CaptainJackSparrow 0 Posted August 2, 2015 Hello. I'm a new poster here. I'm a long time aquarist, but quite new to fancy goldfish. I've spent most of my life keeping various saltwater tanks. I recently lost my long time reef (thanks to my little one who apparently likes to play with a gfci button while I'm away for work for several days). So instead of starting over with the reef, I've decided to go a totally different route (and hopefully a little more kid friendly). I've started a 125 gallon just for fancy goldfish. Thank tank is up, running, cycled and doing well so far:) So to my question. My plan is to keep 5 fancies. I recently bought 2 young new fish that I thought were both ryukins, with early "bump" growth. Now I'm starting to wonder if I they aren't just fantails. So I thought I'd seek the advice of more experienced goldfish keepers. The following are pics of the 2 fish in question. They are both about 1.5-2 inches in body length. Also, fwiw, the all orange fish has no split on his caudal fin. I'm not sure what's going on there. So any help would be appreciated. I have good LFS that would happily take back/trade if I wanted to. As I plan on these little guys being with me for a long time, I'd like to get the types of fish that I really want. 0 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
goldfishfanforever 913 Posted August 2, 2015 To me they both look like ryukins and they also look to have slight wen growth 0 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CourtneyandThunder 131 Posted August 2, 2015 Yes they do look like ryunkins but they can also be a mix. But they have a bump, fantails don't. 0 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Blitz 388 Posted August 2, 2015 Welcome! I think I see small humps on both your fish, but it might come down to waiting to see how they look once they've grown a bit more. Your tank looks great! 0 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Moucho+Moncho 402 Posted August 4, 2015 I agree with the others, the small humps present on both fish lead towards ryukin, but it really will all fall into place as they grow. Both are beautiful 0 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CaptainJackSparrow 0 Posted August 4, 2015 Thank you all for your thoughts and expertise! 0 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
fantailfan1 26,742 Posted August 4, 2015 And what's wrong with "just fantails"? Cute fish!! 0 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Arctic Mama 3,627 Posted August 4, 2015 They're spiffy! I see a little hump and narrow snout, so I'd lean toward ryukin. Love the tank! I hope you enjoy fancy goldfish as much as your reef. Welcome to Kokos! 0 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CaptainJackSparrow 0 Posted August 4, 2015 Haha! There is absolutely nothing wrong with "just fan tails"! In fact, I love the 2 that I already have. I am simply trying to get a little variety in my tank. I intended to imply that fantail are the "less altered" version, but I guess I chose my words poorly. Sorry! In fact, after I posted I was wondering if I was gonna get called on the "just fantails" comment or the misspelling of fantails in the title of the thread:) 0 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jenzaar 11,605 Posted August 4, 2015 I love the red and white one! Nice red on it. Tell me more about your light! Is it one six foot fixture?? 0 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Flipper 13,057 Posted August 4, 2015 I'd LOVE a 125gal for my so I'm a bit jelly. And Lisa is teasing you about the just fantail comment because they are her favorite and because she's a sassy sister They do look like immature ryukins to me, but there's no way to be more certain until they get bigger. As far as the tail split... Some fishes don't have one it's a genetic whoopsadaisy but that first red/white gf is beautiful If you give them a good varied diet and large weekly water changes they'll grow fast Btw : 0 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CaptainJackSparrow 0 Posted August 4, 2015 Thank you for your comments! I'm excited about the 125. I think it's a great size for GF. I've rigged a quite easy water change system so I can do a nearly hands free 70% change in about 30 minutes. Hopefully I'll be able to maintain the water quality even tho my available time is quite limited. I'm away from home usually 4 nights a week. The fish less cycle went really well and I'd highly recommend it to anyone starting any type of aquarium. As far as the lights....as I stated, I'm not home much so I didn't really want a lot of light creating algae growth when I'm not there to see it anyway. Also, I do most of my viewing in the evening/night so that's another reason for less light. I have 2 4 foot ILife LED strips for general viewing. I also have a simple LED pod fixed just over the plants for plant growth. That's it. The ILife strips have the ability to add pods to increase the lighting, but I'm ok with what came in the box. 0 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jenste 147 Posted August 4, 2015 So envious of the 125! I love your set up - simple but eyecatching. Can't wait to see these babies grow! 0 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CaptainJackSparrow 0 Posted August 4, 2015 Correction: my 2 light strips are 3 foot, not 4 foot. If that matters:) 0 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jenzaar 11,605 Posted August 4, 2015 all good! I have my old t5 thingy from my 55 gallon tank. Too confused/cheap to find a replacement but yours looks really nice! I just want it to be eeeasssyyy. And pretty. Too many factors! 0 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CaptainJackSparrow 0 Posted August 4, 2015 Correction: my 2 light strips are 3 foot, not 4 foot. If that matters:) 0 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CaptainJackSparrow 0 Posted August 4, 2015 These definitely meet the criteria for easy. Especially since my last light setup was dual 250 watt metal halides that required a chiller to keep the water from nearly boiling???? 0 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jenzaar 11,605 Posted August 4, 2015 Can you link me to the ones you have now? 0 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CaptainJackSparrow 0 Posted August 4, 2015 Ok but FYI, I've only had them about 4 months so I can't speak yet for their long yet reliability. So far so good tho????. I basically got them because I wanted LEDs for their temperature qualities and efficiency. I found a great deal on this one so I bought it. They r not super bright outa the box, but could be if u bought additional pods for it. Also, Elive makes other versions that are dual track and probably brighter, if that's what u want. http://elivepet.com/fish/lighting/led-module-track-light/ 0 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CaptainJackSparrow 0 Posted August 5, 2015 Thank you all for your input and compliments! This seems like a very nice community. 0 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Flipper 13,057 Posted August 5, 2015 We rock And are very modest 0 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
fantailfan1 26,742 Posted August 5, 2015 And Lisa is teasing you about the just fantail comment because they are her favorite and because she's a sassy sister : Yes, they are. . And, no, I'm not. . 0 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Shahbazin 1,110 Posted August 6, 2015 Terrific tank set-up! And cute fish 0 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites