New tank

I am thinking of going out at the weekend and buying a proper tank for Goldie, the goldfish - dont blame me for the name please!

What sort of tank should I be looking for? Do I need one with lights - the one it's in at the minute doesnt have that. Also I am thinking of getting it a little pal, it seems a shame to keep it on its own, so if I am going to do that, how big should the tank be?

What type of fish would go best with it? I am presuming it would have to be another goldfish, but do some grow bigger than others?

like the name, its original! I don't know how big you current tank is but a nice one to get is the Fluval Uno 600: http://www.seapets.co.uk/product-details/stkcode/660232/category/965.html

It's about 60 litres and has a nice filter and lights. As for a companion have a look in LFS but i used to have shubunkins and and they are lovely:D

The recommended tank size for goldfish is 45litres for one fish and 35litres for each subsequent fish - so a tank of about 90litres would be what you should look for.

Some goldfish grow bigger than others. I have a fantail and a black moor in mine and to be truthful they do not seem to be growing at all, with their bodies about 2" and then a bit longer finnage, but I dont think they will grow huge.

As Matt says, have a look in the fish shop and then research what the adult size will be.

Good luck!

As Diana said above. If you think about it, keeping goldfish should be approached the same way as keeping tropical fish. Basically it's the same setup - tank, filter, lights, decor, plants (real or fake) - the only thing different is that you don't need a heater although some people (i.e. Diana) spoil their goldies and use a heater also to keep the tank temp. steady at 18C. :lol:

My coldwater community includes a Black Moor, an Orange Fantail and 10 White Cloud Mountain Minnows in a 60L tank. All coexist very peacefully. I'm planning on possibly developing an outdoor goldfish pond for the two goldfish as my tank is just a little bit on the small side for them to reach their maximum growth potential of about 30cm.

P.S. I don't use a heater as the tank temp seems to stay at 18 in winter (although it goes up to 21C in summer) so I'm a disgrace to the name of goldfish keeping...

My goldies tank is currently 23C!!! That's with no heater in situ, but they seem to tolerate it ok. That's why I warm the water sloghtly when I change it because I think the ice cold water from the tap in the winter would be a shock to them

Ah the old central heating is obviously on full-blast then! :lol:

TBH nearly all goldies (except fantails) grow out of most tanks, but the bigger the better