High Maintenance? Or just wrong?

[prettyfishy312]

I have no idea how this may effect anything, but here goes:

I am asking because will I go through the same challenges with my future betta? :

Before my hunt for a betta, I previously had goldfish in my 5 gallon tank. I had a high powered filter, aquarium gravel (unpainted, rinsed multiple times before putting into tank), a plant, and some toys. The tank got SO dirty SO fast that it was unbelievable and hard to keep up with. I had to do complete water changes on numerous occasions and have tried many different things with no relief and/or results. The tank would be coated with slime and some algae just a week after changing AND cleaning the tank. This tank has also smelled foul on a regular basis. Is there anything that I might have been doing wrong? Will I have the same problems with my new betta? PLEASE HELP!

[Mister Sparkle]

Goldfish produce a great deal amount of waste, and in such a small area...

Bettas won't be as bad, not in the least. A good 25% water change every week AT THE VERY LEAST (more is always better), and you will likely have a much better experience with Betta splendens.

[prettyfishy312]

Originally Posted by Mister Sparkle

Goldfish produce a great deal amount of waste, and in such a small area...

Bettas won't be as bad, not in the least. A good 25% water change every week AT THE VERY LEAST (more is always better), and you will likely have a much better experience with Betta splendens.

I thought as much... every time I turned around there would be turds all over creation . I was actually planning on doing 50% water changes once a week *which I hope is sufficient* thanks for the input ;)

[javi]

Goldfish are dirty dirty fish and need either a huge tank or a pond. So that is probably your problem.

[prettyfishy312]

thanks javi :)

[vaygirl]

Yep, what everyone said. Goldfish need BIG tanks and double filtration. They are poo monsters. Monsters! :P

You'll have an easier time with bettas. 50% weekly should be fine in a five gallon. I do that with my lil puffer cause he's a messy, messy eater. Get yourself a siphon vacuum and it'll make changing water even easier. They're a couple bucks.

[prettyfishy312]

haha... poo monsters... and we planned on getting a siphon too for the incoming betta!

[truthequalslies]

Originally Posted by prettyfishy312

haha... poo monsters... and we planned on getting a siphon too for the incoming betta!

ya no matter what size your goldfish is the minimum size recommended is 10 gallons per goldfish anything smaller will look like a septic tank in no time