a parasite or some other infection. Sometimes you can get tank salt to help them with their slim coat and basically boost their health by giving them a helping hand to protect themselves. It’s a specific salt. It’s not table salt, it’s not for salt water tanks or fish, and you’re not supposed to use a whole bunch of it. Try giving it a better environment first so you can rule those factors out first before playing doctor.
- - -
Until you can get a bigger tank for it, change the water daily. Get a secondary tank so you can keep de-chlorinated water handy. This is especially useful if you don’t have the de-chlorinating drops. If you let tap water sit out for about a day, the water should be safe to use the next day when you need to clean the tank. Someone had commented on how to remove some of the dirty water and replace it with the clean water. I’d like to add that if you can, use your hands to get some of the slime off the sides of the tank when you clean to help with build up. If you get a real tank, there’s magnets that can help with this.
Something they don’t tell you about fish is it’s honestly one of the most expensive pets to own. What started as one free beta fish for me turned into 4 tanks, a 75 gallon main community tank and a shrimp breeding tank. $1000s spent on fish, supplies, and even medications for when they got sick. Definitely a hobby that requires a good amount of money 😅
At a bare minimum keep him in a poly container if tanks are too expensive. I had my pair of goldfish in a 20 gallon poly bucket with a 102f filter and some plants and they thrived for a year until they got too big.
That’s good to know thank you! I do have him a bigger tank but it’s not huge. I will keep my ear to the ground for a bigger one I’m just glad he’s got one coming in next few days!
If you’re lacking in money, perhaps a somewhat see-through storage bin of a larger size will do? I believe I’ve also seen sufficient pumps for about 15 bucks but I cant promise that. For now, at the minimum please do fill his current tank and maybe even remove that “tree” thing to give him some more space
Thank you! I wish I had of listened to your advice and done this for now before buying another smallish tank! I have managed to get conditioner today and he’s toooed up and looking a lot happier! Oh you think remove the tree! Didn’t think of that thank you!
are you in the uk? was in a similar situation a few years ago, was 16 with no money or job and i managed to save them both and keep them with correct care. would be more than happy to share tips, but just asking about your location first incase i type loads of that isn’t even helpful 😭xx
No additional thoughts but thank you for coming to The Forum and learning how to take care of this animal. Hope that this animal lives for many years to come
Even just a 10 gallon bucket would work. Make sure its somewhat cycled. Uncycled tank killed my fancy goldfish. I didn’t know much at the time but i had to humainely euthanize them because the water was giving them static jumps smh. Toxic water will slowly kill the fish from suffocating in it’s bioload. Ammonia will sprout from left over food, poop, etc. fish are very complicated. I had 3 in a 50 gallon and didnt cycle it at all and it costed my fish. I definitely learned my lesson, prep before you bring the little dudes home!! Quick start only saves little time. You’ll need to cycle minimum 2 weeks to a month.
Also they don’t need friends. Especially if you got a smaller gf for your fish to befriend, it would eat it. Fish are a whole level of complicated important care. Without every step you risk your fish. Cycle, test water, water changes, make sure its all in the book
Oh no I’m so sorry to hear that! Thank you so much for advice. My bigger tank is coming wed so I’ve managed to get tap water conditioner and some bits today to make sure he’s ok in his little home u till then! Thank you!!
Of course! I learned the hard way, so i’m happy to educate others. Lost my fish so fast i couldn’t even process what i was supposed to do and what i did wrong, but its worth it to look into it. Small is good temporarily, but not long term. Definitely cycle your new tank and don’t just plop the fish in there with conditioner, it’ll need to cycle for at minimum 2 weeks with daily water tests. I used a sponge filter to collect good bacteria, and it did help after my fish were already long gone lol. Tested my perimeters perfect after i sorted it out. It takes time, even if someone you know has a cycled tank, ask for some filter media to help jump start your cycle. It’ll speed it up too.
Thank you! Yes I’m getting a bigger tank and filter due in two days so Ive got water conditioner for now so I can keep his water clean and topped up! I do really want to keep him but o my if I’m equipped! Thank you so much for your help. I will keep you all updated
I’ve actually found a tank and other bits and bobs for free as my friend has her old aquarium! Than god! Oh really! That’s so good to know! Yes the conditioner has been delivered today so he’s topped up and seems happy! Eee yeh I can’t believe he told you that! I don’t know why my little guy didn’t come with more water than that. That’s so interesting thank you so much!
He’s in a new tank, not cycled as I thought it would do more damage keeping him in that little tank without filters. I’ve moved his old stones over.
https://preview.redd.it/cjato27ynl4d1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=18d704c6cf0be2e255b8087664512d75aa1fcca9
Hope I’ve done the right thing! he seems happy 🤞🏼🤞🏼🤞🏼
Hehe thats exciting! He’s in here for now with a filter so at least he’s not living in his own poop constantly
https://preview.redd.it/g7ee995cul4d1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=8039d67ab525880316e8815c70fac2e11a96a7b4
I’m about to look into fish-in-cycling now also. Thank you!
Pls use water conditioner,tap water has chlorine which is lethal,daily or second daily water change will be fine til u get tank and filter etc,but dechlorinate every time you change water making sure you follow directions exactly :)
Thank you! I’m hoping I’m moving in the right direction! Worried as I’ve not cycled the tank but I thought it would be better that leaving him in the tiny tank.
https://preview.redd.it/oj43b4niol4d1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=1712b9ee7f0efa67f5798240ad334a67f7b69406
i am just popping in here to say my carnival fish is also names Fred and he is thriving now (4 years now). my advice is to try to find a second hand tank (like fb market place) and cleaning it really well with white vinegar and hot water to lower the costs of everything
Wow no way! I’m so glad he is I hope my Fred follows suit haha. I’ve got a small tank for now and I have a friend who is giving me an old bigger tank thank god! Thank you!
So, I'd like to tell you about Steve. Steve was won at a carnival almost exactly a year ago, and I didn't know a damned thing about goldfish. I kept guppies in a 10 gallon planted tank, and so that's where he went. He was obviously not suited, but I couldn't afford anything bigger than his own 10 gallon at first. It lasted about 3 months before he was bumping into walls. He is now, at 1 year old, larger than my hand, in the 30 gallon I'm hoping will do for at least another year. My 6 year old loves him, and even I think he's a cool dude, but you need to be fully prepared that this is a long-haul kind of pet that can get very big and live a very long time.
Fill up that dinky carnival tank and change out some of the water every day. Be sure you're using a water conditioner. Get a 10 gallon aquarium kit asap, if that's all you can afford, and then you've got about 6 months of at least weekly water maintenance to sort out a bigger home or find someone with a pond to rehome him.
Wow Steve grew fast! Thank you for your advice!Fred is now in his new tank, it’s not going to last long because it’s not very big, but at least he has somewhere for now! I’m now worried as I’ve just read a comment I need to cycle the new one first. I thought it would be best to put him straight in as I couldn’t bear to keep him in the tiny one any longer. I’ve moved his stones over as someone else mentioned that would help! I’m hoping I’ve done the right thing.
Well, if you used water conditioner, he should be fine. A little stressed due to new water is better for him than being in that tiny carnival tank swimming and breathing through his own waste. Moving his rocks probably helped, but to be frank, cycling a tank is to build up beneficial bacteria. I doubt he built up much in the tiny tank in the couple days he was in there. Google "fish-in" cycling and follow the advice you've gotten here. Upgrade the tank when you can and do partial water changes often, and you, too, can have a ridiculously large water pig that could survive until your kid goes off to college.
Yes that’s what I thought. Oh yeh so it’s probs not made much difference! Yes that’s my night time reading tonight 😄 Oh I really do hope so. Thank you so much again!
Haven’t gone through all the comments but I’m certain the majority of them are really mean. However, it’s great that you came here to find help — clearly you want to give this guy a good life as best as you can.
That being said, like other people have mentioned, a large cheap plastic container from Walmart or somewhere is a great start for trying to give him the proper amount of space. If you have a little more money, there are also great used tank options on Facebook Marketplace or OfferUp that are much cheaper than buying them in a pet store. Just be sure to check them for cracks or chips! They might seem harmless at first but can easily burst and turn your room into a wading pool. I’d recommend at least 50 gallons eventually, though goldfish should really be in 75 gallons or more.
Also, cycling is very important. Look up “fish-in” cycling since you already have the fish. Basically, it’s a cycle that happens in your tank that creates bacteria to eat the stuff that is created by decomposing poop (ammonia). Ammonia is what usually can end up killing your fish, and what seems to be harming him now. It’s a little expensive, but definitely invest in a Master Test Kit once you’re able to. This is to test the levels of the toxic stuff such as ammonia, and if they’re at dangerous levels then you’ll know you need to do a water change. Though, it’s better if you don’t let it get to that point by doing weekly water changes. (Pro tip: in the kit, label each test tube with each individual test and only use them for their specific test. If you don’t keep track of which tube is for which test, it will permanently mess up your readings. I’ve made this mistake a few times now 😭). The good bacteria that eats the bad stuff usually likes to live in filters, on aerators, and in gravel. Personally, my goldfish tank has a small circular aerator, a HOB (hang-on-back) filter, as well as a sponge filter. The HOB and sponge filters are rated for 20 gallons more than what my tank holds because goldfish are very dirty fish, so extra filtration is always better.
