Ok, just an update. Tank has just fully cycled, hurrah! Fish are showing no ill effects from the cycle. Both are very lively and eating well so happy days.
Now I have been thinking a lot about the 2 fish I have. Because they are common goldfish, i know they are gonna outgrow the 25gallons fast! I do have plans to buy a 75 gallon tank in the next few months, but I want to use this as a tropical tank, not goldfish. So I dont know what to do about the goldfish... I have really grown attached to them, which is why I want to do something about them outgrowing the tank...
I live in Ireland, so I'm pretty sure there are not many people here who own ponds that I could donate them to. Another option could be giving them back to my local fish store for free. But I would be afraid that they would be resold and put in the exact same situation as they began with me, which was in a tiny plastic bowl. They might not get so lucky with their next owner!
Other than that, the only option I have is to keep them in the 25gallon. I know their growth will the stunted and their life expectancy will drop considerably, but I feel it will be better than being resold in a bowl.
I know its my own fault for not researching before I got them in the first place. What started out as a lil pet for my daughter has turned into a full blown hobby for me! Well let me know what you think.