temperature of tank

Question
QUESTION: hello Renee,

Thank you for your instant reply. I want to ask you, when our tank  set up at first time our aquarium dealer set the tank on 28 degree. is it right temperature for them? because in which way he misguide us i don't want to believe on his any statement. I got my mistake, without searching about aquarium or fish details we kept blind faith on him. he just gave us AP800 power water filter which is washable( means its contain sponge which can be remove and clean. is it good quality?

just we want to buy new tank. i searched a lot. i got there is different shapes are available so which type of shape is more comfortable for any type of fish and which type of filter should i have? which  type of gravel? which  tank is easier for cleaning and keeping fish healthy?shall i keep decorative items in that? would they like it?and the light setting means for how much time i should keep light on?

I want to ask you generally how much time it will take to come back their fins? now i thought their fin rot is stopped.

we need your guidance more because we set up tank at first time. if you have any link relating to  this  just send me.
thank you

ANSWER: Hello Pooja,

If it is just a sponge with an intake hose inside it, it's not sufficient, and no, that is probably a major contributor to the aquarium issues you had before.

Your aquarium store person probably didn't deliberately lie to you.  He probably doesn't know better.

I recommend a Hang On back filter, such as the Marineland Penguin 350.  

I would recommend getting a filter that is rated double what the size of your aquarium is.  For instance, if the tank is a 20 gallon (sorry, I get so many questions, I do not recall your tank's size), then buy a filter which is rated to 40 gallons.  It will be certain to do a good job.

For a temperature for your goldfish, I recommend 24C for the goldifish, or 72F.

Goldfish are not tropical.

For tropical fish, such as angelfish, they require 26C, or 78F/79F.

In my opinion, the best shape of a fish tank is the shape that best fits your home's appearance and needs.

For my lifestyle, I cannot have a tank that is on a stand too tall to reach into.  I can't have one requiring ladderwork to get into the top (I had one once that was six feet tall and it was hard to maintain) and I can't have one which has to be too wide, because I have thin hallways and I want to pass comfortably.

The type of aquarium basically depends on your needs.  How to fit the shape to your lifestyle.

The best gravel is gravel which does not contain sulphur.  You can buy aquarium gravel, specifically made for an aquarium.  That is what I recommend.

If you want decorations, it is okay to have them. :)

Fish do enjoy a home that looks natural.

I recommend 8 hours a day for lighting.

Here is a good link to help you set up your aquarium for the first time.

http://www.wikihow.com/Set-up-a-Freshwater-Aquarium

I hope this has been helpful.  If there are anymore questions, feel free to followup by asking all you'd like. :)

Happy fish-keeping.

Renee

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

QUESTION: again thank you so much renee

you are right my tank is only 18 gallon and i ask you question 3-4 time in this 15 days about my goldfish and their fin rotting problem. my lot of fishes died in this 15 days newer and 3 older.

I want to ask you generally how much time it will take to come back their(goldfish) fins? now i thought their fin rot is stopped.

i want to ask which type of fish are hard survival. because my husband is an army officer. he will get posted every after 2-3 years and the traveling distance will be too far from one place to another and every place may be its own disadvantages for fishes like no electricity for long hours or day, water condition change, temperature of places (it can be sometime -40c or sometime 40 degree) now you will be able to understand what i want to ask you.

now we are at good place where we don't have any single problem like that but after 2 years it can be problem. so what i should do?

i have fond of fish and aquarium etc. but if you feel it can be risk for them tell me clearly i will think about it seriously because i was thinking to buy big and new tank. is it right time or should i do arrange my old goldfish somewhere and should think after settling down at one place.

Please guide me because i don't want to take any wrong decision, which will affect to my beautiful and innocent fishes and obviously to me.

Answer
Hello Pooja,

Their fins should look normal within a month to two months, and should heal quickly.  It is amazing how fast they recover once the fin rot is gone.

Goldfish are genuinely hardy fish and they do survive very well, usually, unless they are in too small a fish tank.

Pooja, I can't tell you what to do.  You can make your own decision.

I appreciate it that you are considering your fish's feelings and how it will effect them to be moved every 2 to 3 years, however I don't think that is too often to move them.

I would advise you to consult your husband's opinion.  An army man would have good knowledge how often he will be moving and can give you the best answer for that.

If you are moving where it will be -40c, that is very, very cold.  That is HUGE cold. I don't know how the fish would survive there.  If you do move there, I would consider having a relative babysit them until your return.  Sometimes family can watch pets for you, or you can always sell them to someone if you have to move, later, but for now...enjoy them.  They have a good home with you.

I wish you the best of luck and many blessings to your family and fish.  And, I hope if you have anymore questions, you feel free to ask any followups.

Happy fish-keeping.

Renee