I have seen them at 5" after four years, but I think that that is caused by bad genetics or poor care. Under normal circumstances, 12" and 1.5-2lbs after two years is normal, the aquaponic people usually get that. Most people keep adult commons and the like in unheated outdoor ponds, but there is a risk from raccoons and predatory birds. In the long run, if you choose to keep them inside, you will need a big tank.
My son went to the fair today
- Thread starter Fish Tank Travis
- Start date
Do you know how cool the temp can be for them? I could try to get something setup in my garage but it will get down near freezing in the winter time.
As long as the water does not freeze to the bottom, and there is some aeration, they will be fine. They do great all winter in deep ponds with the surface frozen. Myth has it they can survive being frozen into ice, but I don't believe it. They are a serious invasive species problem here in NY, and we have ice on the ground for 4 months a year. Goldfish are tough. Many first time aquaponics people keep them because they are tougher than tilapia. I have heard of goldfish being lost in the mail for over a week and arriving with no casualties.
I had a fantail get partially frozen in ice. Just the top fin and about a 1/8 of her top body.
She recovered just fine. Lived for years after that. Commons are even hardier, though I doubt any fish could survive being completely frozen for an extended period of time.
She recovered just fine. Lived for years after that. Commons are even hardier, though I doubt any fish could survive being completely frozen for an extended period of time.
Well I guess it's good you got them! Normally they would probably just be stuffed in an unfiltered bowl or kritter keeper and die in a week from ammonia. They really need to ban that whole fish at the fair thing IMO. Pretty cruel to put them through so much stress.
Anywhoo I agree with the other posters. With proper care they will be over a foot and will live over 10 years easily. My uncle had a comet from the fair that got that huge in like a 75 gallon he had. Great fish.
You should feed a high veggie and algae diet with some meaty bits every now and then. They love fresh veggies!
Goldfish will be one of my next projects.
Anywhoo I agree with the other posters. With proper care they will be over a foot and will live over 10 years easily. My uncle had a comet from the fair that got that huge in like a 75 gallon he had. Great fish.
You should feed a high veggie and algae diet with some meaty bits every now and then. They love fresh veggies!
Goldfish will be one of my next projects.
Well, I told my wife that I am fine with keeping them as long as we provide them a proper home, aka, bigger tank setup in the garage over the next year. She's considering it but not for sure about it yet. I told her that if we can do that then I'm not willing to keep them. I also told her that if we don't keep them then they will most likely end up being sold as feeders somewhere, which she didn't like the idea of. We will see what she wants to do over the next few days and I'll keep you guys posted.
It's my planned career path so I am. Just a good add on if you have a pond or whatever
Reading this thread brings back memories...
I won a common goldfish as a kid in elementary school pretty much like what you have. This was before I went all out and had my first 10 gallon LOL.
I kept it for a whole one year in a fish bowl that looked like a television. I even drew a background for it. Unfortunately I found it too late when it jumped out of its home. Ive never been the same ;-). Sorry for OT...just wanted to relate.
I won a common goldfish as a kid in elementary school pretty much like what you have. This was before I went all out and had my first 10 gallon LOL.
I kept it for a whole one year in a fish bowl that looked like a television. I even drew a background for it. Unfortunately I found it too late when it jumped out of its home. Ive never been the same ;-). Sorry for OT...just wanted to relate.
