gold fish alone

Question
i got a new goldfish and a new 20gal aquarium
can a goldfish live alone
which place is more more advisable
quite or a public place

Answer
Hi Wali,

One goldfish requires a minimum tank size of 20 gallons for one and 10 gallons for each additional.  So you have done well with your tank choice.  They can live alone and be fine.  They will do well in either a quiet or busy space.

The only thing that you may have problems with is the cycling process.  If you have not nitrogen cycled your new tank before adding the fish he could die.  Most fish do not live through the process.  It's harder and longer with fish present so it's always advisable to do it before you buy the fish.  You can save him but you'll have to be diligent to do 25% water changes every other day and do not overfeed.  You can also add 1 tsp. per 5 gallons of water of aquarium salt and double dose a product called Seachem's Prime.  This can be enough to get the fish through the cycling process but beware, with fish it can take 8-12 weeks to complete.

You'll need to buy a liquid drop test kit and test for ammonia, nitrites, and nitrates.  Ammonia and nitrites should always be zero.  Anything else will kill a fish but during the nitrogen cycle these rise to lethal levels.  This is when the beneficial bacteria is collecting in the tank to handle the wasteload.  A good reference site for new goldfish keepers is:

www.kokosgoldfish.com

Good luck:) April M.