Tropical Fish Forums

[Aivre]

Okay, I have received SEVERAL contradictory answers to this question over the past two days, so I'm trying again here, because I have a feeling that most of the folks here know what they're talking about.

I have what I believe to be a Lionhead Oranda goldfish. I may be wrong about his species. This is what he looks like:

http://i488.photobucket.com/albums/rr241/NetHybrid/Louis_02.jpg

Please feel free to correct me with his correct species.

I'm very confused about what would be the ideal tank size for him. He will be the ONLY fish living in the tank, and I do not plan to add more. I'm aware that goldfish are extremely messy eaters, produce a lot of waste, and get to be rather large as they grow up. Currently he is about two to three inches long, with the tail.

I recently bought a four gallon tank as his previous owner had been keeping him in a glass bowl with no filtration or live plants (yikes, I know.) My question is whether or not this will satisfy him until the time comes for an upgrade. People have said that I would need a 20 gallon tank, but that seems really extreme for one, three inch fish.

Please give me your advice and opinions; I'd like to keep this fish happy and healthy.

[Caton]

There should be anything contradicting a bigger tank

However for the begining of a goldfish's life a 20g is a minimum, I feel a 30g would be best for full grown ones. Please scroll down on this and look at the picture: http://www.aquahobby.com/board/viewtopic.php?t=57406
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[Aivre]

[Caton]

No, it will not be. Unless it is within a week I'd say with daily waterchange's. Fish do only grow to the size of their tank, however their guts do not. Their insides continue to grow cause great pressure on their stomach, until the pressure is so great they die
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[katienaha]

agreed with caton. don't waste your time with "upgrades". Go and get a 30g tank right away (look in your local classifieds, 30g tanks are popular). A 30g with lots of filtration (aim for a filter rated for minimum 45g tank) and you will be set for the fish's life.
http://www.aquahobby.com/gallery/e_goldf.php

[Aivre]

Thanks so much for the advice I'll certainly do what I can to get him a bigger tank asap.

[Caton]

Oh yeah, prolly best to return the fish or donate to somebody with a pond. The tank would need to cycle, look in the article section of this website (to the left) and read up on that; remember google is your friend!
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[diademhill]

That fish is a mixed breed fancy goldfish.

It is an oranda mix as it has the raspberry thing on the head but it cannot be a lion head as these lack a dorsal fin.
It can't go in a pond and could reach about 8" body length looking at it's body shape.

I agree -get looking on craigslist or freecycle for a 30g plus tank.
20 gallons would do for a few months if one turns up but this fish deserves better.

4g is not suitable.