tropical fish aquariums

Just bought a 20 Gallon Long aquarium– what tropical fish are compatible with fancy goldfish?

They hubby wants the goldfish, while I prefer the smaller colorful tropical fish. Whats the best compatible mix of fish for a community tank? (Keep in mind water temperature– I have a heater as well) Any serious suggestions appreciated!

You cannot mix goldfish and tropicals for several reasons. One is water temperature differences. Although goldfish can tolerate higher temperatures, if they are allowed to remain in higher temperatures for an extended period of time, this can severely weaken their immune system and make them much more vulnerable to diseases. Also, goldfish need a lot of space. Much more than any other aquarium fish of comparable size. As far as goldfish go, especially if you choose the slim-bodied goldfish, you can only put one in a 20 gallon tank. And you would need a bigger tank still as the fish grew. Two fancies would fit only until their fat little bodies reached about 3-4 inches, then they, as well, would need at least 20 gallons of water each. This is because goldfish produce more waste than any other fish because of their internal organ structure. More waste means more toxic water conditions which means more attention to water quality and much higher filtration requirements. Tropicals’ filtration requirement is 4 times the water per hour as the size of the tank, goldfish require 10 times the water per hour as the size of the tank. Contrary to popular belief, goldfish are not the easy fish to care for that they are thought to be. Goldfish are actually one of the most difficult fish to keep; at least successfully. Considering that they should live 20-40 years and 90% of them only live for a few months to a few years, this is not successful goldfish keeping. So, your hubby should do some massive reading and research on keeping goldfish so that he can do it successfully. So, in the alternative, since goldfish are difficult and you want tropicals and tropicals are an easy way to start out, I would suggest going for the tropicals. You’re going to be able to have several fun fish in 20 gallons of water, but make sure you understand your fish-to-water ratio requirements, even for tropicals. Even for small tropicals such as tetras, rasboras or barbs, you can only have about 10-12 in 20 gallons of water. Also, make sure you understand schooling requirements. And if you opt for bottom feeders, make sure that you count them in your bioload. Too many people consider them “free fish” as far as the bioload count goes just because they’re bottom feeders. With a small 20 gallon, definitely stay away from plecos and even cories, as they need to school and that will take away from the mid/upper level swimmers you can have. Go with an oto if you want a bottom feeder. And before ever getting any fish, make sure you understand the nitrogen cycle and fully cycle your water. Yes, you can cycle with fish, but you take the chance of killing all or at least part of them with this process and the fishless cycle is so much more humane and, quite frankly, it has proven to be a slightly faster process than without. Also make sure you understand how to properly do your weekly 20% water changes and tank cleaning and maintenance. It also wouldn’t hurt to read up on diseases because it is a promise that you will experience them more than once in your fishkeeping endeavor. Not trying to scare you, just making sure that you get a little headstart on good fishkeeping practices and that you, hopefully, will not have to make the mistakes that far too many of us have made in our learning processes. Good luck!

Atlantis Marine World Agreements as CGE Agency of the EGC Group, a full service marketing and advertising agency has announced that it has been selected by the Atlantis Marine World aquarium in Long Island Premiere and destiny of the family.

saltwater fish tank aquarium tropical fish anemone live rock tank set up crabs $3,425.00

TROPICAL FISH Tiffany Style Stained Glass Window 9″ x 42″ AQUARIUM Sidelight $422.95

14K YELLOW GOLD TURQUOISE TROPICAL AQUARIUM FISH CHARM PENDANT 4.3gr $299.00

New TROPICAL OCEAN FISH REEF AQUARIUM Ceiling Fan 52″ $199.99

LED SIGN “TROPICAL FISH 27″x15″x1″ 24205 AQUARIUM PETS $199.95

14K YELLOW GOLD 3D TROPICAL AQUARIUM FISH CHARM PENDANT 2.5gr $180.00

Tropical Aquarium Fish Turtle Ocean Handcrafted Custom Sewn Curtains Drapes NEW $139.99

(fish-1) Tropical fish coral AQUARIUM bone figurine carving WOW $130.99

100W Tropical Fish Tank Aquarium Heater Thermostat New $122.05

48″x120″ TROPICAL FISH BANNER SIGN saltwater fishes aquarium tank signs food $113.99

25W Tropical Fish Tank Aquarium Heater Thermostat New $112.84

Reverse Osmosis 3 Stage 100gpd Aquarium Marine Tropical Fish RO Compact System $110.90

