transfering 2 Big goldfish

Question
QUESTION: I have Biorb aquariums. I put 2 goldfish in a small one, then transfered to 8
gallon. They keep growing and are very healthy. I now have a 16 gallon Biorb
and want to transfer the fish. The opening on these aquariums is not large. I
have never used a net and have read it is hard on the fish. I can't figure out
how to transfer my 5-6 inch goldfish except to take everything out of the
first tank, leaving a small amount of water. Then pour the fish into larger tank
except the larger is filled and on counter, which makes this very challenging.
Any suggestions? I could pour fish a couple times, into small and smaller
tanks but doesn't this stress the fish out?
We are in love with these goldfish.



ANSWER: Hi Candy
Let me suggest, if those are 2 fancy type of goldfish, they'd do best in at least a 30 gallon tank.  If they're the larger common or comet goldfish, a minimum of 55 gallons(or even better a pond) for them to thrive and do their best.  It'd be much easier, less stressful on the fish, and cheaper for you in the long run to just go with the larger tank and be done with it.  Those Biorbs are neat looking, but as you're finding out, not the greatest tank set up for goldfish :)

Ideally, the best way to catch the fish is with a container of some sort.  I do that with my sensitive fish or ones with spikey spines.  But, you can net them, I just did that over the weekend with my goldfish.  Plus they're too dang fast to try to catch in a container lol.  I would imagine it would be easier and less stressful on them them dumping them out into different containers.  Just have the bucket or container full of water ready for when you pull them out.

Good luck!

Christy

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

QUESTION: I think my goldfish are common goldfish, not fancy type. They are the type that most call "feeder fish." Most people put them in a small round bowl expecting them to live a few months. Everyone is surprised when they see my fish. You are suggesting huge tanks. How big can these fish get? You wrote that you used a net with your goldfish. How large are your fish? You must think a net is the best way to transfer my fish, right?

Answer
Hi Candy
Those feeder goldfish are usually commons or comets.  Comets will generally have a fancier and longer tail, commons have a regular short fish tail, here's a photo:

http://www.kokosgoldfish.com/ftypes.html

I have 3 of those comet "feeder" fish, paid like 12 cents each for them.  They've lived in a 100 gallon pond for the past 9 years now, and they're about 11-12 inches, though they can commonly grow over 12 inches.  So, not only if given the proper housing, diet, and care can most goldies grow over 12 inches, but they can also live upwards of 20 years as well.  Think I read somewhere the record was like 40 years.....

Anyway, yes I use a net for mine.  I have a very large net I use which makes it easier.


Christy