Coldwater Tank

[Bubbless]

Hello,
 
I made the newbie mistake and tried to setup a coldwater tank for 3 goldfish, my tank is 5 gallon. After a few days the tank was very cloudy and had a horrible smell.
 
I am trying to get someone to take the goldfish and then get a betta fish as it seems to be the most recommended fish for 5 Gallon. I know that in order to keep a betta you need to convert your tank to tropical and have a few questions.
 
What do I need to buy in order to convert my tank to tropical?
My current tank came with a pump, should I keep this in the tank with betta?
Can I use my gravel which has been in my tank with the goldfish again?
Do I need to do any special cleaning to the tank after the goldfish have left?
Can I keep anything else in the tank with the betta?
 
Thanks
 

 

[Ninjouzata]

Have you tried taking the goldfish back where you bought them from? Or put them up on a second-hand site? I hope you can re-home them soon and glad you've made the decision to do so!
 
You'll want a heater rated for your size tank, as well as a lid if you don't have one already since bettas are known jumpers.
 
When you say pump do you mean an airpump? Bettas prefer very little flow so you probably don't need this. Do you have a filter?
 
You can use the gravel but you may want to clean it first.
 
The tank is too small to keep anything else with the betta except for maybe a snail or some shrimp.
 
Be sure to cycle the tank after you take the goldfish out, you can read about how to do that HERE. You'll need ammonia and a liquid test kit. It does take time but it's really worth it for the well-being of your fish
 
You may also want to read THIS article on betta care. Glad you've come to the forum and hope you enjoy it here!

 

[Bubbless]

Thanks for the info Helped alot!

 

[DerpPH]

Goldfish reach up to 3 feet (comet goldfish) if given the proper room, they poop a lot, they eat a lot, you need a 50 gallon or bigger tank to house it properly.
 
 
Not to mention they are often sold in small tanks and they do get sold as bowl fish which are unsuited since they get 3 feet long and live more than 50 years.
 
We all make rookie mistakes so don't worry. try your luck at tropical fish, a betta is a good beginner fish if kept at the best conditions possible. you can also check the cycling section to help