TROPICAL AQUARIUMS FISH TANKS CANISTER FILTER + 9W UV $110.00

Tropical fish bathroom decorations decorum aquarium decor complete set $110.00

A Practical Guide to Tropical Aquarium Fish $103.99

The Pump Air + Valves Koi Aquarium Reef Tropical Fish Tank 1000 Gal Capacity NEW $99.00

TROPICAL AQUARIUMS FISH TANKS CANISTER FILTER + 9W UV $98.99

TROPICAL AQUARIUMS FISH TANKS CANISTER FILTER + 9W UV $97.59

TROPICAL AQUARIUMS FISH TANKS CANISTER FILTER + 9W UV $88.99

TROPICAL AQUARIUMS FISH TANKS CANISTER FILTER + 9W UV $83.99

TROPICAL AQUARIUMS FISH TANKS CANISTER FILTER + 9W UV $80.99

New TROPICAL OCEAN FISH REEF AQUARIUM Ceiling Fan 42″ $79.99

TROPICAL AQUARIUM FISH TANK CANISTER FILTER 9W UV LIGHT HW-303B $76.90

PROMO~ TROPICAL AQUARIUM FISH TANK CANISTER FILTER 9W UV LIGHT HW-303B $76.90

WOW! TROPICAL AQUARIUM FISH TANK CANISTER FILTER 9W UV LIGHT HW-303B $76.90

PROMO~ TROPICAL AQUARIUM FISH TANK CANISTER FILTER 9W UV LIGHT HW-303B $76.90

TROPICAL AQUARIUM FISH TANK CANISTER FILTER 9W UV LIGHT HW-303B $76.90

TROPICAL AQUARIUM FISH TANK CANISTER FILTER 9W UV LIGHT HW-303B $76.90

TROPICAL AQUARIUM FISH TANK CANISTER FILTER 9W UV LIGHT HW-303B $76.90

COMPLETE TROPICAL FISH AQUARIUM SETUP – JUST ADD FISH! $75.59

Aquarium Like Metal Wall Decor of Tropical Fish and Coral $71.99

Reverse Osmosis 3 Stage 50gpd Aquarium Marine Tropical Fish RO Compact System $71.29

LED Aquarium Light Freshwater Tropical Fish Bright Single 48″ 4 ft 120 cm Discus $69.95

Tropical Floral Driftwood Cave lg ~ aquarium decor ornament fish tank decoration $64.96

36″x96″ TROPICAL FISH BANNER SIGN saltwater fishes aquarium tank signs food $61.74

48″ T5 HO Aquarium Light Dual Strip Cichlid Marine Tropical Fish 108W 55 g $59.95

48″ T5 HO Aquarium Light Dual Strip Cichlid Marine Tropical Fish 108W 55 g $58.95

48″ T5 HO Aquarium Light Dual Strip Cichlid Marine Tropical Fish 108W 55 g $58.95

48″ T5 HO Aquarium Light Dual Strip Cichlid Marine Tropical Fish 108W 55 g $58.95

TROPICAL AQUARIUM FISH TANK 13W UV STERILIZER PUMP 75 G $55.95

Wildkin Tropical Fish Original Lunch Bag A fun and functional way to carry lunch and snacks….

R’Zilla 11671 7-1/2-Inch Terrarium Dish $2.63 Zilla Bowl Kidney CeramicEasy is the key word to describe this value-priced food dish for reptile terrariums. The low side walls put daily nourishment within easy reach of any size reptile. Terrarium care is made easier too, thanks to a glossy ceramic finish that sanitizes with soapy water. Its gentle kidney shape blends into desert landscapes or aquatic environments with equal ease.Zilla Bowl Kid…

Aquarium Widescreen DVD – Coral Reef, Saltwater and Freshwater Fish Tank Virtual Experience $14.95 Studio: Music Video Dist Release Date: 04/22/2008…

fishVision One [VHS] $19.95 Ultimate Formula For Relaxation – 90 minute Video Aquarium for your TV. This aquarium video is unique. Sit back, relax and enjoy rare and exotic colorful fish found only around the Lord Howe Island, two miles wide and seven miles long, located 400 miles east of Australia in the Tasman Sea. Put fishVision One in your VCR and experience why so many find an aquarium the ultimate formula for relaxa…

Aquarium Lamp With Fish : Ocean In Motion Revolving Aquatic Scene $18.99 Aquarium Lamp: Ocean in Motion. Fish that “swim” in a colorful lighted seabed come to life with the flick of a switch. A moving picture creates the illusion that the water and fish are in motion. Great for home or office. A/C powered. 9″H 13″W x3″D…