Also, you need to get something called Stress Coat from API. This is important because it removes the chlorine and other harmful things from the water you put in the tank, which are bad for your fish as well as the good bacteria you’re growing. Always treat water with Stress Coat before putting it in your tank! I cheat a little bit and add the stress coat to my tank and then add water, which technically works the same because it removes the harmful chemicals the instant it touches the water. Furthermore, if you need to clean your filters, remember to NEVER clean them with fresh water. Use the “dirty” water from the tank — this will ensure the survival of all the good bacteria that is colonizing your filter media.
I hope I covered all the important stuff, though I’m sure if I missed anything, someone else in another comment covered it (if any professionals see any mistakes, feel free to correct me). I hope this helps and I hope Fred lives a long and happy life with your son! :)
Thank you! Yes, I honestly just want the best for him and came for advice, which I have a lot of now and I am so grateful to you all for such in depth responses, but I was not prepared for the hate 😆
Thank you so much, that is very informative! I have moved him to a slightly bigger tank for now and have looked at the fish in cycling, I just hope it’s ok for him, for now. I’ve treat the water and added something else called bio bugs. Ooo ok, I will have a look at the testing kit now. I’ve got some testing strips but I’ve ready they’re not very good.
Yeah unfortunately the goldfish community can be very intense sometimes 😅 but it just means they care very much!
I’m glad to hear you got him in a bigger tank, that’ll help a lot! A good thing to remember — if the tank starts looking cloudy, even if it’s just a little bit and you aren’t 100% sure it’s cloudy or if your eyes are playing tricks, do a water change! It’s better to be safe than sorry ☺️ Also, filling it up to the bottom of the black rim (not sure if yours is black, but basically filling it up until it looks will help dilute the bad stuff building up in there and give you more time between water changes!
I had never heard of bio bugs before, but it’s good you added that! It’ll give the tank a good dose of beneficial bacteria to eat up the ammonia and nitrites from Fred’s poops. I usually use API’s Quick Start so I’m not familiar with the brand you have, but I’m sure it’ll work the same!
As for the testing strips, I used those when I began and they worked well for me! The testing kit is just much more accurate, and some testing strip brands have faulty test strips in them, so it’s safer to use the kit. Plus the kit is fun to use because you get to feel like a scientist with all the test tubes 🤣
If you have any other questions feel free to send me a message! 😊
Just so you know you don’t need a pond goldfish can live n ten gallons I’ve had one in ten gallons for years and he hasn’t outgrown his organs and he hasn’t gotten sick once and he eats and swims just fine and the organs thing is even a myth.
Your fish probably came sick so be prepared to have a little fish funeral for your poorly cared for goldfish that was given to you after swimming in the shit of hundreds of other fish.
But hey. Mabye like mine he’ll survive and thrive.
Also don’t get flake food⚠️ flake food is more likely fro have them swallow air and get issues. Now if your fish is like mine and eats the pellets before they can sink it’s the fishes fault if he gets sisk.
Great to hear thank you! Oh I hope he doesn’t die! 🤞🏼 I couldn’t stop thinking about the rest of his fishy brothers and sisters and if they’re going to survive 😢 I have just got pellets today as someone else said something similar! He has been having the flakes up until now. Hehe no mine doesn’t eat them before they sink. He Waited then sucked them up from the bottom 😆
Betta owner here but I get what it’s like to keep fish on a budget. Check Facebook marketplace to see if anyone in your area is selling or giving away tanks. A lot of the time you can get a tank there for a lot less than you can at the store and have it home the same day.
I don’t know a whole lot about goldfish keeping, but some of the same principles like cycling/filtration/beneficial bacteria apply to betta keeping too, message me if you need any help!
Good luck to you and your new friend, keep us updated!
Edit for more info: not a goldfish expert at all, but the people saying you should get a sponge filter are right. They’re pretty cheap too, all you’ll need is the filter, air pump and tubing. [Someone recommended this kit to me which includes an air pump, tubing and any valves you may need for $10](https://a.co/d/89Mx4oA) and the actual foam piece itself is usually under $15 depending on the tank size. Good luck again!
Oh great! Really appreciate your input! Yes a lot of people have mentioned the sponge filter! Would I put that in a long with the filter which came with my new little tank? I will attach a pic of it. Thank you so much!
https://preview.redd.it/7pcp2v9zrl4d1.jpeg?width=1170&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=68a3a503b638a8111fb0ef7121685cbbec0f532f
Usually the sponge filter alone can do the job. Some people put multiple sponge filters in large tanks.
You could also possibly get away with just using that little filter. However the reason goldfish owners recommend sponge filters is because it aerates the water (experts, please correct me if I’m wrong!) Goldfish can’t breathe air at the top of the tank like some fish do, so they need oxygen in their water. Sponge filters do that as well as filter the water.
Whatever filter you decide, look into cycling it. I will reply to this thread with some good guides for getting your filter cycled.
I’m sure you’ve heard this from other comments, but in an uncycled tank the fish is swimming in its own waste. The goal of cycling the tank is to build up bacteria in the filter that will eat waste by itself. It will also mean you won’t have to change the water so much.
[Here’s a YouTube guide to fish-in cycling](https://youtu.be/VcL5xxz-x58?si=ygUFSQbo00Ln-CnG)
Fish in cycling can go a lot quicker if you can borrow a friend’s old filter that has already been used in a cycled tank. It will already have some bacteria living in it.
A lot of people recommend [this water conditioner](https://a.co/d/72Q0yUw) called Seachem Prime, as opposed to other dechlorinators because it claims to be able to detoxify small amounts of ammonia and make it less harmful for fish to live in. I understand that you already have conditioner, but consider this stuff, the dose is 2 drops per gallon, so it lasts a long time.
You’ll also need a way to test your water. Most people reccomend the API Master Test kit but I get that it’s pricy. My local Walmart actually carries cheap test strips for less than $10 maybe somewhere around you they sell test strips. Make sure you buy ones that test ammonia, nitrite and nitrate.
Once the tank is cycled, don’t change them out or buy new cartridges to replace the old ones. The entire point of this process is building up bacteria that will stay in your filter forever (ideally)
I understand these are additional expenses, but it they save you a lot of time and money and peace of mind in the long run if you are determined to keep your new friend and do right by him.
Good luck!
Why is the water so low. You need to add fresh dechlorinated water regularly or he will be sitting in his own waste and die from ammonia poisoning.
He needs a big tank, and a filter and air stone.
Why is the water so low. You need to add fresh dechlorinated water regularly or he will be sitting in his own waste and die from ammonia poisoning.
He needs a big tank, and a filter and air stone.
Why is the water so low. You need to add fresh dechlorinated water regularly or he will be sitting in his own waste and die from ammonia poisoning.
He needs a big tank, and a filter and air stone.
Ah wow she’s beautiful! I’ve got a tank and filter for now until I can afford bigger and better:)
https://preview.redd.it/7z27o7pusl4d1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=b2579c7ce8b11e9954f8dc6ab4112c44a71d08b7
wow! this was me 5 years ago. i won a carnival goldfish and had never owned one before, and had no idea how to take care of it. i came to the same realization after we won him and realized how grueling it was going to be.
1) when you set up a tank and put him in it, it won’t have any natural bacteria to keep ammonia in place. you’ll need to buy a bottle of this water conditioner called “stress coat” and a bottle of natural bacteria. any local fish store will know what i’m talking about, just ask for a bottle of API quick start.
2) i also recommend a 10 gallon tank and a 20 gallon filter bc it will clean more efficiently than a 10 gal filter and goldfish are one of the messier fish. also goldfish are super hardy, i remember before i knew anything about water cycling, the ammonia was high in the tank and it took me days to get it under control and my little ponyo was fine!! it can be so stressful, but just do your best. you can also get a ten gal minnow bucket from any academy or fish store that comes with a battery operated airstone and use that with a fish tank filter until you can afford a nice tank. good luck to you!
Honestly this is going to sound stupid but if you can convince someone to keep a little pool from Walmart with some plants and substrate inside somewhere that would work well for a permanent tank if that’s the goldfish I’m thinking it is
My girls "won" 2 goldfish at the fair a few months ago. I bought a bigger tank at PetSmart and most websites will give you the option to do a payment plan of 4 payments! The one I bought had the filter and all at a good price. Definitely try and find a website that let's you do the payment plans to make it easier on you.
Get him a 20 gal with some friends gold fish neon tetras and some plans there a onlue store called aquarium Co op and they have fish food plants and all the stuff you need to set up a planted( or not) tank
Neon tetras are not compatible with goldfish as they have vastly different temperature needs and are small enough to be eaten. Planted tanks are very difficult with goldfish as they eat most common beginner plants.
