Ryukin Goldfish

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that_fish_Guy

Peacock Bass
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Jul 29, 2013
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So, I have decided I want to set up a goldfish tank. Not just a feeder 1 cent common comet goldfish tank but a show quality Ryukin goldfish tank... I want to get the goldfish from Danny Oranda or Aquarium CO-OP in washington. I have never kept goldfish before so I am coming here for opinions. For those of you who may not know me I am not a beginner when it comes to fish keeping. I have kept several tanks over 300 gallons and currently own a 340 a 240 and several smaller tanks around 100 gallons. I am not here to find out how to take care of a tank I am here to find out specifically more about the setup for this particular goldfish. I am trying to set the tank up with minimal cost as the fish itself will be over $100 I have several pieces of equipment laying around spare and was going to try and use the following.

Here is the plan:
29 gallon tank (new)
18 inch Fluval Sea LED lighting (light from old saltwater tank)
50w heater (mostly just in case temp gets too low shouldn't be an issue more of a precaution...house stays at 78 degrees)
Jebo 838 canister filter (rated for 150 gallons {315 gph})

My main concern will be if the canister filter will be too powerful for the goldfish? It is rated for a much larger tank but I figured I would use it since its what I have laying around. But then again I have no clue how goldfish react to flow. If not I can just use a sponge filter, I have several laying around and plan to do 75% waterchanges weekly minimum anyways. sound good?

Goldfish always get a bad rap for being a beginners fish. However the more I see actual High end Show quality fish the more I want to keep them.
 
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I would recommend a tank larger than that. Maybe a 40tall, then you are great.

Goldfish need some flow but not too much

Im also getting some good fancies for my 70 later on
 
Can you create a baffle or spray bar? Fancies don't really do well in strong flow. I'd also up the tank size, 29 gallons you'd get away with for 2 of them, but they'll dwarf it long term
 
Can you create a baffle or spray bar? Fancies don't really do well in strong flow. I'd also up the tank size, 29 gallons you'd get away with for 2 of them, but they'll dwarf it long term
they need vertical height too, if you are spending a whole lot on goldfish i would provide for them well?
 
Fancy goldfish would rather have the horizontal space compared to depth. Ryukin are actually one of the most affected by swim bladder disorders so you don't want a super deep tank until they are large size.

The varieties of fancy goldfish with really elaborate tails don't like deep water either. The weight of all that water over them can crush and curl fins. I would recommend starting off with an oranda. In my experience they are one of the hardier fancy breed.
 
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I have a large 5 year old oranda goldfish in a 30 gallon tank with an aquaclear 70 filter. Tank has current, but fish is happy. You need good filtration for a goldfish. All they do is eat and chit. I would avoid tall tanks due to the water pressure on the fish.
 
Have you setup your tank yet?

I recently got back into goldfish keeping, and went hardcore with it.

If you're looking for high-end goldfish, check out Coast Gem USI, in san diego.

They specialize in oranda and ranchu imported from thailand, but they do bring in ryukin as well. The price range is anywhere from $20-30 for small baby fish, up to $250 for large show quality thai orandas and ranchu.

King Koi and Goldfish in Costa Mesa brings in Ryukin and other fancies, usually short tail chinese bred ones.

Peep my IG if you want to see some examples of what Coast Gem brings in from Thailand: @goldfish_zen

Coast Gem and King Koi are also both on Instgram.


I've seen your setups and choices in fish over the years and I know you have an eye for good fish. Im looking forward to seeing your goldfish tank.
 
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