New Tank, Will Goldfish Adapt

[o2mcgovem]

Hi,

I have a common goldfish that cost 50p from the local aquatics shop about nine years ago. Seems like I was given some bad advice on fish-keeping, because when I posted here previously I was told off.

The other day, I came downstairs and went to feed the fish, but found him like swimming on his side... it was pretty scary and I was going to (don't hate me) euthanise him since he didn't look happy at all. I changed the water and within a few hours he was back to his old self.

Anyway, now I've got a job I can afford a better tank... he's in a 15 litre one (4 US gallons, 3.3 UK gallons) at the moment and I'm aiming for a 60 litre one (15.9 US gallons, 13.2 UK gallons). Do you think that will be alright? I know you're supposed to use a 20 US gallon tank for just one fish (75 litres).

Can anyone tell me whether my fish will grow to fit his new tank? He's about 5cm (2 inches) now, apparently they grow much bigger but mine's stunted because of his current tank size.

Thanks,
Michael.


This is unrelated, but I've always wondered whether fish aficionados eat fish for dinner? I eat fish every Friday and love it, but I'm not a fish fanatic.

 

[Truck]

Hi,

I have a common goldfish that cost 50p from the local aquatics shop about nine years ago. Seems like I was given some bad advice on fish-keeping, because when I posted here previously I was told off.

The other day, I came downstairs and went to feed the fish, but found him like swimming on his side... it was pretty scary and I was going to (don't hate me) euthanise him since he didn't look happy at all. I changed the water and within a few hours he was back to his old self.

Anyway, now I've got a job I can afford a better tank... he's in a 15 litre one (4 US gallons, 3.3 UK gallons) at the moment and I'm aiming for a 60 litre one (15.9 US gallons, 13.2 UK gallons). Do you think that will be alright? I know you're supposed to use a 20 US gallon tank for just one fish (75 litres).

Can anyone tell me whether my fish will grow to fit his new tank? He's about 5cm (2 inches) now, apparently they grow much bigger but mine's stunted because of his current tank size.

Thanks,
Michael.

your fishes life expectancy will have been drasticly affected by the size of the tank you have kept the goldfish in.

This is unrelated, but I've always wondered whether fish aficionados eat fish for dinner? I eat fish every Friday and love it, but I'm not a fish fanatic.

 

[Colin_T]

generally the bigger the tank the better it will be for the fish. If the fish is 9yrs old and has been in a small tank it will have stunted, but moving it to a 60litre tank will definately give it more room. Chances are it will grow a little bit but not rapidly. Fish do most of their growing in the first year of life. After that they continue to grow just a lot more slowly.
If you can afford it, try getting the biggest tank possible. Often there is only a few dollars difference between a 60 and a 100litre tank. The bigger tank will be better for your current fish and if you want to get more fish.
If you are limited to space then try getting a tank that is slightly wider than normal. Most tanks can be made a few inches wider and still use the same thickness of glass. This helps keep the price down. eg: you can get a tank that is 30inches long x 12inches wide x 12inch high and the tank should be made from 6mm glass. You can also get a tank that is 30inches long x 18inches wide x 18inches high and it will also be made of 6mm glass. It will hold a lot more water but not take up much more space or cost a lot more.

When you get a new tank you should be able to set it up and leave it to run for a couple of days. Then move the fish and filter from your old tank into the new tank. Keep the feeding down for the next few weeks and do regular water changes.