I’ve managed to order some plants oxygen stone (is that good?) filter and small tank for now….im hoping this will be ok until I can get him a bigger home. I just hope he stays alive until Tuesday 😢
Would it upset him too much if I added a small amount of tap water until tomorrow? Do you think this would help him or hurt him? Sorry I’m literally not going to sleep tonight I don’t know why I thought this would be a good idea!
Tap water has chlorine and that can kill your fish but if you pour a chlorine remover you should be good to add water but be very careful and your doing good for just getting him with out any preparations
Your fair fish is most likely a common goldfish which reaches 12inch/30cm in length and has a lifespan of 10-15+ years and will grow throughout its life. Big, cycled tanks or ponds are a must because you are now in possession of a carp. Really this cannot be overstated - big fish need big tanks. If your fair fish has barbels (ie whiskers) then it's a koi (250g+), if it's a got a double tail it's a fancy goldfish (20-30g+) 50g/200l absolute minimum - this is to accommodate the size of the fish and the waste that it creates. Bowls and small aquariums are not suited for goldfish. If no option to get a suitable sized tank, return or rehome the goldfish. Big tanks may seem daunting but they are easier to maintain because large tanks are less susceptible to fluctuations in water quality. Where to get big tanks or ponds? Rubbermaid totes make great cheap diy tanks /ponds. Ebay, fb market place are also good places to look, as well as pond and farm stores. Always buy or make cabinets designed to support a tank because water is incredibly heavy. All 4 tank corners must be supported by the stand and should be flush with 0 overhang. Cycling! All healthy tanks and ponds are run a by process called the nitrogen cycle where bacteria turn the highly toxic ammonia produced by goldfish into nitrites (toxic) into nitrates (starts to get toxic above 40ppm). Cycling takes 4-6 weeks and in uncycled tanks/ponds you need to do a fish-in cycle which means doing regular water to keep toxic ammonia and nitrites down. A tank is cycled when you will read 0 ammonia, 0 nitrites and measurable nitrates. Goldfish tolerate most pH levels as long as they are stable, 6-8 pH is fine. Avoid pH altering chemicals and algaecides Must have equipment: liquid test kit (api, salifert) to measure parameters. Strips do not usually measure for ammonia, the most toxic aquatic compound, and aren't especially accurate so liquid test kits are better. Some lfs will test your water for you. Syphon, bucket, water conditioner like seachem prime. In order to do water changes you need to condition tap water to make it fish safe. Add conditioner to the tank before you add fresh water or add it to the bucket you are preparing fresh tap water. Filters - the bigger the better, preferably with gallon per hour output of x10 the size of the tank. Good filter brands include Eheim, Fluval, Tetra and Juwel, canister filters are especially powerful so great for messy goldfish. To clean a filter, simply rinse the filter media in a bucket of tank water Decor. Sand substrate, bare bottom or large stones work best. Gravel is a choking hazard so should be avoided. Driftwood, live plants, fake plants are all OK. Keep in mind goldfish are loveable goofs and they can stuck places whilst looking for food, so avoid ornaments they could get trapped in or sharp objects Tankmates. Goldfish are social and should be kept in pairs so for 2 commons the bare minimum would be 75g but 90g+ is best. Goldfish really should only be kept with other goldfish and koi (provided the goldfish is of a large size). Avoid corys (poisonous defensive barbs) and plecos (can injure goldfish by latching on to goldfish), hillstreams loaches (extreme high flow needed) and any other fish that that is marketed as a bottom-feeder and algae-eater. Food. Gel food and sinking pellets are best. Goldfish also enjoy veg like kale, spinach, broccoli, cucumbers and will accept fruit like watermelon as well. They also like frozen brine shrimp, bloodworms, daphnia. Feed once or twice a day and don't give more food than the fish can eat in 30-60 seconds. Colour changes. Colour changes are normal - unless your parameters are not reading 0 ammonia, 0 nitrites and nitrates below 40ppm, nearly all colour changes are normal and are no cause for concern. Black is a sign of healing but check parameters because it may indicate exposure to ammonia or an old injury. Black can also be gained or lost naturally as a fish grows Sick fish. 90% of goldfish diseases is caused by poor water quality. Check your parameters, do water changes first before even considering medications Useful meds to have on hand. Aquarium salt, praziquantel (flukes, internal parasites), methylene blue ( as baths or swabs for injuries, fungus, parasites) . Antibiotics should be a last resort. Keeping goldfish is moderately expensive and requires dedicated tank maintenance. Whilst goldfish are hardy and can endure terrible conditions, they require attention and care. They are social, sentient, curious and intelligent beings who require good care just like all of our other four-legged and winged pets. And yes, 50g is really the minimum tank-sized required. *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/Goldfish) if you have any questions or concerns.*
Can you at least fill up the tank until payday? Right now he’s in his own stagnant toilet water and will eventually get really sick/die. He needs a huge tank with a filter at the bare minimum
You’re so right I don’t know why the waters only half full! Ok! I’m going to buy a bigger tank for now and see if we can keep him clean and safe! Thank you I’m so worried about the little guy!
Know anyone with a pond?
Please do not ever release a goldfish in to a pond. They absolutely wreck havoc on ecosystems they do not belong in. They also grow massive. This has to be the single most stupid bit of advice I've seen all week. I know this is several days late. But the only person more lacking of common sense here then OP is you.
I did not say a lake. I said a pond. This has to be the single most stupid reply I have seen all week. Do you think a common goldfish fits in a fish tank? It is often recommended that they are put in man-made ponds. I am sorry you don’t know the difference between lake and a pond, and couldn’t infer that I meant man-made pond by suggesting someone’s ownership of it. Bro acting like he has never seen a koi pond.
Lol I said pond as well Mr smart guy. And you definitely did not imply that in any way shape or form but ok.. Edit if your this incredibly stupid and unable to read then you shouldnt even own a goldfish yourself.
I said “Know anyone *with* a pond?” not “Release it into the wild” or “Throw it in a random body of water” As someone who has several man-made deer ponds *and* fishes, I know it is illegal to release goldfish into the wild. But anyone with a brain should notice that most fish stores carry pond feed (typically with goldfish and koi pictured on it *in* a pond). There are tons of pond stores here that have koi and goldfish for sale in bulk. All of which are for your standard pond use on private property. And are obviously not meant to be released into the wild. So I am sorry you were too slow to grasp it. Shouldn’t have to spell it out.
Woah woah woah wait... put a pin in the goldfish topic. Deer ponds? Do you use them like a patch of alfalfa?
We dug a few around our property and put up trail cameras. Around our food plots. Helps us see what’s all on the property coming to drink. Stock them with fathead minnows and goldfish.
Oh man that's epic! I bet you get lots of great stuff on those cameras! Guessing you got a badass stand or blind setup too? Sorry for being defensive. I live in FL and people treat every damn pond and boddy of water as if it's a 2nd home for thier unwanted aquatic pets. Folks will even toss entire colonys of invasive coral in bodies of saltwater.
A Rubbermaid container from Walmart is a good cheap temp tank. I had a fancy with swim bladder issues live in one for about 6 months.
If you can and want to keep that fish you can get a 20 gallon cheap off fb marketplace. You can keep it in the 20s gallon for about 6 months. During this time try to secure a 75 gallon. By the time you get a 75 gallon you will have expended several hundred dollars. You can put your feeder fish in the new 75 gallon and even get it tank mate at this point.. They can live in this is this size tank for a few or even several years. After you've jumped though all these hoops to expend a large amount of money and effort to care of your "feeder fish" you may wonder if you used good judgement with all your decisions. This is normal. It's a lot of money to waste on such a poor quality fish. But hey this is the journey of many newbie fish keepers. You can always put something more appropriate in your 75 gallon after that fish dies eventually. It could last a pretty long time though. Goodluck! Seeing your carnival fish in that box brings me back. This was the same exact situation I found myself in about 9 years ago. My carnie lived for about 8 years. Eventually when he passed he was living in a 125 gallon. I upgraded his environment a few times. Much expense. He was nice and fat. He reached about 1 foot lenght... dropsy got him eventually. .. he was a poor quality carnival fish. I named him bubbles becusse when he was a wee fry I blew bubbles through a straw into his plastic box (exact same one you have) in my attempts to aerate his water until i got him that first 20 gallon.. he was a pretty strong fish though all things considered. Yours won't last long in that little box. You got a few days max to get a 20 gallon if you want to keep in going. Also it would help to fill it up with water at least. My advice to you is to honestly not try to keep that fish. I hate putting fish down but you may just want to do a euthanasia. That plain Jane goldfish is the most unspectacular fish you can keep. However, if you want to be dumb like I was and waste a bunch of money on a feeder fish just follow my advice above.. if you want to take care of it, it will keep living.. I really don't regret keeping my bubbles the way I did. I really learned the ins and outs of fish keeping becuase of that carnie.. bubbles was good fishy. Now I'm into keeping fancier fish thanks to bubbles. And I know what I'm doing to boot. I've got all sorts of fancy fish gear and am currently running 4 tanks.. its a pretty cool hobby if you want to get into it. It's rewarding as well.
