Good starter fish?

[Roxyluvsme13]

Someone told me they needed at least 10 gallons, but okay..

[Suki Wingy]

Hey! Just wanted to stop by and say good luck! I agree a betta with a heater is good.

[Iilo]

Well, I got a fantail goldfish and a 10g.

I realize perhaps that this isn't the best choice, but if Ghettoblaster survives and grows in the 10g, I might have to invest in a bigger aquarium.

I kind of want to get him some fishy friends (which I'm sure none of you will be very pleased with, considering the advice I've already gotten). Petco says he won't get along with anything but Koi, but I really don't believe that -- would he get along with a guppy/guppies?

[bckrazy]

A fantail in a 10g is fine! The basic rule for Goldfish is 2 gallons per inch of fish. =0)

I would be very sparse with adding anything. Guppies would not do too well, IMO, because they need warm temps while Goldfish like cooler water. I'm trying to think of a good Goldfish-friend, but I can't off hand. Maybe adding a few little things, like a pair of mystery snails or ghost shrimp?

[Iilo]

I think the problem I'm forseeing is that I've read fantails can grow to be 12"?
That's what the tag on it at Petco said and that's what the internets say.

And 12" x 2 = 24g, which is a LOT more than what I have. Of course, right now, he's got a lot of space.

I'd really prefer a fishy companion for him, because snails, frogs, and those fish that suck on the side of the tank creep me out hardcore. I've never seen a shrimp, so I dunno about those... I'll google them.

[IRescue452]

He'll hopefully stay healthy in that tank. He needs to be by himself or maybe with a platy. There is no room in that tank for more fish because of how much ammonia and wastes he will produce. With more fish the water chemistry will be unstable and possibly kill them. Guppies are also a tropical fish. They need tropical temperatures and prefer a slightly less alkaline water than goldies. You shouldn't mix them. Platies are a tropical fish, but they can thrive in colder temperatures than the average trop. Never put algae eaters with goldfish because it is risking the life of both species. Plecos and other sucker fish can kill slower fancy goldies, and goldies can try to eat the plecos and get them stuck in their throat. You might find people who say they have both species together, but these people are playing a deadly roulette with the fish and they obviously don't care if something happens.

[IRescue452]

The general rule for goldies is 20 gallons per fish. Goldfish produce so much ammonia and nitrates that they can die quickly of toxic poisoning in a small tank. The 1" per gallon rule (or 2" as you say) is also old and outdated. Its like all the other old wives' tales you still hear. Different species have different biological loads on the water chemistry and each need different amounts of space. The 1 inch per gallon rule is rarely correct.

Sorry. You need to get a test kit (liquid only, no strips) for the water and read this article. http://www.aquariumadvice.com/articl...q=2&fldAuto=21 You didn't cycle the tank before adding the fish so you will need to test the water daily. Many goldies do not survive the tank cycle because of the fast and large spikes in toxins in the water.

[Iilo]

If you read it correctly you would see it said per INCH of fish?

[bckrazy]

Honestly, the advice of 2" per gallon came from members of the Silicon Vally Aquarium Society, so I do trust their advice. =/ It's heaps & heaps better that she is keeping her fantail in a 10g, as opposed to the majority I have seen being kept (usually in multiples) in unaerated, 1-5 gallon bowls. Being a Betta lover, I understand, and I would love to see everyone keeping their Bettas in 2.5-10 gallons each. Do most people? Not at all. And I'm happy seeing people keeping their adult Bettas in 1 gallon, even.

Iilo (Erica) , if you are worried about Ghettoblaster out-growing his tank, you can always exchange him for fish that you're more comfortable with. For instance, you could get a couple male Guppies and 4 female Guppies... I love guppies! Or Platys, or Swordtails. You can keep several of these in the 10 gallon together peacefully. (just keep the 1":1 gallon rule in mind). I really like his name, btw!!! ^^