Goldfish keeping

Question
Hello,

I am so confused on the subject of goldfish care about water changes. From a reliable source I read that you should give goldfish at least 5 gallons per fish and change 10% of the aquarium water once a week. Another source says goldfish put such a high bioload on a tank that no more than 2 can be kept in a 29 gallon with large water changes and even then they pollute their water quickly. I wish I knew the truth...
What is the overall best water changing schedual and how many goldfish should really be kept per so many gallons...I know this can be hard to say exactly since it is due to frequency of water changes and filteration. I keep a tiny oranda in a 10 gallon tank and I change about 40% of the water 2-3 times a week and I have a hang-on-the-back power filter. I would love to add another goldie but most things I read say I can hardly keep ONE goldfish in a 10 gallon.

Please give me your always good advice!

Thanks as always!
Happy holidays.
Susan~  

Answer
Hi Susan;

Thanks and Happy Holidays to you too!

I wouldn't add another fish. Each goldfish needs at least 10 gallons of water. Your little tiny oranda will get to be 6 to 8 inches long and needs all the space he can get to do that. Goldfish are deep-bodied and very messy little fellas. The best cleaning schedule I have found is to remove 25% of the water every week while vacuuming the gravel. Also avoid overfeeding. Be sure your fish finishes all food from everywhere in the tank within 5 minutes. Overfeeding is very common and we all do it from time to time. We just have to remember to clean up after ourselves when we do.

Followups welcome

At Your Service;
Chris Robbins

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