DH won a goldfish. Should we get another one?

[RunningOutOfIdeas]

DH and DD won a fish at a fair last week. Currently it is in a 9l plastic box (the largest suitable container we had). We realise that the best place for goldie is a pond. MIL has a suitable pond and we could take goldie to her next spring.

So we decided to buy a 60l tank to keep the fish in for this winter. Once goldie is rehomed, we will restock the tank with a small shoal of something suitable.

We have a few artificial plants to add to the tank so it is not completely boring. However would the fish prefer to have another fish for company?

[EauRouge]

Ha, I nearly had a heart attack when I saw the thread title but you've done exactly the right things so far. Have you also added a filter? I would recommend getting a testing kit too so you can monitor the water quality as you didn't do a fishless cycle first.

Goldfish do like company but they can live happily alone so he doesn't need a friend right now- you can wait until he's in the pond next spring.

60 litres is a great size for a tank, you could have a shoal of minnows or if you added a heater then there's loads of choice of small tropical fish. A lot depends on your water, whether it's acidic or alkaline.

This is a good link about the nitrogen cycle.

I managed to get through all that without frothing about fish being given as prizes

[EauRouge]

Just realised the fish isn't in the 60 litre yet. Don't bother doing a fishless cycle, he'll be much better off cycling in the bigger tank than he will be waiting in the 9 litre box. Just keep an eye on the levels and do extra water changes if you need to.

[RunningOutOfIdeas]

Thank you. We have a filter and heater. We bought the tank as a kit from Maidenhead Aquatics. Currently we are changing some water every day which seems to keep goldie happy. I hope to fill the tank tomorrow.

DH says this was a very expensive fair prize. But we had been planning to get some fish at some point any way.

[EauRouge]

Ah, you've been to Maidenhead- they are good there. They will stock decent test kits or you can order one on ebay if you want to save a few quid. THe liquid ones are cheaper in the long run and I find them more accurate too.

[BettySwollocksandaCrustyRack]

Good god, dont tell me they still have goldfish in the plastic bags at the fair?? I am gob smacked!! I was always under the impression owning goldfish was easier than a hamster, it is only since having them I realise how complex it can be if you want to look after them properly.

[EauRouge]

OK, I'll bite It's still legal to give away fish as prizes, but only to people over 16 years of age. Some councils have banned it on their property after complaints but it varies up and down the country. The RSPCA did do a campaign but unfortunately no one gives a shit because they are 'only fish'. There was going to be a ban added to the 2006 animal welfare act but it was changed at the last minute.

[Marne]

It should be banned

This goldfish has been lucky, many will go to homes that have not got a clue and they will be kept in tiny plastic fish tanks until they die.

OP, you have done the right thing, he will be fine in the 60ltr until you put him in the pond.