summer temperatures for goldfish in a 55 gal tank

Question
Hi, Thanks Darryl for your quick response yesterday about my betta in a 5 gallon. I have a few more questions, I hope you don't mind, as I don't really trust the advise of our local pet shop anymore.
I have a chance to purchase a used 55 gallon tank at a good price, I want to use it for a few goldfish. The concern I have is that the only place I can keep it is in a bonus room that gets minimal heating and air conditioning. For the winter I can use a programmable heater. In the summer it gets pretty hot here and I am wondering about the goldfish during that time.
Also, do you have any feedback about celestial eyed goldfish. That was what my little Elmo was. I saw him in the pet shop and couldn't get him out of my mind. I went back a week later and he was still there and i bought him. I discussed my tank size(2gal) with the store owner who said it would be fine. I had no knowledge of goldfish and thought like most people that it was a step up from a bowl. I would have gladly purchased a larger tank for him had I known. It was a horrible experience watching him die. Were they wrong to tell me to treat him in the same small tank or could I have saved him by putting him in a larger tank?
I really think they are cute but I have read some things about it being cruel to own them and about their shorter life span. I understand the need for gentle tank decorations and keeping them with similar fish. I wouldn't want bubble eyes and My daughter really wants a black moore. I know not to overcrowd and am fine with 3 or so fish, I just really like them.
Also a footnote to my betta Dragon in his new 5 gallon home. He is like a different fish. In his bowl, and even when I had him in the 2gal, he was lazy and slow. Now he is a firecracker and we have a huge amount of bubbles he's been blowing. He is also very interactive and curious, really responds to us. I will never again have a Betta in anything smaller. I asked yesterday about tank mates for him, now I wonder If he would be happier left alone, any thoughts? Also, should I keep the light on all night?
I can't tell you how thankful I am to have found this site. Sorry this is so long, I just wanted to get everything in so I wouldn't have to bug you again.
                         Thanks, Diane  

Answer
First off, let me congradulate you on your betta! Betta males blowing bubbles is a terrific sign. It means he's happy, healthy, and... well... Let's just say that 2 gallon tank might be home to a female betta, if he had his way. Bubble nests are how betta breed. Males build this nest as a way of showing females he is ready to breed. He will store the eggs in this nest, and as they hatch eat the fry! So, some times it's a smart idea to move papa fish away from the bubbles. However, if there is no female, there are no fry to eat.

Anyways, Goldfish are amazing little devils. They can tolerate 35*f-80*f before really showing signs of illness. The best way to keep them is in the 60's. Winter time, cooler water will slow them down, they wont eat as much (if at all) and will often towards march lay eggs if they bred in the late summer. As the summer waters (hopefully no warmer then 70*f) warm up, the eggs will hatch if any were laid, and the fish will perk up and start eating tons more. If a stable 65*f can be kept year round, that's a good place to keep it. Air conditioners, chillers, and the like are not needed though. Just keep in mind, the warmer water will shorten their lives a bit. This does not mean they are not healthy and happy, they're just not in their ideal conditions.

As for treating, I try to treat my fish alone, in small tanks. When thats not avalible, i'll try to keep all my sick fish together in a smaller tank if possible. When thats not avalible, i'll treat the whole tank. Yes they were correct in saying treat him in the tiny tank, but they were wrong to keep him in a tiny bowl the whole time. In the 55 gallon tank, you might be able to pass with 4. A black moor should fit in with other goldfish too, but try to avoid the bubble brain and bubble eye fish if you can. They're bred poorly and typically have shorter, less healthy lives. Also, with a 55 gallon, consider making one huge tropical tank. a 55 gallon tank could make a beautiful show tank, with cardinal tetras, a yoyo loach, guppies, swordtails, angles, barbs, all sorts of different fish. You could even get cichlids or other similar fish. Look into it, and if you decide against goldfish, i can get you a good portion of the knowledge needed to care for a community tank.

as for specifically celestial eyed gold fish, I've never kept one. I'm not a terribly huge fan of goldfish. Personally, I've been working my way towards an 1100 gallon tank for my dad's garage. I want to get a black tipped shark, but he's against moving his mustang to make room for a man-eating shark. To each is his own, right?

With a massive 55 gallon tank, you could have 3 different types of goldfish, or 4 of the same, or 2 pair. Whatever you decide just be sure you do research on them to know their exact likes and dislikes!

Best wishes!