New to site and aquariums...

[joschac2]

Hello all... MY name is Josh and I just bought a five gallon take for my son because he has been hounding me for a fish tank. I have never taken care of a tank nor do I know the do's and dont's.. so please forgive my lack of knowledge. I did use an additive to stablize the tap water that was used. My wife brought home about 10 goldfish from a wedding and put them in... my first guess is that was way to many fish... and know its day 3 and my water is getting pretty cloudy. I did see on the internet that goldfish should not be in a 5 gallon tank.. not even one. so I ask what type of fish are suitable this tank? and how many? thanks in advance for the advice/knowledge.

 

[melosu58]

Welcome aboard. We are glad you found us here at AA.

 

[jcolon]

Hello all... MY name is Josh and I just bought a five gallon take for my son because he has been hounding me for a fish tank. I have never taken care of a tank nor do I know the do's and dont's.. so please forgive my lack of knowledge. I did use an additive to stablize the tap water that was used. My wife brought home about 10 goldfish from a wedding and put them in... my first guess is that was way to many fish... and know its day 3 and my water is getting pretty cloudy. I did see on the internet that goldfish should not be in a 5 gallon tank.. not even one. so I ask what type of fish are suitable this tank? and how many? thanks in advance for the advice/knowledge.

to AA!

Just about the only fish suitable for a 5 gal is small betta and even that's a bit small. Maybe more like some snails or shrimp. However ... if you could go up to a 10 gal ... you'd have a few more options.

One goldfish by itself requires a 20 gal ... then 10 gal each additional. They are very messy fish with large bio-loads for their size.

 

[joschac2]

Thanks for the advice..
yeah that is what seems to be the story... I keep looking around and everyone says 5G is to small... looks like Im gonna have to spring for a bigger tank.... what is a good size to support approx 5-7 fish? smaller fish that is.

 

[jcolon]

Ah ...now the question is ... are you looking to keep goldfish? If so ... for 5 goldfish your looking at a 60 gallon at least. "common" goldfish can grow up to a foot I believe. Fancy goldfish can also get several inches large ... that and the large bio-loads is why you need large tanks with really good filtration.

If your willing to switch to tropical fish ... your looking at a 20 gal al least to have 5-7 fish ... molly's or platty's. IMO a 10 gal is really only suitable for a male betta, shrimp, snails and or to serve as a hospital QT tank.

 

[joschac2]

as I keep reading your correct! 60G tank is what i would need....
I would love some tropical fish. the only reason i HAVE GOLD FISH IS BECAUSE OF THE WEDDING THAT MY WIFE WENT TO... (**** caps locked lol) they were decorations and she brought them home when i told her i bought a tank.. hahahah.. A 20G is about all i have the room for so switching to the fish you metioned seems to make some sence in order to keep the amopunt of fish I would like. Ill prolly keep the 5G and try to put 1 Betta and a snail inside. This will keep my son happy untill I can do some more research and purchase the equipment I will need. I guess my next step is to learn propper setup and water treatment... and while tank is stabilizing then learn the fish! I think thats a good procedure.. Thank you very much for your input! I will be visiting the site often for more advice and to post pictures as i continue to learn and progress with this hobby!

 

[redsea]

Welcome to Aquarium Advice!