Moving my goldfish to a new tank

[CheerfulYank]

We have a pair of goldfish that we've had for two years, which is a constant surprise as my limit with fish before this was probably a month or so!

I went in to get them a filter the other day as our tank doesn't have one, just a bubbly thing that puts oxygen in the water or whatever it does.

The new tank has a filter but no bubbly thing. Should I move the bubbly thing over as well, or will there be enough oxygen with just the water running through the filter?

Also, tips to make the transition easier? The woman at the store suggested I let the new tank run for a week before moving them and to put them in a bag and float it in the new tank for a bit to let them adjust, then move as much of their old water/rocks as possible. I don't clean their tank often now and never rinse the rocks very thoroughly, which I think is why they're still alive. So I want to keep the old rocks as they have, I'm assuming, some sort of "good bacteria" or something.

Sorry, I don't really know much about fish; it's baffling that these have made it so long! But as they have we've gotten pretty fond of them and I'd hate to kill them in trying to move then to a nice home!

[CheerfulYank]

Oh, lost a bit there! Went in for a filter and left with a new, bigger tank. :)

[EauRouge]

Goldfish can live a very long time :) 20 years is well within the realms of possibility if you give them the right home. They do grow very large though, so need an enormous tank and a big filter.

If the new tank doesn't have a filter and is small then I'd probably just move them straight over. It won't be doing them any favours being in an unfiltered tank. Just run the new tank for 24 hrs to make sure it has no leaks and that the filter's working.

You new tank will have to go through the cycle which will take a few weeks and you'll have to keep a close eye on the water quality throughout so that your fish are safe. More info here. You'll need a water test kit to monitor the water.

You can move the rocks over, but they won't have much good bacteria on them. Good bacteria need a flow of water over them to thrive, so they only grow in useful numbers in a filter.

You can move the bubbly thing over if you want, but the filter should provide enough oxygen- make sure the outflow breaks the surface of the water and creates a few ripples.

Hope that helps a bit :)

[CheerfulYank]

The new tank does have a filter but the old one doesn't.

The new tank has been running since Sunday, should I move them now? I'm so concerned about killing them! :)

They haven't really grown and the woman at the store said they've been stunted by their old tank being small :( Will they begin to grow again in a larger one?

Thank you for replying, I really don't know much at all about fish!

[EauRouge]

Yes, they'll probably start growing as soon as you move them over. A friend of mine rescues fish and they do bounce back once given the correct conditions. They may never be the healthiest or the prettiest but they certainly can improve.

It can be difficult with stunted fish that have been in unfiltered tanks. They might look like they're doing fine but the conditions will have damaged then, so you'll need to keep a really close eye on the water conditions over the next few weeks. Have you got a test kit? How big is the new tank?

[CheerfulYank]

I haven't got a test kit. The aquarium came with a little empty bottle and said you could fill it with a sample and bring it into the store and have it tested, but it's in a town 45 minutes away and we only get there a few times a month. I could order one though, and have it in a few days.

The new aquarium is 5.5 gallons. The old one is only 2 I think. When I bought the fish they said that would be fine, but everything I've read recently says it definitely isn't.

[EauRouge]

5 gallons? Oh dear. Sit down and pour yourself a large gin. Then read this. I was just posting on another thread that the RSPCA recommends a minimum tank size of 10 gallons for any fish, and that's still way too small for goldfish. Can you return the tank and get a bigger one?

[CheerfulYank]

I haven't any gin! Also it's not quite 11 a.m. here so may be a bit early to break out the sauce. :o

I can't return the new tank as it's been opened and set up. I can't afford a new one right now but I will try soon! Will keep an eye on Craigslist etc...are used tanks okay?

The new one is too small but twice as big as the one they have been in for two years, so should I move then until I can get an even larger one?

[EauRouge]

Ah, it makes sense now. I've in-laws in Canada and I have to say that N America is somewhat behind the curve when it comes to fish welfare (Germany is winning). Everyone will think you're batshit if you provide a proper size tank for a goldfish but it is so worth it, they really come to life when they've got the space.

Used tanks are fine, I've nearly always bought second-hand. My latest bargain was a mere £5 (would have been £100 more than that brand new). Just fill it outside first to make sure there are no leaks. If there's a leak along the join then it's really easy to repair with aquarium silicon.

Yes, the new tank with the filter will be better for now. Ebay is full of test kits or you can order from an aquatic website. You need to be able to test for ammonia, nitrIte, nitrAte and pH. There are loads of other tests too but those are the most important.

If they are common goldfish (the normal fish-shaped ones as opposed to the fat, round ones) then would a pond be an option? Obviously if you are in Alaska then it might not be.

[CheerfulYank]

One is common and one is "fancy" I think :)

I will look for a new tank asap. May need to think of a new place besides my kitchen counter then.

Should I move them today or wait to test the water? I put the tap water conditioner in like I do when I clean their tank.

[CheerfulYank]

Oh and we're in Minnesota so pond probably not an option...-40 winters!

[EauRouge]

I hear you, my in-laws are in Winnipeg and the winters there are no fun.

I would wait on moving them until you've got the test kit. Their current tank may not be ideal but sudden changes in water conditions can be stressful and stress ruins the immune system.

[CheerfulYank]

C

[CheerfulYank]

Oops! Okay, test ordered. :) Should be here in a few days. I'll let you know how they like their new tank. Thanks so much!