Best Substrate For Goldfish?

[nikkifro8994]

What is the best substrate for fancy goldfish? Gravel, sand, or bare-bottom? If i use gravel it will be smooth pebbles so they don't hurt themselves while rooting around on the bottom. I had 2 fair fish (comets) in a 10 gallon (before I knew better) and one cut himself on the gravel in my tank. Which substrate would you use?

 

[Fishy friend2]

All goldfish are like poop machines, so sand would be mich easier to clean And doesn't get as dirty, as gravel does that quickly

 

[Man of fish]

It depends whether you want a natural look or a Robert look I personally would do sand but it's your tank and your choice

 

[cms091]

I nearly lost a goldfish (a 2" winter purchase, put in tank before putting in the pond in spring). It got a piece of gravel stuck in its mouth. There are always bits larger or smaller than others and I wouldn't want to take the chance again.

 

[nikkifro8994]

How do you clean sand?

 

[dipsydoodlenoodle]

A bare bottom would be the easiest to maintain; however it won't look that nice compared to the others (in my opinion).


A few years ago I'd researched goldfish and sand and it was not recommended as they constatly shift through the substrate and I'd read that the sand can eventually damage their gills.

 

[Cazgar]

When I used to bring in my small goldies for the winter I had them on a mix of sand & large gravel.
They are poop machines so any substrate in a tank will need regular cleaning with a gravel vac or syphon tube.
My goldies are now in their pond all year round, & have a mud & gravel bottom

 

[Fishy friend2]

How do you clean sand?

Hover the siphon over the sand and the debris should come up

 

[nikkifro8994]

Should I use sandbox sand or aquarium sand? I found 3 types of sandbox sand at walmart. play sand, fun sand, and sandbox sand. Petsmart sells aquarium sand. Which should I use?

 

[Fishy friend2]

It doesn't matter. The only difference is the price, and the appearance

 

[Man of fish]

You do realize that the first two sands are colors and the third is pure white? If you are near s home depot or lowes you could get some quikrete playsand for $4 for 50 lb it just needs a tad more washing.

 

[Fishy friend2]

Quickcrete is awesome in my experience

 

[nikkifro8994]

I didn't know that they sold play sand. There isn't anything in it that can hurt the fish? How many pounds do I need for 55 gallons?

 

[nikkifro8994]

So I need this?

 

[Fishy friend2]

Yup, I use it in most of my tanks