So i finally know my new tank will be 55gal. I have three fancies right now, and i would really like to add another. would 55 gal be enough for four full grown (hopefully all mine get there)?i know there's big difference between most gf and "Bruce", but i don't want to end up with a housing problem in a few years either. Just wanted your professional opinions

I have been told minumum 10 gal per fancy and 20 per common/comet. The goldfish the only thing you are going to put into the 55 gal?

I think four would be okay in the 55, so long as you keep up with your water changes. *nod*

It's alwats better to go with the biggest tank you can afford. This will give you happier and healthier gf. Since each fancy need 10, yours will be enjoying a bit more than 13 gal/fish, so my guess is you'll be fine. I'm no expert, but that's what most of the gf experts in this forum say. It's a problem when it comes to those cuties...you just can't have enough!!!

The only difference between Bruce and other goldfish is that Bruce was given the necessary space to grow to that size. Stick with the three you've got.

i would add one more (but for me i would get five cause i can't help my self)

I don't think it's fair to say that. Just like in humans, genetics plays a role in how fish turn out. I've heard many members say that genetics is important when wondering about color/wen size/fish size.

My point was that Bruce is not some freak of nature. I'm not saying that every goldfish will grow to that size, but given the same living conditions (a nice pond), many of them very well could.

But isn't true that some breeders inyect some sort of hormones to gf so they can grow to crazy proportions?? Well...genetics or not I believe 4 average gf would be fine in 55 gals.

Bruce was givin hormones and given lots of vitimins

So he is a freak of nature then???

i think i don't know read the article on this site about bruce


here is the article http://www.kokosgoldfish.com/BruceTheGiant.html

I have two general rules for knowing if I can add more fish to a tank -

Do I have enough water volume to keep the water quality good (0 ammonia, 0 nitrite, <40 ppm nitrate) given the amount of time I have to dedicate to cleaning every week and changing it - this chart gives you an idea how fast waste production increases as your fish gets bigger: http://www.goldfishutopia.com/information....241f892da627294

Is there enough physical space in the tank for the fish to swim end to end and turn around comfortably and keep up a reasonable muscle development. Both amount of space and the shape of the tank make a big difference.

I think most people say 10 gallons per fancy and 20 gallons per single tail because as a general rule, that's an easy recommendation that makes it possible for most people. I'm much more likely to overstock a large tank than a small one, because the fish can still cruise around successfully, and a well designed and cycled filter system can keep water management under control.

Thanks! Have read about him in other places...but didn't know there was an article here... thanks again.

about bruce. Bruce has been given alot of water volume(pond) and good water quality. This can cause a fish to get very large, but not that large. Bruce was fed top of the line food and vitamens. also, his genetics had probally played a big role in this too.

so i guess i'll try my very hardest to stick to four. i really want a panda, though i know it's a dream that doesn't last long. i would really like to keep my 29gal a goldie tank too, but my husband is really pushing for it to be tropical. thanks for all your input guys!