So I’m getting bubble eye goldfish on Tuesday: two or three in a thirty gallon tank. The tank will be set up either tomorrow (9/22) or Sunday (9/23) (I’m jump-starting the cycle with decor from my heated tank, though I realize that it probably won’t be completely cycled by the time my fish get to it. I don’t really have any other options though since there are no stores in my area that sell bubble eyes; the store I’m getting mine from are reserving their last order for me. I’ll be watching ammonia levels closely, no one worry.).
My question is this:
Would a tank with a bare bottom (no gravel) and an overhead filter with a prefilter sponge be safer than a tank with gravel and an under gravel filter? Or the other way around? I’m trying to stay away from gravel as the tank will be easier to clean (I’ll be able to control ammonia levels easier) and I’m terrified that some random piece of gravel will pop one of the bubble eyes’ bubbles. However, there’s always the issue of a bubble being sucked into a filter (hence the prefilter)… I have no experience with under gravel filters.
Also, does anyone have any recommendations for decor/toys for bubble eye goldfish? I’m thinking I can throw in some marimo moss balls (assuming the goldfish won’t eat them), and I’m borrowing a rounded pot/vase (no edges) from my heated tank… I’m just really scared something will poke a hole in their fragile cheeks.
