I just got a new tank 46gal bow, ive cycled it and did a waterchange, now to stock it.
As of right now i have 1 fantail (2in) and 2 commets (each 3in). i want advice to whether i should stock more fish in.
Full Version: Question: Stocking
Hi there. 
It is a general recommendation to have AT LEAST ten gallons per fancy goldfish. It is also generally accepted that comets and commons need more space than that. More like 15-20 gallons per fish (again, as a minimum). No matter what, you should strive to provide at least 100 gallons per hour in filtration for every ten gallons of water. Conversly, a 46 gallon tank would need 460-500 gallons per hour, in total, filtration.
To be honest, the answer to your question is relative to wether there will be a larger tank in their future. Out of all the goldfish breeds, comets and commons grow the largest. They can max out at 12-15 inches long. So, a 46 gallon tank would be just enough space to keep two comets happy and healthy for quite some time. Now, if you throw in another goldfish, even a fancy, things will eventually become a little crowded. Not much, but crowded all the same. Basically, you should have no problem keeping all three of your goldies happy and healthy in the 46 gallon for several years or more, as long as you provide the needed amount of filtration.
Now, if you REEAAALLYY wanted to get more goldfish, you can keep them 4-6 goldfish in your 46 gallon until they began to outgrow it. This would last for MAYBE a year. Within that time, you would certainly be able to see that a bigger tank would be necessary very soon. Or another tank altogether.
Keep in mind that ANYTIME you are overstocked, by the ten gallons per fish standard, You should provide excess filtration. Excess filtration for an overstocked tank needs to be doubled if the tank is overstocked by double.
I hope this helps explain a bit......
Paul
It is a general recommendation to have AT LEAST ten gallons per fancy goldfish. It is also generally accepted that comets and commons need more space than that. More like 15-20 gallons per fish (again, as a minimum). No matter what, you should strive to provide at least 100 gallons per hour in filtration for every ten gallons of water. Conversly, a 46 gallon tank would need 460-500 gallons per hour, in total, filtration.
To be honest, the answer to your question is relative to wether there will be a larger tank in their future. Out of all the goldfish breeds, comets and commons grow the largest. They can max out at 12-15 inches long. So, a 46 gallon tank would be just enough space to keep two comets happy and healthy for quite some time. Now, if you throw in another goldfish, even a fancy, things will eventually become a little crowded. Not much, but crowded all the same. Basically, you should have no problem keeping all three of your goldies happy and healthy in the 46 gallon for several years or more, as long as you provide the needed amount of filtration.
Now, if you REEAAALLYY wanted to get more goldfish, you can keep them 4-6 goldfish in your 46 gallon until they began to outgrow it. This would last for MAYBE a year. Within that time, you would certainly be able to see that a bigger tank would be necessary very soon. Or another tank altogether.
Keep in mind that ANYTIME you are overstocked, by the ten gallons per fish standard, You should provide excess filtration. Excess filtration for an overstocked tank needs to be doubled if the tank is overstocked by double.
I hope this helps explain a bit......
Paul
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