Goldfish help

[CichlidLady0312]

Hello,

I have a 75 gallon tank w cichlids. But I know nothing about goldfish keeping.

I recently won a goldfish from a fair (poor fishes) I placed him in my 20 gallon along w a tetra filter, bubble maker. I fed him goldfish flakes. Hes finally up and swimming around. He was looking a bit down.
Do I need a heater? And if so what degrees. Also could I add a friend in there for him as well? What type of decor do they prefer? Thanks for the help.

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[grode15]

I dont know much about goldfish but I know there cold water fish so you don't need a heater. Good luck with your goldfish

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[Jmunroe]

No heater I wouldn't get anymore as 20 gallon isn't big enough for goldfish.

 

[enrgizerbunny]

You will not need a heater as I imagine you have a common/comet goldfish, very hardy. I would switch your food to a sinking pellet as soon as possible though. Goldfish are prone to swim bladder issues already, and the ingestion of air from eating flakes on a regular basis can further complicate this. Cooked, shelled peas are a wonderful (and extremely simple) addition to their diet, and helps to prevent constipation.

Second is the tank. I would refrain from adding any tankmates in a 20g long, and your goldfish will out grow this tank as well. The closest thing I could compare them to as far as the bioload is concerned is that of Oscars.

Goldfish are messy, they poop a bunch and grow up to 12 inches.

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[em1981ma]

Hi if you want to get him a friend you will have to get him a bigger tank 40gallons i would recommend. Go for other standard comet type goldfish. Dont be tempted to get a black moor or a fancy (fantail) goldfish as comets out complete them for food and can nip there tails. Any decor is fine, gravel. Plastic or natural plants. Maybe get him a hiding place so an ornament with cover.

 

[TigerFusion]

My Daughter won a goldfish at our local Carnival. Did a ton of research (that night) and realized that little dude can get to be over 12" long and live for 20+ years!! SHOCKING!!! We went out and got a 10 gallon aquarium (as a starter just in case it did not last). Two weeks and doing Great! No other fish and I am guessing we will need a new tank in a couple months. The research we did says no tankmates even in 20+ gallons but if you do add any, the goldfish are Fast and competitive for food. They will also Nip the Fins of slower fish. Only possibility I have read of other than another Goldie is a small school of Zebra Danio, which are small and fast swimmers that are ok without a heater. Plus schooling is a protection too. Goldfish do not have a stomach and produce a Ton of waste. I think that is the major reason for the restriction. High levels of Amonia from a lot of waste, plus they can reach max growth in a year or so.