Questions Re. Setting Up A Goldie Tank

[branjie]

Hi all,
I have a 100L (26.4 US gal) octagon tank that I would like to put a goldie in. I'm moving my tropicals out of there into a bigger tank. Anyway, I have a few questions. Is it o.k to have one goldfish on it's own, or do they really need friends? I know I only have room for one. Also, what about cycling the tank? Is it the same procedure as cycling for tropicals? Oh and do goldfish need plants?

Thanks!

P.S. since posting this topic, I've been to the LFS and they have two beautiful 3 year old Oranda. The lady said that it will be a shame to split them up as they are such good friends. You could see it was true, they were playing together and brushing up to each other all of the time. I know what you're going to say, but I have to ask. Can't I have both? Or is my tank just not big enough?

 

[littlest]

Cycling is exactly the same as with tropicals. Goldfish don't need live plants, in fact keeping plants with goldies can be quite difficult as they tend to eat them.

I wouldn't put two 3-year old orandas in there. If you were to have two you should get young ones and then upgrade when necessary.

In terms of capacity your tank would prob be OK for 2 fancy goldfish (though you would prob have to upgrade in a few years) but the fact it is octagon doesn't help. Long tanks are much better for goldfish IMO.

WHat filtration do you have in the tank?

 

[DevUK]

You will need pretty good filtration. Also, as above, they really prefer a bit of swimming room. I have a lone Fancy goldfish but he has some white cloud mountain minnows in with him. They all get on fine (though goldfish may eat anything that fits into his mouth).

 

[branjie]

Thanks for your help guys. I've decided to sell that octagon tank on eBay, as it's not really going to be fair on the goldies if I put them in there. I'm thinking of changing my new 4ft tank into a goldie tank (I currently have tropicals in there). Would two Orandas be o.k in there? Those biggies seem to have so much character. I'd be a bit nervous about messing things up though, as they are expensive and established fish. I'd feel extremely guilty if I lost them. My tank has a well cycled powerfilter, can I just take out the tropicals and put in the goldies?

 

[black angel]

Yes, you can just swap the fish over. Im sure they would do well in your tank as its established.

If you get a chance, we'd love to see pics once thay have settled in

 

[branjie]

I'm really agonizing over the whole thing. These two Orandas are so cute, and such good friends. It would be sad to see all of the tropicals in my community tank go though. What should I do?