I wanted to start a planted tank and thought about putting some goldfish in it. Probably a 30 gallon tank....maybe 40b. I have some 4-6" feeders in my pond to put in there. Any tips?
Op.....I've never had a problem. Had fancys, feeders, black moors.....all pretty hardy fish.
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Planted tanks and goldfish is a tough one. They will rip through almost anything. I'm tempted to tell you that you can use java fern, but really in the end they will munch on that too. Anubius (sp?) perhaps. Some will say it can be done, and really it depends on how you want to define a planted tank. If you define it as a manicured, formal planted garden, you are out of luck. If you define it as potted plants (root protection) within your tank, using only the toughest plants - then maybe, but even then... Have i seen it done? Yes. Do I think for a moment that it can last long term? No. Fancy goldfish would be your best bet. Common goldfish will rip through plants like a chainsaw.
I will put it to you like this. Goldfish love love love love love love to munch and graze. Even on bitter leaves. In the confines of a small aquarium, they are bound to get into trouble plant wise. In a pond, you might have a different story, but in a pond your likely to have lilies and other plants like cat-tail and whatnot that are not suited to an aquarium (well some people use them, and if you can go for it!). Further in a pond the plants have the benefit of natural sunlight to boost their growth. In a tank no so much.
In the end, can it work? Yes? Will it be worth the effort? It depends how badly you want to keep a goldfish with plants in an aquarium.
I guess if you have a large amount of plants, and keep your goldfish well fed, then it could work.
I'm the type of guy who hates to see a chewed leaf in a planted tank. Even one. If your ok with that, try it!
But again to reiterate, i can answer your question like this:
In a 30 gallon tank, can a goldfish be kept in a well manicured, non chewed, flourishing planted tank? No.