Question:Hi,
I have 3 goldfish that are about 2.5" long currently in a 29 gallon tank with 30-55 gallon filtration. How long will it take for them to out grow the tank the way it is? Also, after they out grow the tank and have found a new home, what would be some good fish to keep in there with a male betta and a young rainbow shark temporarily? (or until the shark is 4" long.) I am very intrested in cichlids, but am not sure if many species are compatible with bettas. Also, could zebra plecos be added with the betta if I add driftwood and after the shark has found a home? If so, how many?
Thanks!
Answers:
zebra plecos? good luck getting them, very hard to import into the USA and will run 200-300 dollars per fish.
After the goldfish are gone, a betta will be fine in a 29 gallon, as far as cichlids go, you cant go wrong with rams. Rams and other small cichlids, like kribensis, apositos etc... Will be fine with a betta.
It will take the goldfish about 6-7 months to out grow a 29 gallon, if you feed them right.
But the zebra pleco would be a bad idea, these fishes are expensive, and require alot of care and very special attention to the water quality.
I would estimate that 3-6 months would be all it will take for them to outgrow that tank.
You are correct that not many species of cichlids would work with a betta. The betta is simply too slow to get out of the way and the cichlids will incessantly pick on the betta.
The rainbow shark really needs a much larger tank as they are an open water fish and need lots of space.
Other fish that would work with the betta would be virtually all tetra's, dwarf gouramis, platies, mollies, rainbows, & cory cats.
Well, aquarium experts claim 29 gallon is the minium sized aquarium. No smaller should be used. Three goldfish to a 29 gallon, since you have excellent filtration you could problally get by with adding one more goldfish.
Goldfish are slow growing, so they can stay in a 29 for ages I believe. Mine did, and I had Four. Remember with goldfish longer tanks is best as they are more of a back and forth instead of up and down swimmer. Just feed them a good, color enhancing goldfish food. They are beautiful fish. Exspecially the Exotic.
I have had Fancy, and Exotic goldfish aquariums and plan to have another one these days. They claim Filltration is the key. So sounds like you are doing great with them.
You know to do your weekly 20% water change right? And a heater to keep water stablized? Read up on them and educate yourself all you can. Good luck, God bless.
The goldfish will outgrow the tank in 1-2 years. For your betta/shark tank, I would recommend platies, mollies, and corydoras. I would avoid cichlids with a betta, although there are many small S.A. cichlids that would do great in a 29. I am assuming you are referring to the tiger/clown/false zebra varieties? The false zebra plecos will be fine, they stay small, and they could also go with the shark. I would be more concerned about the shark chasing the betta. Driftwood is always a good choice, especially with plecos. Email me if you have any specific questions.
three fantails will be fine for there whole lives in there. they get 6-8inches and live for many years,
20 gallons per first fancy goldfish.
10 gallons per each additional goldfish
but you have enough filtration to take care of it. with your water changes.,
More Questions & Answers...