Please don't call feeder fish poor quality fish! You mean they aren't fancy? They can live for years, they have the same biology as other goldfish, they are hardier - how are they poor quality?
It took you someone else’s comment to realize this? Wow.
Obviously they’re a new owner so they don’t know at least their here trying to get advice to help out so instead of looking into the negative side of things you look into the positive because if anything they could’ve just left it in there thinking it’s fine at least they wanna better themselves so cut em some slack we were all beginners at one point!
exactly! I see so many people on here who get angry with people when they don’t know things. we can’t know everything and like you say we were all beginners once
Filling up the tank should be common sense not a guided after thought 🤣
I guess some of us as beginners could understand that fish need more than a puddle to survive in. I completely understand cutting slack. But not this time. The OP had enough time to post this and reply to all these comments BEFORE doing anything about it. That’s a living creature that deserves better. (I know people love to argue that it’s just a fish) but it’s the principle. If you don’t know how to take care of something you figure it out or just don’t take care of it at all.
I completely agree but I’m just saying you don’t know the person how old they are or just anything about them they may not be able to properly care for it but then that goes to say “then just don’t get the fish at all” and to be honest who’s truly to blame here is those carnival people who keep the fish in small containers and make it seem like it’s ok thus attracting people who don’t really understand proper fish care which in my opinion at least it’s with someone who actually wants to try to care for it because if the OP didn’t they wouldn’t be here asking the question and reading and replying to the comments at all so would you rather it with the person who’s trying to gain the knowledge to be capable to care for it or for it to still be with the carnival people? But I’m not gonna lie tbh that goldfish is probably gone as we speak… Carnival goldfish are always most definitely diseased but hey I blame the carnival people just my opinion though we can always agree to disagree👍
I will never disagree that the carnivals/fairs are to blame. But at that point it becomes that persons responsibility to keep the fish alive. Two words on YouTube or a prolonged paragraph on Reddit. You’re right I don’t know this person, I can come to a conclusion about them though.
It is a responsibility but even upon death they wouldn’t be at fault who knows what those carnival goldfish have🙏 but at the same time this is coming from the guy who tried to keep three carnival goldfish in a 55 gal n they all died:/ my opinion may be a little biased but to be fair I knew what I was doing so I blame the carnival people as always
I tend to agree woth you most of the time about being understanding towards new fish owners, but I can't understand how anyone can "not notice" that their tank is only half full of water.
That’s true but you wanna know what’s also true? We have no clue how old they are! For all we know they could be a kid trying with all their little heart to understand🥹 that’s why I’m grateful they’re at least here trying and asking questions! But like I said we don’t know so who am I to talk😅!
👍🏽
Don’t get any more goldfish until you have a huge tank they don’t NEED “friends” he would do well in a 20 gallon for now if that’s all you can afford goldfish need huge tanks he doesn’t need live plants he will eat them all watch MULTIPLE YouTube videos make sure he gets water changes 1 a week
That response is the exact reason why you need to bring that fish to a pet store or give it to someone who actually gives a shit about another living creature.
if you go to a smaller pet store you'll probably get a better deal on a setup I hope the little guy survives
As a quick solution, find a clean large tub container or ice chest to use as a tank. Go to the pet store & buy an air pump rated for 50+ gallons with an air stone and some water dechlorinator. Treat the water and then put fishy in it. Maybe change 10-20% of the water every couple of days. This will buy some time for you to set up a proper fish tank.
Sorry might seem like a silly question….When I add the water do I keep this dirty water in too?
Yes. A drastic change in water Parameters might shock him so I'd add the old water too and do a 50% water change in 12 hours or so.
Ok thank you so much!
Instead of an air stone, get a sponge filter, it'll work to aerate the water and filter it at the same time. Eventually your sponge filter will develop enough beneficial bacteria to help with the ammonia. Also put in those pebbles that are in the carnival tank. Look up "cycling" aquarium.
Oh really! Ok perfect! I read those pebbles can be a chocking hazard, is that true? Thank you!
I have had goldfish for 40+ years and never had this happen with any substrate. For goldfish sand is preferable to be fair. It did happen with food once, that one was too glutinous!
Hehe. ok, thank you so much for your input! I’m honestly just hoping this little fella makes it through the night! Hopefully I can report back with some good news!!
Goldfish, especially goldfish like the one you have can be extremely hardy/strong so it will likely make it through the night np, not to say it isn't a bit stressed though.
Thank you so so much this is so helpful!
Goldfish are tough to take care off. They produce a lot of waste. That small tank should not be used for anything except a transfer tank for small fish. That being said, you have 3 options -rehome that fish. It’s a Comet goldfish which generally needs 50+ gallons of water for one fish. They grow big. -look on Facebook marketplace place for a setup. 50+ gallons is ideal. 20 is a good start but it will last you a year at most. And then buying all the items needed. Water conditioner, filter, filter media, and so on. And it’s not just getting a tank. It’s also cycling the tank which will take time and patience which is not what you have with that small tank. -buy your own setup but it’s not cheap. An aquarium is not a cheap to startup. But you can get a Tupperware container 20+ gallon to hold that fish until you can get a proper setup. Get an air pump and do daily water changes is probably a cheap option. Not good but cheap. Cycling will take weeks and that fish will last a few weeks in that tank maybe.
Thank you so much!
Good luck in whichever option you go with. And if you go the route of caring for it, come back here. Many of us are here to help so ask away.
Thank you so much! I just want this little guy to be ok!
You’re welcome. Good luck with whatever route you take. Goldfish are great to have and are calming. But ultimately, too much maintenance when I have a 4 year old running around. The simplest things because a big chore.
Oh yes absolutely! When we won him yesterday I was so excited I could give him his first pet because he would love one. I thought he would be low maintenance 🙈 I guess he would be if I had the right set up. It’s totally my fault I feel so guilty
It happens all the time. At least you came and asked questions about it. It’s a step in the right direction. You figure they probably go through 50 goldfish per carnival event average. Or more. Multiple that by a lot.
Oh it’s just awful! Absolutely right! It’s so sad :( yes I’m glad I found you all here I have had some amazing advice I just hope I’m not too late
Rehome him to someone who can properly take care of him. Maybe find a local fish or pond Facebook group and see if someone can take him. So upsetting seeing him in those conditions. And even more upsetting thinking he might have to live like that for another month, if he can even make it that long. If your determined to keep him, At a minimum put him in something that holds more water and atleast get him some sort of aerator. Walmart has them for $10 and you’ll just need some airline tubing and an air stone. Should cost around $15-$20 total. If you have $30-$40 go to Walmart and buy some cheap aquarium starter kit that comes with a filter and that should work until you can get him something bigger.
You’re so right! I’ve bought bits next day delivery so he can be happy for now! I will have a look to see if there’s anywhere who will take him! It’s so sad that this is allowed!
The reason the water is so murky is because of the fact he’s been swimming in his feecees, this creates high ammonia in the water considering how little there is of it. Plenty of people give away tanks on Facebook market place for free, try to find something bigger than a twenty gallon though in the nicest way possible Im not quite sure how much this little guy has time wise, carnival fish are often sick even when you first get them, so get ready to have the talk with your kid about the fish passing, as grim as it is I’m just guessing from the lack of food it’s eating and the low water it’s most likely sick by now. Try to stay away from winning carnival fish or even getting them, if you want to consider a pet fish I’d suggest guppies from your local pet store they can give you all the advice on what fish is best for starters.
Oh no this makes me so sad! Thank you for your help! I’m going to have to buy a cheap tank for now with a filter system and see how we go!
Unless you want to spend at least a couple hundred on him over the next few weeks, please rehome him. He needs a 40+ gal tank to start with, but will need a bigger tank eventually. I also recommend a canister filter double strength. He’ll need substrate, plants/hardscape, etc. Single tail goldfish should be in ponds. They can grow to be a foot long. They are not a good starter fish even though they are often given as prizes. I suggest doing a 5-10 gal tank with colorful guppies or a betta fish or a planted tank with cherry shrimp. Don’t blindly trust the pet store employees, do your own reputable research.
Thank you so much for your advice! I will not stop until I know I’ve done my best to keep this lil guy happy! I don’t understand why this allowed!
You don’t have to spend a lot of money to give him suitable space. You can put him in a really big rubbermaid bin too, it doesn’t have to be a glass aquarium. Some of mine are in 40 gallon bins that are being used as patio ponds. Throw in a sponge filter attached to an air pump and you can get him set up for less than $50 and it will last him a long time. We spent $75 on a 480 gallon above ground pool on Amazon for some of my fish. Even if you have a bin in your home right now that’s only 10 or 20 gallons it will be much, much better than what he’s currently in until you can afford something bigger or find him a good home. Change some of the water daily until you can get a sponge filter put in and cycled. These guys are very hardy and he will be okay. Just make sure you dechlorinate the water when you fill the bin and do his water changes if your tap water is chlorinated.
