OK new fish owner issue...

[mother]

I was cycling my new tank when I was handed a dilemma. My in-laws had a large comet living in a skanky green 10 gallon tank with a dying filter. I agreed to take on the monster, and added 2 more baby comets and 2 black moores. Later I added a cory, and some snails for bottom cleaning (2 snails).

now you got the background story...here comes the dilemma..

I am informed that my goldfish require at least 20 gals per fish. One has passed away, leave me with one giant one, and 3 small ones. 80 gallons is 50 more then I have. What do I do with the two moores and the surviving comet? I really can't separate with the large comet. Can you bring fish back? Do you feed them to other fish? do you dare people to eat them?

seriously...do I just donate them to the store or what?

[Allivymar]

I've read its 10-20g...

Obviously a single 10g is way too small for those guys. Can you do a 40g? Remember, the biggest issue with goldies is the waste production; if you go with a 40g I strongly suggest over filtering.

If you haven't checked out www.goldfishinfo.com you might want to see if they have any suggestions as well as the ones you get from here :)

[ferret]

10 gallons is definately too small, but anything over 30 gallons will be an improvement. They definately need to get out of the 10 gallon, so if you have a 30 gallon tank, that will be a good solution in the short run. You'll probably still want to bump them even larger later on if at all possible.

And much agreeing with Allivymar. You need filration - lots. They're ammonia factories

[jsoong]

If you can get a pond, the comets will be happiest!
Don't laugh, I read in the "Why you want FW" thread, someone started out with a 10 gal & 11 months later ended up with a 100 gal pond, plus assorted tanks!

Seriously, why don't you take the 10 gal the comet was in, and use that to house 2 or 3 of the babies. The 2 black mores will do fine in a 10 gal for probably a year or more, although ideally they shoud be in a 20 gal once they get to be 4-5" big.

[Crow]

But yes, if you feel you need to, the lfs will usually take back fish and give in-store credit and get your cory some company. Or trade them to fraternities for beer. I usually choose the beer option. Just don't give the beer to the remaining fish. It's only funny for about three (3) minutes.