Starting a goldfish aquarium

[guinea]

I'm considering starting a goldfish aquarium. I would do a fishless cycle of course. I'm thinking a 40 gallon for 3 fancy goldfish. I have a few questions first:

1. What's the best type of canister filter for goldfish? Best filter media?
2. What's the best substrate? Sand or gravel?
3. Can you mix any type of fancy goldfish (like, a black moor with a bubble eye)?
4. What's the best diet? Flake or sinking pellet? Veggies?
5. Lastly, how long can goldfish healthily go without food? Like if I went away for a week, would I be better off leaving them unfed than with vacation feeders?

Thanks!

 

[IShallNtEatFish]

First I think you should take a look at this thread.

http://www.aquariumadvice.com/forums/showthread.php?t=265871

Also there is a cold water section of this forum where the people there are goldfish experts. They can answer all your questions.

 

[guinea]

Thanks, I will post this in the cold water section instead.

 

[Wy Renegade]

Merged your two threads into a single thread placed in the coldwater forum.