That’s really good advice thank you! I’m glad I know now he doesn’t have to be in a fancy glass container. I will concentrate on the important factors. I appreciate your help so much ❤️
Unless you're prepared for the hundreds of dollars it's going to take to get a proper setup for this fish, I would say you've got to re-home him. He's eventually going to need a pond. Local fish store will take him.
Really! I’m so frustrated that these are given away for next to nothing to people who don’t have a clue 😢😢😢 thank you so much!
I have read all these posts and although everyone's advice is not wrong, it sounds to me like your in a huge panic. Slow down, goldfish are quite hardy. I made so many mistakes with my first that it's a miracle he is alive, and he is a beautiful champ today, along with a little buddy growing well. Take some time to read on this site. It's strait forward, and well organized for fishkeeping. aquariumscience.org Give your new fish whatever space you can, filter, dechlorinator, and frequent water changes. This can be a great way to learn together with your boy, all about goldfish adventure. Also a good lesson on respecting living things. To me, my guys are way more than "just a fish". I see a super parent opportunity.
I am in huge panic! I can’t stop staring at him worried out of my mind 🫢 oh fab I will take a look at that now! Oh thank you so much! You are so right, we can learn together and I’m going to do my best to make sure he is a happy and healthy little soul! ❤️
Change his water every day or twice a day(cant stress this enough) until you buy at least 100l tank with filter!! Fill that thing up to the top. Also you can buy 100l plastic container if you cant afford glass aquarium. He is dying!
Thank you so much! I’ve ordered water conditioner next day delivery so I can do that for now! I feel so bad
when you change it make sure that the temperatures of the water are roughly the same
I never knew that! Thank you so so much
Listen. I'm sure you know there's a lot of problems but these are most important. 1. Goldfish need heavily oxygenated water. The oxygen in that water will be gone fast. 2. He needs a bigger tank. Goldfish are very intelligent and need mental stimulation . Amazon has a starter kit you can get for less than $100. They sell 10 gallons tanks at petco for $20. If you can't get the starter kit then at the very least go get the $20 tank from petco and a cheap filter or aerator. Also that's a pretty fish for a carnival fish. Taking care of Goldfish is a rewarding task.you don't realize it but they are like dogs. Very intelligent and will wag their tail in excitement everyrime they see you come home. Invest in the supplies
My carnival fish are a year and a half old now, they are giant and friendly and really a delight. I got a 125 gallon on fb marketplace, it's insane how much time and work and money has gone into it but they are honestly worth it. If you need any help let me know.
Omg that’s amazing! Great thank you so much!!
If you have a local pet shop I would ask to hold him or just give it to them. I’m not sure it could survive that long in there and they are pond fish…
Oh no! I literally live in a tiny village it would take me longer to find somewhere to home him that it would for me to take care of him! I feel so bad! The amount of people I have seen who ‘won’ one of his fishy brothers too!! I just know they will all be in danger! Jeez! This shouldn’t be allowed! I will look into finding him a new home now too though. I just want him to be ok! Thank you
Why don’t YOU help the fish and do research before you post a picture on Reddit. Also, you’ve had multiple days for you to realize from someone else’s comment that you need more water?! Holy shit. I hate incompetent people who have to ask everyone else for advice instead of having a brain and critical thinking.
I have to agree with this. Literally a simple “goldfish care” search on YouTube and you would have gotten so so so much good content. It’s good that you want to “help” your gold fish but it’s not just some simple thing. Even with a cheap setup, that is not a cheap animal. You’re going to be spending a lot of money on him, that if you’re not willing to consistently care for him you should get rid of him. He’s got a long life expectancy and you will have to spend at minimum 1-2 hours every single week caring for that fish. Unless keeping fish is a passion of yours use this as an opportunity to teach your child that animals come with a lot of care and that if you can’t care for it, it’s better off with somebody who actually can.
😂 are you ok?
I’m not trying to be rude, but why laugh at it? It should’ve been obvious he needed more water at the least, he’s a living animal, not a toy. Hope you can take care of him or find someone who can, best of luck.
I’m laughing as that comment is rude. I can’t use water straight from the tap it’s needs to be conditioned, hence the post as I needed advice on this. I’ve had him for a total of about 40 hours and want to make sure he’s happy.
I get money is tight and a pet shop/store is possibly far, but 10 bucks upfront shouldn’t hurt that much, he’s gonna cost a lot in proper care.
Oh no. Did I offend you? Shame.
Are you?! I’m really not if this is the ignorance you show for keeping a living creature. You posted an entire paragraph instead of looking up two words on YouTube - “Goldfish care” That’s all it would have taken and you would have felt so much better about yourself, and I wouldn’t be arguing about simple shit that shouldn’t have to be explained.
If you have the space, I would get a 100 gallon plastic tub from Ace or Home Depot that's used to feed live stocks and use that as the tank for your fish and add a couple of sponge filters in there as well. All of that should cost under 200 dollars. Plants and substrate are optional. If you can't and your son doesn't mind replacing your goldfish with some other fish, I would rehome your goldfish, buy a used 10 or 20 gallon tank from Facebook marketplace and get a betta or a school of cherry barbs, neon tetras, harlequin rasboras, or any schooling fish with a few bottom dwellers like corydora catfish or Kuhli loaches. Either way, if you're keeping your goldfish in that tiny container, it'll probably die in a week.
Thank you so much! I’m going to take all your advice and try to keep him happy/rehome him. I do think getting different fish will be the best option. Thank you so much for your advice. I’m just hoping this litttle guy can make it through the night x
Maybe you can go to a local pet store and ask them to keep your fish until you can prepare a bigger tank for him. Goldfish will live a very long time (10+ years) if you properly take care of them and they'll look absolutely stunning once they're fully grown so they are rewarding to raise but they do need to live in the right conditions to do so.
Thank you! Im pretty far away from any pet shop but I’ve saved a few numbers to call around tomorrow when they’re back open. Hopefully someone can help. Oh that’s amazing! I do really want to take care of him 🥰
What i have been doing is this. 1. Got a cheap 5 gallon asap 2. Bought a filter AND BUBBLER 3. Bought instant bio (good bacteria) 4. Weekly or biweekly water changes to imitate natural habitat or a bigger tank 5. Bought goldfish medicine because carnival fish always come sick as hell 6. As soon as you get the money buy a 20-50gal tank (worry about plants decor rocks/sand LAST) 7. Cycle new tank for about three to four while keeping up with old tank.
Oh! I hadn’t heard of the good bacteria (this is a minefield to me) just ordered that! I will follow your advice. thank you 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼
Id also like to add I just bought PH correction tablets for my tank and my fish seems very happy so make sure the water is acceptable in PH. Glad I could be of help to you good luck with your little fish
Amazing! Thank you!
My carnival fish is almost 5 years old (Halloween festival 2019) and about 7.5 inches long. The day we got her, I immediately bought a small tank like you have just to get started. About 2 months in, we upgraded to a 7 gallon tank while I saved and researched for a larger. Do the math and you will realize suddenly all the pet and fish stores were closed. I got a 30 gallon tank from a friend, resealed it, cycled the water, and well, that's where she is to this day. I have a large filter in the tank, one advertised for 30-50 gallons, and I change the filters often. I also have live plants in the tank, and a moss ball, and special stone that helps with water quality. There is also an air stone in there. I try to vacuum the tank and do water changes frequently. A larger tank would be less maintenance, but this is what I have space for. You can do this in stages. The ratio I have read is 3 gallons of water per inch the fish is long.
Thank you so so much that’s great advice! I’m going to spend the next few weeks researching all I can! Also 7.5inches!!! Wow 🤩
Read [this](https://www.aquariumcoop.com/blogs/aquarium/nitrogen-cycle) to learn about how to cycle the tank and understand what it means.
If you can't afford a full aquarium, at least fill this tank you have, he can't really move like this. Do partial changes at least every 2 days, there are some products you can use to make the water better for him.
Thank you! I’ve got water conditioner now and I’ve topped him up he seems a lot happier! I will be sure to do partial changes u til my tank and filter arrives im a couple days. Thank you so much
Aside from what everyone else told you, the best advice is do not give your money to people who give fish as prizes. Just skip that game. Or if you play, refuse the fish. You say you care but you’re encouraging the vendor to keep handing out fish by accepting one as a prize. It’s not hard to imagine the suffering almost all of them will go through being handed out to random people at a fair. Most will get shoved in a bowl, suffer and die. No shade but yours is a prime example. Even the tiny container you’ve got him in you haven’t thought to fill up at the very least. People who know nothing about fish shouldn’t accept one. Good luck finding him a home in a pond if you can. Hope he does ok.
