Tank of the Month: Fancy Goldfish 36-Gallon Bow Front

Welcome to our very first Tank of the Month spotlight — featuring two of the most charming personalities in the Fish Momma family: Quartz the fancy oranda and Cocoa the rescued black moor.

A Peaceful Home Built for Goldfish

Quartz and Cocoa live in a 36-gallon bow-front aquarium filled with soft sand, a dramatic piece of black mopani wood, and gentle open space for easy swimming.

The setup includes:

• Sand substrate for safe foraging

• A large mopani centerpiece

• A fake plant (because real plants… do not survive these two)

• Cholla wood for their bristlenose pleco

• Smooth décor with no sharp edges

• Strong filtration and weekly water care

There’s also a small bristlenose pleco and a few snails who help with cleanup, though the goldfish take most of the credit.

Why Size Matters for Goldfish

Fancy goldfish need:

• At least 20 gallons for the first fish

• 10–20 additional gallons for each one after

• Smooth décor

• Clean, well-filtered water

• A calm environment with room to glide

Quartz and Cocoa thrive because this tank gives them the space and stability they deserve.

Feeding and Care

These two enjoy:

• Every other day feeding. This encourages the sand foraging which helps keep the tank clean.

• High-quality sinking goldfish pellets, flakes, and blood worms

• Occasional blanched veggies

Overfeeding is the most common mistake with goldfish — clean water keeps them healthy, not “extra snacks.”

Want Help With Your Goldfish Setup?

Whether you’re starting fresh or upgrading a small tank, I can design a safe, beautiful home that keeps goldfish happy for years.

Serving Chapel Hill, Durham, Apex, Hillsborough, and Pittsboro.

If you’d like your aquarium featured in a future Tank of the Month, send me a message — I’d love to see it. 💛