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 The 1" per gallon rule (or 2" as you say) is also old and outdated.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.