my new tank

Question
QUESTION: i was wondering about my goldfish i keep him in a 1 1/2 gallon tank i realize the recomended size of a goldfish tank is 10 gallons but that is out of my budget so i was wondering if u could tell me if that would be enough my fish is about 1 3/4 in. long also i do not have a filter yet but it will be coming soon and until then i am sopost to do at least 80% water changes right? anyway do i have to get an aireator to? and one last thing what does ph stand for

ANSWER: No, the goldfish will not live long in there. And the minimum size is 30 gallons.

You can get a betta splendens. They can breath right from the air and do not need airstones. 70% water changes twice a week and your set.

pH is the acidity. Nothing you have to worry about. pH only matters in more difficult fish, and in breeding. Certainly no factor in the care of goldfish and bettas.

-Nick

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: hey thank you for the help, Nick and as it turns out i was able to get a ten gallon tank i have to filters and 2 airstones what do u recomend i put in this tank and if my goldfish wont live long what should i do with him? sure it wouldnt have better in the carnaval tank i got him from though. id hate to just let him die but there is no chance of a bigger tank i just got this one because i got it from a friend who wasnt using it anymore. also he has been getting some other problems he has had some white areas behind the gill and on it covering the tips of his fins and on his side then he got some black spots on some of these areas whats wrong with him i wonder? again thank you for ur help so far

Answer
You can put more in the tank now that you have it. Cycle your tank first and then we'll talk about what you like. What you put in depends on what kinds of fish you like.

You can try and give your goldfish away, a pet store may take him if he looks in good condition.

The disease he has is a result of poor water quality.

If your tank is not cycle do 30% water changes every other day until it is. After that cut back to 50% twice weekly.

http://www.firsttankguide.net/cycle.php

-Nick