How Many Goldfish Can you Safely keep in a 30 & 35 Gallon Aquarium?

Goldfish are some of the most popular fish among novices and experienced fishkeepers alike. Although these attractive fish are relatively easy to care for, there are a few basic things that you need to keep in mind when making sure your goldfish have the best possible chance at long and healthy lives. One of those concerns is ensuring they have adequate space to live in.

In this article, we will look at how many goldfish you should keep in a 30-35 gallon tank. This is a relatively standard-size tank used by goldfish keepers, so it is good to have a general idea of how many goldfish you can put in one of these tanks.

Goldfish Need An Adequate Amount of Water!

One of the most important things to remember when keeping goldfish is that they need an adequate amount of water. You should never put more goldfish in a tank than what the goldfish water tank can accommodate. A good rule of thumb is to allow at least 10 gallons per fish for each goldfish you plan to keep in the tank.

Given that a single fish can grow between 8- 10 to 10-12 inches in length, they will require a decent size fish tank that will give them ample space to grow and swim around.

Some aquarists may be hesitant about getting large tanks because of how much it costs to keep them heated. The good news is that goldfish are cold-water fish that can tolerate a wide range of temperatures. This means that you will not have to spend as much money on heating the tank as you would if you were keeping tropical fish.

What Affects The Number of Goldfish You Can Keep In A Tank?

There are a few factors that you need to consider when trying to determine how many goldfish you can keep in your tank. These include the following:

Goldfish Species

Different types of goldfish can have different growth rates and sizes that will ultimately impact the number of fish you can keep in your tank. For example, fancy goldfish species such as the fantail goldfish, oranda goldfish, and even comet goldfishes tend to grow slower and stay smaller. On the other hand, common goldfish can grow up to 14 inches long.

So, depending on the goldfish species living in the 30-35 gallon tank, you may be able to keep more fish. If you are a fan of common goldfishes, you may only be able to keep 2 in a 30-35 gallon tank. However, if you have smaller goldfish varieties, you could keep up to 4 in the same tank. It all boils down to the size and growth rate of the fish.

If you opt for a combination of different species, you need to remember that some goldfish may not get along. It is best to do your research to see if the species you want to keep together are compatible. Though goldfish isn’t an aggressive fish species, some may still nip at the fins of others.

The Shape of the Tank

The shape of a goldfish tank may not matter if you’re housing a single comet goldfish, but if you’re planning on creating a school of fish, then the shape of your tank can play a more significant role.

For example, rectangular tanks tend to be better for housing goldfish because they provide ample space and fewer corners that are harder for the fish to maneuver around. Therefore, if you want to keep more goldfish in your tank, it is recommended that you opt for rectangular tanks over cylindrical or square tanks.

Every additional goldfish you keep in your tank will need more water and more space to swim. Therefore, if you want to keep a small school of 3 or 4 goldfish, it is best to go with a larger rectangular tank that can accommodate their needs. 

Decorations & Plants

It is best to go with minimal décor to maximize the number of fish you can house in your tank. This is because having too many decorations can reduce the amount of space available for the fish to swim around. It can also create more hiding spots for uneaten food, quickly leading to water quality issues. A 35-gallon tank with minimal decorations will be a better option for goldfish than one filled with plants and other decorations.

If you want to add some decorations to your tank, it is best to go with live plants. This is because they will help oxygenate the water and provide a place for the goldfish to hide if they feel scared or threatened. However, you should note that adult goldfish are known to uproot aquarium plants and decorations when looking for food. So, if you want to keep live plants in your tank, it is best to go with hardy plants that can withstand the waste produced by goldfish.

A well-decorated full-size goldfish tank will look better than a barren one. But, if you’re looking to maximize the number of fish you can keep in your tank, it is best to go with a more minimalist approach. Alternatively, you can always get a larger tank to accommodate more fish and decorations.

Water Quality Issues

The most common issue that arises from overstocking a goldfish tank is water quality. When you have too many fish in a tank, they produce a lot of waste products. In a tank that is too small for your fish, these waste products can quickly build up and lead to ammonia poisoning or other water quality issues.

Water quality issues can cause your fish to become sick and even die. Therefore, you mustn’t overstock your tank. If you notice that your water quality is starting to decline, it is essential to take action immediately to correct the issue. This may include doing more frequent water changes or adding a filter to your tank.

Ultimately, the best way to avoid water quality issues is not to overstock your tank. Make sure that you do your research to determine how many fish your tank can accommodate.

Stress & Disease

Another issue that can arise from overstocking a goldfish tank is stress and disease. When the space requirement of your fish is not met, they will often become stressed. This stress can suppress your immune system and make your fish more susceptible to disease. You may notice their fins becoming frayed or their bodies turning white if they suffer from stress.

Goldfish are especially susceptible to stress because they are such social creatures. When they are not given enough space, they often become anxious, leading to health problems. Additionally, when fish are too close together, they can often nip at each other’s fins. This can cause damage to the fins and coats of goldfishes, which can lead to infection.

To avoid stress and disease, you should provide your fish with enough space to swim around and hide. This will allow them to feel secure and reduce their risk of becoming anxious or sick.

Aggression

Another issue that can arise from overstocking a goldfish tank is aggression. When fish are overcrowded, they often become aggressive towards each other. This aggression can lead to fighting and even death. Goldfish are especially prone to aggression when they do not have enough space.

Therefore, when stocking your tank with goldfish, you need to ensure enough space for each goldfish to carve a safe zone to call its own. Otherwise, you may end up with a tank full of aggressive fish that are constantly fighting with each other. And, no one wants that.

So, now that you know the risks of overstocking a goldfish tank, it is important to stick to the recommended stocking levels for your tank. This will ensure that your fish are healthy and happy.

The Takeaway

Goldfish are social creatures that need plenty of space to swim around. When stocking a 30-35 gallon tank with goldfish, it is best to stick to 2-3 fish. You run the risk of overstocking your tank, leading to water quality issues, stress, disease, and aggression.

Of course, you should also consider the type of goldfish you are keeping. Some goldfish grow to be quite large and need a larger tank to accommodate their size. So, be sure to do your research before stocking your tank.

We hope this article has helped teach you how many goldfish you can keep in a 30-35 gallon tank. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to leave them below. And, as always, happy fishkeeping!