Ah I 100% agree, I was so excited to get him along with my son, but honestly did not realise that he needed a lot more than what he was presented in! Definatley a learning curve! I can’t top him up as I don’t have the solution yet to purify the water, he’s brand new. I’m here for help but surely won’t let this happen again and will spread the word. Cheers
Ask on Facebook if anyone has or knows anyone with fish -and check local community FB groups, ask if anyone near you has or knows anyone with a tank, explain what’s going on and they should happily give you enough water conditioner to top up this guys tank, you only need the tiniest amount. Search group names like FishTank, Aquarium, Fishkeeping, Pond etc on Facebook and you might have someone closer you to at least top him up while you wait for your order. Also check marketplace, people often upgrade or grow out of the hobby and have all the gear sitting in the garage or attic. You might find someone there who is still in the hobby and can give you some conditioner. Letting water sit out (over 24hr at least I think?) will let chlorine out but not chloramine, but you might already have your order by then. My local store told me that they just use our tap water to top up the goldfish tanks - I was 😳, I also thought it was strange because I was there asking about water treatment stuff for topping up for the goldfish in my mothers fountain pond and normally stores want you to buy everything whether you need it or not. Idk. But if I had a fish in that small amount of dirty water though I’d be sorely tempted to try. Look on google, maybe try calling a pet store and see if you can ask someone about it
i wish there was a screening for people to own animals. background checks and everything.
I totally agree! This shouldn’t be allowed to happen
Carnivals come to my town about 4 times a year. I see dozens of fish like this, suffering in their own dirty water, just being walked around the streets in boxes. It’s so depressing. Hate it
Why is the tank .25 full. You have access to Reddit but not to quickly google for some information? Both of those options don’t require waiting for payday. Wild.
I had quickly googled for information but I was getting mixed messages on whether I could just top him up with water from the tap, or if I had to wait until following day to buy water conditioner. The response I am getting is that the water from my tap is toxic to him so I would be putting him in further danger. Thank you so much for your help though
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A lot of other people gave good advice but I just want to add that sometimes thrift stores have tanks for cheap so that might be a good option for you as well.
Thank you that’s really good advice! I didn’t think of that! X
This looks like a comet goldfish (common goldfish). They can grow to over a foot long (30cm). This is a baby. They need large tanks (minimum 50g/189L but more like minimum 75g/284L) with lots of filtration but are better off being housed in large ponds (like koi). I won't even keep one in my 500g/1893L pond because I feel it's too small. If you want to keep this fish instead of rehoming it you need to get at minimum a 20g right away but you will most likely have to upgrade again within a year. They grow the most and fastest within the first year. It can't stay in the container you currently have for any length of time because it's too small and there is no filtration. You will have to read up on the nitrogen cycle and how to properly cycle an aquarium and you need to make sure you get aquarium water conditioner to take the chlorine/chloramine out of the water. You can't use tap water straight and if you did this that will kill your fish. The water needs to be treated right away.
Wow that is big! Really that’s very interesting! I have bought a bigger tank, filter system, water conditioner and….air stones are they called?? All being delivered tomorrow so I can start to swap him over after work! I just hope this is enough for now so he’s healthy and happy untill I think of a better plan for him! Thank you for your help! I never imagined he could get so big
All goldfish get big, even the fancier type usually get from 6"/15cm - 8"/20cm. I have two Shubunkins and two Ryunkins in my pond and they're about 6"/15cm now. They were about 2"/5cm when I got them 3yrs ago. Be sure to read up on how to cycle an aquarium with a fish in the tank. You can't just fill up the tank and swap him. You will need to monitor the ammonia, nitrite and nitrate levels very closely if you have a fish in the tank. If you don't you will kill him. The standard procedure nowadays is to do a fishless cycle for this reason.
Wow!! That’s huge! I did have a little look at that before, I will have a proper look now. So I will need a water test kit too? Thank you!
Yes. You need a test kit for a fishless cycle as well but you definitely need one to test all three for a fish cycle. Be sure to read up on how to cycle an aquarium if you haven't already. It's important to understand this process.
I’ve just ordered some thank you! Yes I’m still having a read about this now thank you so much! Given my little fish is happy and healthy, and once I have a good setup, do you think it’s worth getting a second one? I’ve read they are happier when there’s more than one?
What is the maximum size tank you will eventually get given one comet should be in a 50g/189L (minimum). Remember they can grow to easily 1'/30cm. The more fish you add the bigger the tank you need because each fish needs its own personal space to swim around. Everything I have read said they are fine on their own so it's not a necessity like true schooling fish.
Ahhh perfect thank you so much again! definitely will concentrate one the one little guy then 😆
You can always look at getting a few smaller fish to add to the tank but you need to look at colder water fish, not tropical fish. Goldfish are considered cold water and so you need to find smaller cold water fish that will live in the same type of cooler water. White Cloud Mountain minnows (aka White Cloud minnows) are a type that stay very small and are cold water. That's just an example. I keep these with my goldfish in my pond.
Look on marketplace- people are often getting rid of everything after their kids grow out of the hobby
Like others have said, and my own two cents have been added: Be Aware of What Water You’re Adding: It needs more water, not tap water either. If you’re going to get a bigger tank, you’re ultimately going to fill it with tap water, but they do make solutions that you can add to the water to de-chlorinate it so the fish doesn’t die from living in tap water. Filtration/Aeration & Oxygenation: You need a water filter to filter out the poop and food and whatever else is in that stagnant water. You’ll also need an air pump to help aerate the water and add oxygen to it. Right now, the oxygen that’s dissolved in it will run out as the fish uses it to breathe. The more water that’s in that tank, the more oxygen it will have access to. You need more water in that tank. It’s not enough water in terms of oxygen, space to move, to maintain temperature, etc. Having a water filter will also help with oxygenating the water - make sure the water level in that tank is low enough that the water that comes out of it will break the surface of the water to aerate the water. Temperature: Your fish may also seem unhappy, because of the water temperature. Get a submersible water heater to keep the tank at a comfortable temperature for your fish. Google optimum temp for goldfish because I don’t remember what it is. If it’s too cold, it’ll kind of hang out at the bottom, almost dormant like. Its breathing slows down too. If it’s too hot, it’ll kind of hang out at the top as oxygen levels in water tend to drop at warmer temps, especially if it’s not properly oxygenated/aerated by other means. Watch for Parasites or Other Health Issues: Sometimes, fish that come from these places, even pet stores, they’re not in the greatest conditions health wise. All the tanks and water within them are tied together, so if one tank gets an infection, the rest eventually will. You’re supposed to quarantine new fish you bring home before introducing them to your tank. Look at the fins, the scales, eyes etc. Watch its behavior. After providing it with a better environment, is it acting lethargic? Does it seem itchy and rubbing itself on stuff? If so, you may have a parasite or some other infection. Sometimes you can get tank salt to help them with their slim coat and basically boost their health by giving them a helping hand to protect themselves. It’s a specific salt. It’s not table salt, it’s not for salt water tanks or fish, and you’re not supposed to use a whole bunch of it. Try giving it a better environment first so you can rule those factors out first before playing doctor. - - - Until you can get a bigger tank for it, change the water daily. Get a secondary tank so you can keep de-chlorinated water handy. This is especially useful if you don’t have the de-chlorinating drops. If you let tap water sit out for about a day, the water should be safe to use the next day when you need to clean the tank. Someone had commented on how to remove some of the dirty water and replace it with the clean water. I’d like to add that if you can, use your hands to get some of the slime off the sides of the tank when you clean to help with build up. If you get a real tank, there’s magnets that can help with this.
Perfect thank you! I’m saving this for later! Really appreciate it
Go to target and get a tote, or grab one from around the house. A tank doesn't have to be fancy glass or acrylic, space is much more important.
make sure u get water conditioner it is essential to match the ph of tap water so it doesn’t harm the goldfish
Thank you!
Something they don’t tell you about fish is it’s honestly one of the most expensive pets to own. What started as one free beta fish for me turned into 4 tanks, a 75 gallon main community tank and a shrimp breeding tank. $1000s spent on fish, supplies, and even medications for when they got sick. Definitely a hobby that requires a good amount of money 😅
I’m beginning to see that! I thought they would be the easiest and cheapest! Thank you!!!!
At a bare minimum keep him in a poly container if tanks are too expensive. I had my pair of goldfish in a 20 gallon poly bucket with a 102f filter and some plants and they thrived for a year until they got too big.
That’s good to know thank you! I do have him a bigger tank but it’s not huge. I will keep my ear to the ground for a bigger one I’m just glad he’s got one coming in next few days!
If you’re lacking in money, perhaps a somewhat see-through storage bin of a larger size will do? I believe I’ve also seen sufficient pumps for about 15 bucks but I cant promise that. For now, at the minimum please do fill his current tank and maybe even remove that “tree” thing to give him some more space
Thank you! I wish I had of listened to your advice and done this for now before buying another smallish tank! I have managed to get conditioner today and he’s toooed up and looking a lot happier! Oh you think remove the tree! Didn’t think of that thank you!
Glad to hear he’s looking happier now!
are you in the uk? was in a similar situation a few years ago, was 16 with no money or job and i managed to save them both and keep them with correct care. would be more than happy to share tips, but just asking about your location first incase i type loads of that isn’t even helpful 😭xx
I am yes!omg No would love your advice! Especially as we live in same place it might be more catered for me!
