Rescuing goldfish

[Alien Anna]

Hi Everyone,
I've just been asked to find some new homes for a pair of goldfish, currently living in a 3 gallon, unfiltered, uncycled tank in a dark corner of a gym, where their condition has lead to complaints.

The gym staff feel they can't cope and don't know how to look after the fish so they've asked if I can find them good homes.

I'm not really geared up for goldfish, although I do have an old 20 gallon tank in the garage. I don't have a filter at present but I've got a sponge filter on order and an air-pump so they'd have to cope with an air-stone until then.

I haven't seen these fish but one is apparently a fancy, "bug eyed" breed of some kind and is having trouble swimming. The other is apparently healthy and seems to be an ordinary comet. The woman who has been cleaning them out has not used dechlorinator and I strongly suspect over-feeding.

Has anyone any tips? I've only really kept tropicals. Also, where can I start looking for a good home for them? I don't want to put them back into a bad situation. I was thinking a pond would be good, but its winter. Could they survive outside?

 

[ste2k3]

if it was a normal goldfish, then it would probably survive if acclimatised slowly, but a fancy goldfish would have no chance. do the lfs not have room for it. if they are a good lfs, they should not have a problem finding them a sutable home.

 

[Inchworm]

Hello Alien Anna

I just noticed the date of your post and you have probably done something with them by now, but if not, why not go ahead and set up the 20 gallon tank for them?

If you haven't had goldfish yet you are in for a pleasant surprise. They are fish with personality. I'm sure you will come to love them. Even the common "feeder goldfish" can grow to be quite beautiful. They are easy to maintain. Unless your house gets very cold, you don't need a heater. You don't need plants, either, but they do like anacharis and I consider it part of their diet.

They are sturdy fish and despite what I keep hearing, I find them no dirtier than any other fish of their size.

Go on, Alien Anna, give them a chance.