Dorm-room Fish

Hey, just an update. I've done a lot of research since posting this topic, and I thought I'd provide the right information for anyone reading this in the future.
   
Goldfish do NOT make good bowl/small tank pets, despite what many people think. Even a small goldfish requires a ten gallon tank with good filtration. Why? Goldfish are extremely messy fish. They produce a lot of waste, and without good filtration, that waste will spike ammonia levels in the water. A bowl situation for goldfish usually results in ammonia poisoning and death for the fish.
   
Not only that, but goldfish also grow very large. Some kinds can get over a foot in length. Your common comet goldfish will need a 55 - 75 gallon tank when fully grown.
   
Goldfish, when cared for properly, live for 20+ years.
   
I ended up getting a pair of sparkling gouramis for my 5.5 gallon tank. I had to get a heater with them, but they have a small bioload. And I don't have to worry about them growing out of the tank. They only get to about 4 cm.
   
They're fun little fish, though. Really curious and energetic. I would definitely recommend them.
   

Get a feeder fish! I had a pet feeder fish named feedie in a small bowl and he lived for over 2 years! They are very entertaining, and make great pets! Plus they are only ten cents per fish! You'll be saving a life too. But make sure if u got one, there isn't alot of dead ones at the bottom of the tank at the pet store, because somtimes they don't take good care of them.