Koi fish in a tank

Question
Hello Chris:

Thank you for taking the time to read this.  I love koi and had a koi pond at my old house, but I have moved and now only have tanks available.  I have heard that koi need space, as much as 240 gallons per fish.  Is that true?

I have a 10-gallon tank.  Would it be crazy for me to put koi fish in there until I can get a house with another pond?  How many small ones do you think it could house?  What about a 20 or 55 gallon?

Thanks in advance for your help
Caleb Malone

Answer
Hi Caleb;

Koi do need a lot of space. They get to be 3 feet long. I really can't recommend keeping them in any size tank under 200 gallons unless you plan to move them to a pond within 3 or 4 months. Even while small they tend to be jumpers too and can injure themselves if kept in a tank. Without a definite time-frame and firm plan to move to a house with a pond, it's better not to chance it.

You could instead get a 55 gallon and get some pretty goldfish. No more than 3 or 4 would be very happy in there. They get to be 6 to 8 inches long each. There are some that have multiple colors too just like koi.

Here is a great web page about goldfish care;

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

Here is my own web page about new tanks and how to handle "New Tank Syndrome";

http://www.xanga.com/Expert_Fish_Help

Have fun!

At Your Service;
Chris Robbins