fish for small (3gal) aquarium w/filter

Question
We have a new goldfish bowl with a filter that we've had feeder goldfish in and they keep dying. We started with 2 small ones, and when they died we only put in one larger feeder goldfish. We realized after reading up that perhaps it had to do with the good bacteria not being established yet. They all died hours after putting in the "Sparkling Clear" drops by Aquarium Pharmaceuticals. Could that have messed up what little beneficial bacteria that were present?   

Should we try goldfish again or perhaps something else to establish the tank? I know we should go with a larger set-up, at least 10 gal, but we're hoping (space constraints) that something can live in the bowl. Thank you!

Answer
Hi Debbie;

Goldfish just get too big and are too messy for a tank that small. They need ten gallons per fish. Those guys grow to be over 6 inches long. You may have to make a 50% water change to reduce toxins before you can add the next new fish. The drops should not have caused a problem so use them with the water change.

Your little tank can keep up to 3 inches of small types of fish. The best fish for a small tank is a male betta. They stay about 3 inches long and don't tend to be messy. Or, you could have 3 zebra danios or 3 white clouds. These guys all get to be about an inch long. Even if they are smaller than that when you buy them, you have to remember that fish grow, so don't be tempted to buy 6 little fish because they are only a half-inch long. It's just too many.

Here is a link to my article on new tanks to familiarize you with that crazy process;

http://www.xanga.com/Expert_Fish_Help

Here are some others that may help you too;

http://www.firsttankguide.net/capacity.php
http://www.firsttankguide.net/size.php
http://www.marineland.com/science/articles/10caringsmallaqua.asp
http://freshaquarium.about.com/od/aquariumstartup/a/newtankmistakes.htm

At Your Service;
Chris Robbins