Sounds like you're really into fish! While you're doing some research on caudates, it might be worthwhile to research some of your fish species, to see what they like. Many tetras and barbs are schooling fish, and will feel comfortable in groups of 6 or more. The goldfish you're interested in get quite large and produce a lot of waste, so I don't think I would keep one in under 20 gallons.
There are also some awesome fish forums out there, if you're enjoying the forum experience and would like to learn more about your fish. Both
Tropical Fish, Aquarium Fish, Care for Saltwater and Freshwater Fish, Aquarium Setup and
Aquarium Forum have some great species profiles on their mainpages, so it might be worth checking them out.
Welcome aboard!
I have done research on the fish species I have, unfortunately, leaving town for two days and having my heater explode doesn't really care about how much research you've done.
I can't speak for barbs, because I've never owned any, but most Characidae are fine in groups of about three; you just need to keep them in odd numbered groups. I have also found that (especially with the blind cave tetras) they tend to cross school. They normally tend to stay with similar kinds, (ie livebearers with livebearers), but will create "superschools," especially if they have been living together for more than 3 months.
So yes, I will get my numbers back up to where they should be, but it's a matter of time and what the pet stores have in stock.
As for the pond comets, they are living in a 50 gallon Rubbermaid tub, which is something a lot of Koi people do to winter over their fish. We are moving later this summer, and we are drawing plans for an actual pony, but until then, they are fine in the tub.
Although, keeping a tub full of fish doesn't help erase the label of "crazy fish lady." The 10 gallon is being cycled for a baby fancy goldfish (probably a celestial eye or a red capped oranda) for my sister. I don't think I could even wedge a full grown pond comet into that thing! :lol:
Thank you though, for noticing and mentioning the problem in my tank.
Most people wouldn't have had the guts, and you did it tactfully and kindly, and I WISH I had had someone like you my first few months of fishkeeping.
One of my biggest pet peeves is people being ill prepared for the pets the purchase. I run an unofficial fish rescue so that people don't just kill their fish, they can rehome them. I rescued the comets. I had to scoop three dozen fish out of some lady's pond because she "didn't want them" and said if I didn't come get them, then she was going to fill the pond in with the fish still in it. :angry: Fortunately, I rehoused all but the five I decided to keep with people on the national Pond Tour. Throughout the entire process, we only lost one.
I'll post pictures later.
