New Tank - Should I switch fish over?

lynneticknor

I just got a new "used" 20 gallon tall tank. I already have a well established 10 gallon planted tank with the following fish: 6 neon tetras, 6 rio red flame tetras, 2 cory cats, 2 striped loaches. Is that OK for a 10 gallon tank or should I switch them over to the 20 gallon tank?

I also have two fancy Goldfish in a 5 gallon tank that I know is too small for them (which is why I bought the new 20 gallon tank).

So, should I put the 2 fancy Goldfish in the new 20 gallon and keep the 10 gallon tank as is? Or, should I put the fish that are currently in the 10 gallon tank in the new 20 gallon tank and put the 2 Goldfish in the 10 gallon tank?

Any help/advice would be appreciated - I am a newbie to the hobby!

Cody

Well, a 20G is too small for two goldies. Too small for one, actually full-time...

But the Goldies need to go in the 20. Just keep the 10G as is. Make sure you cycle the 20 by the way.

aquatramp

I agree with above poster. Most goldies get at least 6 inches and that 20 gallon will never do.

lynneticknor

Yes, I understand that the Goldfish will need to be moved to a bigger tank eventually. Right now they are each only 1.5 inches long so I'm thinking that 20 gallons will be OK for awhile. Why is it that fish keepers are always criticized for keeping fish in a tank that will be too small for them eventually but that seems approprate for the time being? I am still new to the hobby, so forgive me for needing to be enlightened. Can't aquariums "grow" with the fish and with the fish keeper (meaning that you can keep upgrading to larger tanks as fish grow or as your stocking plans change?)?

Cody

We say it because your supposed to stock with what you have, not what your going to get. More than 80% of the time people who say they will get a larger tank, don't. It is also very stressful for the fish to go through constant changes as well.

And if you don't mind, what type of Goldfish do you have? Fancy Goldfish is a common name for most goldies... We could help you figure out what you would need it the future.

lynneticknor

One is a fantail and the other is an oranda. I'd like to post pics later today so that you can see them just to be sure I am correct.

I know that they can grow quite big (I think I read 6-7 inches) and I know that I will need a bigger tank as they get older.

I'm just trying to decide what the best use of the new tank I have now is! Use the new 20 gallon for the Goldfish or for the fish I have currently residing in the 10 gallon?

aunt kymmie

I'd most definitely put the goldies in the 20. Even tho they are small they are messy fish so a larger tank would be better for them.

Cody

The 20 should really go to the Goldies.

And the type of Goldfish you have should be fine for a while, like you said. Fantails get up to 6-8" (including tail), and the Oranda has the possibility to get 10", but most stay around 8".

Both produce as much waste as a 18-20" fish though. It would be best to get a 40-55G long term for them (and you may be able to add one or two more then).

iamntbatman

I agree with what everyone else has said.

The problem with not upgrading sooner is that fish won't grow properly in small tanks. Since the fish are being stunted, you don't realize that they should really be in larger tanks. Stunting the growth of a fish isn't something you should try to do in order to keep it smaller, as it causes serious health problems down the road. A fish that has the potential to grow to its full size as quickly as possible will lead a much longer, happier, healthier life than a fish that was confined in a small tank before being upgraded later.

1077

I would simply add what OP may already be aware of. They can use some of the filter media and or substrate from ten gal. to help speed the maturing or cycling of twenty gal.