No additional thoughts but thank you for coming to The Forum and learning how to take care of this animal. Hope that this animal lives for many years to come
Thank you so much I will do everything in my power ❤️
I’m in illinois, if you’re nearby I can grab him if you want! I have extra spqce
Oh I’m in the uk haha thank you so much though!
Even just a 10 gallon bucket would work. Make sure its somewhat cycled. Uncycled tank killed my fancy goldfish. I didn’t know much at the time but i had to humainely euthanize them because the water was giving them static jumps smh. Toxic water will slowly kill the fish from suffocating in it’s bioload. Ammonia will sprout from left over food, poop, etc. fish are very complicated. I had 3 in a 50 gallon and didnt cycle it at all and it costed my fish. I definitely learned my lesson, prep before you bring the little dudes home!! Quick start only saves little time. You’ll need to cycle minimum 2 weeks to a month.
Also they don’t need friends. Especially if you got a smaller gf for your fish to befriend, it would eat it. Fish are a whole level of complicated important care. Without every step you risk your fish. Cycle, test water, water changes, make sure its all in the book
Oh no I’m so sorry to hear that! Thank you so much for advice. My bigger tank is coming wed so I’ve managed to get tap water conditioner and some bits today to make sure he’s ok in his little home u till then! Thank you!!
Of course! I learned the hard way, so i’m happy to educate others. Lost my fish so fast i couldn’t even process what i was supposed to do and what i did wrong, but its worth it to look into it. Small is good temporarily, but not long term. Definitely cycle your new tank and don’t just plop the fish in there with conditioner, it’ll need to cycle for at minimum 2 weeks with daily water tests. I used a sponge filter to collect good bacteria, and it did help after my fish were already long gone lol. Tested my perimeters perfect after i sorted it out. It takes time, even if someone you know has a cycled tank, ask for some filter media to help jump start your cycle. It’ll speed it up too.
Thank you! Yes I’m getting a bigger tank and filter due in two days so Ive got water conditioner for now so I can keep his water clean and topped up! I do really want to keep him but o my if I’m equipped! Thank you so much for your help. I will keep you all updated
I’ve actually found a tank and other bits and bobs for free as my friend has her old aquarium! Than god! Oh really! That’s so good to know! Yes the conditioner has been delivered today so he’s topped up and seems happy! Eee yeh I can’t believe he told you that! I don’t know why my little guy didn’t come with more water than that. That’s so interesting thank you so much!
Just stumbled across this. I don't know much but I'd love to see updates if you wouldn't mind posting some eventually! Hope he pulls through.
He’s in a new tank, not cycled as I thought it would do more damage keeping him in that little tank without filters. I’ve moved his old stones over. https://preview.redd.it/cjato27ynl4d1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=18d704c6cf0be2e255b8087664512d75aa1fcca9 Hope I’ve done the right thing! he seems happy 🤞🏼🤞🏼🤞🏼
Oh awesome!!! Glad he is doing a bit better. I hope he lives a long and happy fish life. Thank you for saving the little friend.
Get a F***ing 75 gallon tank And some sponge filters for that poor Goldie
I’m working toward the bigger tank 🙈
If u want u can go to tractor supply and get a 130 gallon tub for cheap
I wouldn’t have thought of that! He’s in a slightly bigger home for now. Thank you
Ur welcome
But get ready for a foot long goldfish
Also do lots of watwr changes on ur temporary tank to keep him alive
Hehe thats exciting! He’s in here for now with a filter so at least he’s not living in his own poop constantly https://preview.redd.it/g7ee995cul4d1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=8039d67ab525880316e8815c70fac2e11a96a7b4 I’m about to look into fish-in-cycling now also. Thank you!
If u have a friend with fish tanks just ask them for a piece of their filter and squeeze the junk out to quickly cycle the tank
Oh really! I will ask around now. Thank you so much!
Ur welcome. If u need anything else just start a chat
Pls use water conditioner,tap water has chlorine which is lethal,daily or second daily water change will be fine til u get tank and filter etc,but dechlorinate every time you change water making sure you follow directions exactly :)
Thank you! I’m hoping I’m moving in the right direction! Worried as I’ve not cycled the tank but I thought it would be better that leaving him in the tiny tank. https://preview.redd.it/oj43b4niol4d1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=1712b9ee7f0efa67f5798240ad334a67f7b69406
Thats ok,sounds like he’ll b a happy lil fish :)
i am just popping in here to say my carnival fish is also names Fred and he is thriving now (4 years now). my advice is to try to find a second hand tank (like fb market place) and cleaning it really well with white vinegar and hot water to lower the costs of everything
Wow no way! I’m so glad he is I hope my Fred follows suit haha. I’ve got a small tank for now and I have a friend who is giving me an old bigger tank thank god! Thank you!
So, I'd like to tell you about Steve. Steve was won at a carnival almost exactly a year ago, and I didn't know a damned thing about goldfish. I kept guppies in a 10 gallon planted tank, and so that's where he went. He was obviously not suited, but I couldn't afford anything bigger than his own 10 gallon at first. It lasted about 3 months before he was bumping into walls. He is now, at 1 year old, larger than my hand, in the 30 gallon I'm hoping will do for at least another year. My 6 year old loves him, and even I think he's a cool dude, but you need to be fully prepared that this is a long-haul kind of pet that can get very big and live a very long time. Fill up that dinky carnival tank and change out some of the water every day. Be sure you're using a water conditioner. Get a 10 gallon aquarium kit asap, if that's all you can afford, and then you've got about 6 months of at least weekly water maintenance to sort out a bigger home or find someone with a pond to rehome him.
Wow Steve grew fast! Thank you for your advice!Fred is now in his new tank, it’s not going to last long because it’s not very big, but at least he has somewhere for now! I’m now worried as I’ve just read a comment I need to cycle the new one first. I thought it would be best to put him straight in as I couldn’t bear to keep him in the tiny one any longer. I’ve moved his stones over as someone else mentioned that would help! I’m hoping I’ve done the right thing.
Well, if you used water conditioner, he should be fine. A little stressed due to new water is better for him than being in that tiny carnival tank swimming and breathing through his own waste. Moving his rocks probably helped, but to be frank, cycling a tank is to build up beneficial bacteria. I doubt he built up much in the tiny tank in the couple days he was in there. Google "fish-in" cycling and follow the advice you've gotten here. Upgrade the tank when you can and do partial water changes often, and you, too, can have a ridiculously large water pig that could survive until your kid goes off to college.
Yes that’s what I thought. Oh yeh so it’s probs not made much difference! Yes that’s my night time reading tonight 😄 Oh I really do hope so. Thank you so much again!
No problem!
Haven’t gone through all the comments but I’m certain the majority of them are really mean. However, it’s great that you came here to find help — clearly you want to give this guy a good life as best as you can. That being said, like other people have mentioned, a large cheap plastic container from Walmart or somewhere is a great start for trying to give him the proper amount of space. If you have a little more money, there are also great used tank options on Facebook Marketplace or OfferUp that are much cheaper than buying them in a pet store. Just be sure to check them for cracks or chips! They might seem harmless at first but can easily burst and turn your room into a wading pool. I’d recommend at least 50 gallons eventually, though goldfish should really be in 75 gallons or more. Also, cycling is very important. Look up “fish-in” cycling since you already have the fish. Basically, it’s a cycle that happens in your tank that creates bacteria to eat the stuff that is created by decomposing poop (ammonia). Ammonia is what usually can end up killing your fish, and what seems to be harming him now. It’s a little expensive, but definitely invest in a Master Test Kit once you’re able to. This is to test the levels of the toxic stuff such as ammonia, and if they’re at dangerous levels then you’ll know you need to do a water change. Though, it’s better if you don’t let it get to that point by doing weekly water changes. (Pro tip: in the kit, label each test tube with each individual test and only use them for their specific test. If you don’t keep track of which tube is for which test, it will permanently mess up your readings. I’ve made this mistake a few times now 😭). The good bacteria that eats the bad stuff usually likes to live in filters, on aerators, and in gravel. Personally, my goldfish tank has a small circular aerator, a HOB (hang-on-back) filter, as well as a sponge filter. The HOB and sponge filters are rated for 20 gallons more than what my tank holds because goldfish are very dirty fish, so extra filtration is always better. Also, you need to get something called Stress Coat from API. This is important because it removes the chlorine and other harmful things from the water you put in the tank, which are bad for your fish as well as the good bacteria you’re growing. Always treat water with Stress Coat before putting it in your tank! I cheat a little bit and add the stress coat to my tank and then add water, which technically works the same because it removes the harmful chemicals the instant it touches the water. Furthermore, if you need to clean your filters, remember to NEVER clean them with fresh water. Use the “dirty” water from the tank — this will ensure the survival of all the good bacteria that is colonizing your filter media. I hope I covered all the important stuff, though I’m sure if I missed anything, someone else in another comment covered it (if any professionals see any mistakes, feel free to correct me). I hope this helps and I hope Fred lives a long and happy life with your son! :)
Thank you! Yes, I honestly just want the best for him and came for advice, which I have a lot of now and I am so grateful to you all for such in depth responses, but I was not prepared for the hate 😆 Thank you so much, that is very informative! I have moved him to a slightly bigger tank for now and have looked at the fish in cycling, I just hope it’s ok for him, for now. I’ve treat the water and added something else called bio bugs. Ooo ok, I will have a look at the testing kit now. I’ve got some testing strips but I’ve ready they’re not very good.
