goldfish and Java Moss

[Ann from Vermont]

I have a 33 gallon tank that I plan to make into a Ciclid tank in the spring. At the present time it is home to seven 4" goldfish which will go to an outdoor water garden in the spring. I'd like to put some Java ferns and Java moss in the tank now ....however how warm can the goldfish water be? I don't have a heater on in the aquarium with the goldfish, however I do have one ready to put in when it becomes a ciclid tank. I could put the heater in now for the plants if heated water wouldn't kill the goldfish. I figure the water has to be between 70 and 73 for the ferns and moss to grow. If I did arrive at a compromise temperature, would the goldfish eat the plants??

Thanks,
Ann from Vermont

 

[Grim Reaper]

normal tropical temp will be ok
not sure about the plant eating tho

 

[OohFeeshy]

Since they're going in a pond soon anyway, can't you wait? LOL no offense but I don't know the answer, but goldies are CW, so you'd be better to be safe then sorry.

 

[corykitty516]

I'm not for sure on the temp but my goldfish never ate the ferns. Their tank is about 68 degrees. They're also in for the winter and will go out to the pond in about a month or two here. I dont know about the moss though... hmmmm... how about I chuck a wad in and see what they do. I have a ton of it and it grows like weeds.

 

[Ann from Vermont]

Goldfish can't go outside until May or June around here. It too cold. Had I left them in the pond all winter, they would have been okey with the temp, but it would be too big of a shock to put them out too early in the spring after spending the winter in the house. ( Had I left them in the pond, as small as they were, they would have been eaten.) Hopefully by next winter they will be okey staying in the pond for the winter. At any rate, I am redecorating my 125 gal and have a tree root in the big aquarium with the java fern and java moss attached that I would like to get out of that aquarium. The easiest thing to do with it would be to put it in with the goldfish. I know that goldfish are cold water fish but wonder if they would do okey in 73 degrees....and if so , would the goldfish eat the plants??

Ann from Vermont

 

[Ann from Vermont]

If you wouldn't mind doing the java moss test, that would be awesome! Thanks.

 

[sammydee]

Java moss can easily go in goldfish tanks. It does't need tropical tempeatures to thrive. My friend's goldfish tank is an absolute jungle of the stuff.

 

[corykitty516]

OK its still there ... they dont seem to be eating it


I say go for it and dont worry about turning the temp up

 

[Inchworm]

Hi Ann from Vermont

If there is anything more you need to know about this subject you will probably find it out in the Plants and Planted Tank section.

I'll move your thread there.