Minimum size tank for 6.5" comet goldfish ?

jennfier

..o0o..o0o..
Aug 22, 2006
318
0
0
SW Ohio
www.aquariacentral.com
Before I knew anything about anything, I put a couple mollies (freebies) in with my 6.5" 4yo comet (40g). Then, abracadabra, I have 3 more mollies and 2 platies in there now. Mollies begat and now have 9 fry.

Petsmart girl trying to convince me that a 10g is enough for her. I am darn sure the 1" to 1g rule does not apply to bigger fish - she wouldn't even be able to turn around comfortably in a little 10g. Is 20g still too small ? 29g maybe ? Even the 40g she's in right now doesn't seem long enough (L=46-48"). Maybe I should get a 20g or 29g for the mollies and leave Dusk in the 40g all by herself. Nose to tip of flowing tail is 6.5". I've had her for about 4 years now, was 1" when I got her. Not sure if her time is almost up, seems to nap more.

Petsmart girl said I could consider putting her in a pond or swimming pool bcos some people think keeping bigger goldfish in tank is inhumane..... Said she knows people who put their goldfish in their pool... Argh. I know, min wage and all that but swimming pool ? I do have a pond in front of my house but my neighbors fish in it and Dusk will definitely get hooked in cos she's such a little pig.

Right now, I WC 2-3x a week & test params right after WC (I'm so diligent at the moment bcos I just had a bout of something, maybe tb maybe parasites, with a few new fish in the tank. Will cut down when things stabilize).

Anyway, I'd really rather not throw her out in some pond or pool but will consider the pond if that's the best for her. Maybe an alternative ? I'm fixing up a 75g right now. Maybe she can go in that one when it's done ? How small a tank is humane ?

dusk.jpg
 
I think 50 gallons is fair for one fish, so a 75 is a good choice.
She looks lovely with her flowing tail and may even grow a bit more with the extra room.
Goldfish lifespans depend a lot on genetics but a good age is 20 but most if well looked after get to their teens.
 
fantail said:
I think 50 gallons is fair for one fish, so a 75 is a good choice.
She looks lovely with her flowing tail and may even grow a bit more with the extra room.
Goldfish lifespans depend a lot on genetics but a good age is 20 but most if well looked after get to their teens.
Wow, I didn't know they live that long and I doubt most people know that when buying goldfish. Maybe she'll live long enough to see my dream koi pond someday.. :)
 
AquariaCentral.com