New 3Ft Tank And No Idea What To Put In It….

[Raticataticus]

I just bought an AquaOne AquaStyle 980 which is 1m x 47cm x 50cm - 215L / 55 Gallons

I've been dying to get a big (to me) tank forever and when I saw this one on special for $688 inc. stand I just had to get it, I couldn't help myself. I'd been eyeing this particular model for ages.

It has the AquaOne filtration setup that goes through the top of the tank.

I am tossing up between getting 2-3 fancy goldfish or doing a tropical community type thing. 

A lot of people don't really like goldfish but I do.

I really want to do goldfish but the only thing that I worry about is being unable to have any tank mates. Could I put a bristlenose in with goldfish? Or Kuhli Loaches or something like that? I want something other than just goldfish but I am unsure if these would be okay tank mates. 

I'm not fussed on plants. I will probably do a combination of fake plants and real plants, the hardier types that are less tasty to goldfish.

Any ideas? I did really want to have either a Severum or Texas but at this point in time I don't really have the space or the funds to do that kind of a tank.

 

[Wills]

Big fancy goldfish do look great, especially if you were to source high quality specimens. I think you are right that it would be best with just the three fancies in there, I have seen tons of people try tank mates but they have never lasted or worked out for very long at all, and just remember the worlds oldest goldfish is in his 40s...
 
If you were to go for the community route, I remember your posts about the Texas or Severum and while the tank is too small for them there are tons of other South Americans cichlids and fish that could work in a tank like this.
 
You could look at a group of gregarious cichlids like Bolivian Rams, Cupid Cichlids or Guianacaras. The smallest of the Geophagus would work like Geophagus Pindare. Or you could look to pick out some feature cichlids, Acara types would be a good place to start things like Krobia Xinguensis, Aequidens Metae and Laetacaras like Curviceps or Dorsigera would work nicely though the Blue Acaras would also work. You could look at a large harem of Apistogrammas, Apistogramma Panduro are nice because of the yellow and black females. There are quite a few others that could work but those are the ones I can think of right now.
 
Then depending on what you choose from there you could look at tank mates like Spotted Headstanders, pretty much any of the Tetras, Cory Catfish - tons of options there with things like Pandas, Triniliniatus and other attractive species now commonly available, Hatchet fish, L Number plecs, Whiptail Catfish etc
 
Wills

 

[Raticataticus]

Big fancy goldfish do look great, especially if you were to source high quality specimens. I think you are right that it would be best with just the three fancies in there, I have seen tons of people try tank mates but they have never lasted or worked out for very long at all, and just remember the worlds oldest goldfish is in his 40s...

 
Thanks for your suggestions, I think I will end up going with goldfish unless someone gives me a better idea between now and completing the cycle.
 
I feel that goldfish have gone out of fashion a little bit and that makes me somewhat reluctant because they aren't considered cool or unique. But ultimately goldfish are exactly what I want. A bigger, colourful fish that is friendly and fun to watch and relatively easy to look after. How do you think I'd go with 3 in that tank? Would 4 be pushing it?

 

[eaglesaquarium]

 
I feel that goldfish have gone out of fashion a little bit and that makes me somewhat reluctant because they aren't considered cool or unique. But ultimately goldfish are exactly what I want. A bigger, colourful fish that is friendly and fun to watch and relatively easy to look after.

I think at times many of folks get too caught up in what others think. It's your tank. It's your hobby. You will be the one looking at it the most and caring for it. The choice is yours do whatever makes you happy, and forget about if others think it is cool.



As for how many... That really depends on the species, I think. Comets don't belong in a tank this size, but the orandas would be fine. Rule of thumb is 20 gallons for the first, and 10 for each additional one. So, 4 would probably be ok. More fish means more mess though, so keep that in mind.

 

[Wills]

I absolutely get the fancy goldfish I think well cared for adult fancies are some of the most stunning fish out there! And when you get a keeper such as your self prepared to dedicate a big tank to them its really fantastic
 
I just wanted to put out an other option incase it was something you were interested.
 
I agree with Eagles as well with the fashion thing, the fishkeeping world is not that big so the fashion angle is not a big a deal and 99% of the time well kept fish in a well kept tank will always look incredible!!
 
Wills

 

[SeanTrollope]

totaly agree with everyone here

 goldfish in a planted tank can sertanly look amasing and remember you are the 

  when it comes to your tank

 

[Ninjouzata]

I think the fancy goldies are a great choice for the tank, and certainly looking forward to seeing them if you go with that option. I agree with the others that you should choose what you like, you'll be much happier that way!

 

[eaglesaquarium]

Here ya go:
 
http/www.fishforums.net/index.php?/topic/432045-march-2014-tank-of-the-month-winner/
 
Have a look at the March 2014 Tank of the Month Winner here.  It is 'planted' with goldies.  A lovely display.  And if anyone says that they don't like it, just ignore them.

 

[Raticataticus]

Thanks for your replies everyone. I am 99% sure I will go with goldfish.
 
I am thinking 4 goldfish definitely an Oranda and a Ranchu. 
 

 
 

 
I will try and get them in contrasting colours, i.e. one black, one white, one red.
 
I am thinking a plain black background and bare bottom (also black) with a few fake (or real?) plants. That should really make the fish stand out.

 

[Ninjouzata]

If you do black background and bottom, you may not want a black goldfish. Up to you though.
Bare bottom seems popular with goldies as it makes it easier to clean, but it is neat seeing them forage through sand and I think it's more natural for them too, if you decide you want substrate.
 
I have black background with black sand for mine (two ranchus) and they do stand out against it.

 

[Alasse]

I love my goldies, and yep they are in a live planted tank (the pic linked in above is mainly fake planted)
 
You can do 4 fancy goldies in there, but 3 will ease your load a bit. They truly are messy beasts lol but oh so lovable! Voice of experience, black goldies on black substrate with black background, you really will not see your fish well at all. I changed my goldies from black substrate to white, much nicer and shows them off way better IMHO
 
You can put bristlenose in with goldies, as long as they are a decent size and there is some cover.....i currently have 20 or so juvie bn in with my goldies. Remember though BN are also messy beasts....i need to do 80-90% water changes on my tank per week

 

[Raticataticus]

You can put bristlenose in with goldies, as long as they are a decent size and there is some cover.....i currently have 20 or so juvie bn in with my goldies. Remember though BN are also messy beasts....i need to do 80-90% water changes on my tank per week

 
What about shrimp? My uncle is obsessed with them lol. He is adamant that I must have shrimp.

 

[Alasse]

I have red cherries in with my goldies.....
 
My tank currently

 

[Raticataticus]

I have red cherries in with my goldies.....
 
My tank currently

 
Wow! Awesome tank! Do you find the cherries get along with the goldfish? I would love to have cherries. Can you please share with me what types of plants tend to work  well?

 

[Alasse]

Thank you.
 
Do they get along...well...as long as they cherries stay outta the way of the goldies, which they learn to do VERY quickly. The slow learners dont get a second chance. The cherries go about their business with one eye on the goldies lol

Anubias, Java fern (all types) Elephant ear plant, Val is what i have in the above tank. The red tiger lotus in there is a fake plant