Fred started out at the half inch size that I posted earler, and is now closing in on 1 full inch--he was the smallest one they had. My son wanted a goldfish, and I certainly didn't mind having another tank in the house...
His 5 gallon tank had nothing to do with money or room; it had to do with everything I could find about goldfish saying that they needed 2.5 gallons per inch of goldfish. I played it "safe" with the little half-inch guy in 5 gallons.
Further research told me that by 1 year of age, he would likely be 2", and I made the decision that we needed the 30 gallon since he will likely hit 6" at maturity. That tank can come in either September or October; that decision
is based on income.
He gets his 1 gal water change twice a week, once a month I change 2.5-3 gallons. We check his water parameters weekly, and vacuum the gravel at the monthly water change.
He eats a little, poops a lot, sleeps regularly, and seems to be growing normally.
He's got a plant, 1.5 inches of gravel, and an in tank filter (this comes with the kit, and is a sponge/powerhead combo to also aid in oxygen exchange).
I have since read many sources that suggest up to
10 gallons per inch of goldfish.
The following quote is just a sample of many websites, and books (along with people) that show the inches per gallon rule that I followed.
"Goldfish Housing: What size goldfish tank do you need?
One inch in length of goldfish requires a minimum of 2.5 gallons; you can increase the size of your goldfish tank as the size or your goldfish increases, but its much easier to start with one that is adequately sized. Goldfish will easily reach 2" their first year, averaging 1" per year thereafter." ~ endquote.
I didn't mean to go off on a defensive rant, but I do want to make sure you see that I did do the research before bringing him home, and that things may not be as
"horrible" as they initially seem. I would not have gotten him had he not been so young/small to start with.
Sorry for babbling.
I am extremely excited about the 30 gal, so we can create a more natural environment for him, and get him a buddy...we may actually be putting the development of my hubby's nanocube on hold to more quickly acquire Fred's new digs.
Hubby doesn't know that just yet
, but it's been in my thought process for a few weeks. ; )