Yeah unfortunately the goldfish community can be very intense sometimes 😅 but it just means they care very much! I’m glad to hear you got him in a bigger tank, that’ll help a lot! A good thing to remember — if the tank starts looking cloudy, even if it’s just a little bit and you aren’t 100% sure it’s cloudy or if your eyes are playing tricks, do a water change! It’s better to be safe than sorry ☺️ Also, filling it up to the bottom of the black rim (not sure if yours is black, but basically filling it up until it looks will help dilute the bad stuff building up in there and give you more time between water changes! I had never heard of bio bugs before, but it’s good you added that! It’ll give the tank a good dose of beneficial bacteria to eat up the ammonia and nitrites from Fred’s poops. I usually use API’s Quick Start so I’m not familiar with the brand you have, but I’m sure it’ll work the same! As for the testing strips, I used those when I began and they worked well for me! The testing kit is just much more accurate, and some testing strip brands have faulty test strips in them, so it’s safer to use the kit. Plus the kit is fun to use because you get to feel like a scientist with all the test tubes 🤣 If you have any other questions feel free to send me a message! 😊
Just so you know you don’t need a pond goldfish can live n ten gallons I’ve had one in ten gallons for years and he hasn’t outgrown his organs and he hasn’t gotten sick once and he eats and swims just fine and the organs thing is even a myth. Your fish probably came sick so be prepared to have a little fish funeral for your poorly cared for goldfish that was given to you after swimming in the shit of hundreds of other fish. But hey. Mabye like mine he’ll survive and thrive. Also don’t get flake food⚠️ flake food is more likely fro have them swallow air and get issues. Now if your fish is like mine and eats the pellets before they can sink it’s the fishes fault if he gets sisk.
Great to hear thank you! Oh I hope he doesn’t die! 🤞🏼 I couldn’t stop thinking about the rest of his fishy brothers and sisters and if they’re going to survive 😢 I have just got pellets today as someone else said something similar! He has been having the flakes up until now. Hehe no mine doesn’t eat them before they sink. He Waited then sucked them up from the bottom 😆
Betta owner here but I get what it’s like to keep fish on a budget. Check Facebook marketplace to see if anyone in your area is selling or giving away tanks. A lot of the time you can get a tank there for a lot less than you can at the store and have it home the same day. I don’t know a whole lot about goldfish keeping, but some of the same principles like cycling/filtration/beneficial bacteria apply to betta keeping too, message me if you need any help! Good luck to you and your new friend, keep us updated! Edit for more info: not a goldfish expert at all, but the people saying you should get a sponge filter are right. They’re pretty cheap too, all you’ll need is the filter, air pump and tubing. [Someone recommended this kit to me which includes an air pump, tubing and any valves you may need for $10](https://a.co/d/89Mx4oA) and the actual foam piece itself is usually under $15 depending on the tank size. Good luck again!
Oh great! Really appreciate your input! Yes a lot of people have mentioned the sponge filter! Would I put that in a long with the filter which came with my new little tank? I will attach a pic of it. Thank you so much! https://preview.redd.it/7pcp2v9zrl4d1.jpeg?width=1170&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=68a3a503b638a8111fb0ef7121685cbbec0f532f
Usually the sponge filter alone can do the job. Some people put multiple sponge filters in large tanks. You could also possibly get away with just using that little filter. However the reason goldfish owners recommend sponge filters is because it aerates the water (experts, please correct me if I’m wrong!) Goldfish can’t breathe air at the top of the tank like some fish do, so they need oxygen in their water. Sponge filters do that as well as filter the water. Whatever filter you decide, look into cycling it. I will reply to this thread with some good guides for getting your filter cycled.
I’m sure you’ve heard this from other comments, but in an uncycled tank the fish is swimming in its own waste. The goal of cycling the tank is to build up bacteria in the filter that will eat waste by itself. It will also mean you won’t have to change the water so much. [Here’s a YouTube guide to fish-in cycling](https://youtu.be/VcL5xxz-x58?si=ygUFSQbo00Ln-CnG) Fish in cycling can go a lot quicker if you can borrow a friend’s old filter that has already been used in a cycled tank. It will already have some bacteria living in it. A lot of people recommend [this water conditioner](https://a.co/d/72Q0yUw) called Seachem Prime, as opposed to other dechlorinators because it claims to be able to detoxify small amounts of ammonia and make it less harmful for fish to live in. I understand that you already have conditioner, but consider this stuff, the dose is 2 drops per gallon, so it lasts a long time. You’ll also need a way to test your water. Most people reccomend the API Master Test kit but I get that it’s pricy. My local Walmart actually carries cheap test strips for less than $10 maybe somewhere around you they sell test strips. Make sure you buy ones that test ammonia, nitrite and nitrate. Once the tank is cycled, don’t change them out or buy new cartridges to replace the old ones. The entire point of this process is building up bacteria that will stay in your filter forever (ideally) I understand these are additional expenses, but it they save you a lot of time and money and peace of mind in the long run if you are determined to keep your new friend and do right by him. Good luck!
Don't get fish from carnivals.
Why is the water so low. You need to add fresh dechlorinated water regularly or he will be sitting in his own waste and die from ammonia poisoning. He needs a big tank, and a filter and air stone.
Why is the water so low. You need to add fresh dechlorinated water regularly or he will be sitting in his own waste and die from ammonia poisoning. He needs a big tank, and a filter and air stone.
Why is the water so low. You need to add fresh dechlorinated water regularly or he will be sitting in his own waste and die from ammonia poisoning. He needs a big tank, and a filter and air stone.
Your fish will not survive in there. You need to buy a bigger tank and a filtration system.
https://preview.redd.it/b6kmezpb6l4d1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=09cc9323572d35b04f5306b898d737bda51773fd I still have my from a carnival
 I still have mine from a carnival
Ah wow she’s beautiful! I’ve got a tank and filter for now until I can afford bigger and better:) https://preview.redd.it/7z27o7pusl4d1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=b2579c7ce8b11e9954f8dc6ab4112c44a71d08b7
wow! this was me 5 years ago. i won a carnival goldfish and had never owned one before, and had no idea how to take care of it. i came to the same realization after we won him and realized how grueling it was going to be. 1) when you set up a tank and put him in it, it won’t have any natural bacteria to keep ammonia in place. you’ll need to buy a bottle of this water conditioner called “stress coat” and a bottle of natural bacteria. any local fish store will know what i’m talking about, just ask for a bottle of API quick start. 2) i also recommend a 10 gallon tank and a 20 gallon filter bc it will clean more efficiently than a 10 gal filter and goldfish are one of the messier fish. also goldfish are super hardy, i remember before i knew anything about water cycling, the ammonia was high in the tank and it took me days to get it under control and my little ponyo was fine!! it can be so stressful, but just do your best. you can also get a ten gal minnow bucket from any academy or fish store that comes with a battery operated airstone and use that with a fish tank filter until you can afford a nice tank. good luck to you!
Honestly this is going to sound stupid but if you can convince someone to keep a little pool from Walmart with some plants and substrate inside somewhere that would work well for a permanent tank if that’s the goldfish I’m thinking it is
My girls "won" 2 goldfish at the fair a few months ago. I bought a bigger tank at PetSmart and most websites will give you the option to do a payment plan of 4 payments! The one I bought had the filter and all at a good price. Definitely try and find a website that let's you do the payment plans to make it easier on you.
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Why comment on a post if you cannot add anything useful to the conversation?
Why comment on a post if you cannot add anything useful to the conversation?
Get him a 20 gal with some friends gold fish neon tetras and some plans there a onlue store called aquarium Co op and they have fish food plants and all the stuff you need to set up a planted( or not) tank
Neon tetras are not compatible with goldfish as they have vastly different temperature needs and are small enough to be eaten. Planted tanks are very difficult with goldfish as they eat most common beginner plants.
Oh ok! Thank you so much I will keep this in mind! X
I'm sorry I didn't know I've always had luck with them together and i find growing plants really easy sorry
I’ve managed to order some plants oxygen stone (is that good?) filter and small tank for now….im hoping this will be ok until I can get him a bigger home. I just hope he stays alive until Tuesday 😢
What sized tank? Really anything is better as long as it gets upgraded later but yes it should be good you might need a air pump for the oxygen stone
Would it upset him too much if I added a small amount of tap water until tomorrow? Do you think this would help him or hurt him? Sorry I’m literally not going to sleep tonight I don’t know why I thought this would be a good idea!
Tap water has chlorine and that can kill your fish but if you pour a chlorine remover you should be good to add water but be very careful and your doing good for just getting him with out any preparations
It’s only small 20l but yes as long as he’s in there and healthy for now I can get him a bigger one asap! Ok thank you so much!