Goldfish temperature -- what is the proper range?

[Can0Beans]

(All temps are in fahrenheit -- sorry to those who use a system that actually makes sense)

Okay -- after I started the clown pleco thread, I started researching goldfish temps, both recommended and tolerated. The reality is that there is little consistency in this information. I have read that the ideal is no higher than 64 degrees (http://www.brooklands.co.nz/gold/gold.htm) to the optimal range being between 68 and 78 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Goldfish) to someone saying that Orandas and the like prefer water temp around 78.

So what is the consensus here?

I obviously want what is best for the health of my fish -- and I am not interested in breeding so breeding temps are not important to me.

[Mushroomman]

Room temperature or somewhere around there has worked fine for me for years. 65F is fine.

[Fish Friend]

any temp is right... not too cold or theyll die... they can get up to the tropical boundaries well i heard... that they are compatible with tropical ??? am i right ??

[Mushroomman]

No I wouldnt put them in with tropicals. They have different needs and really do prefer cooler water. They can survive really cold waters... can overwinter in ponds.

[Fish Friend]

oh.... i my book it says the can iclimalise to tropicals over a period of time... stupid fish books... dont know what there on about !!

[Can0Beans]

Mushroomman -- what do you think the upper threshold is for Oranda's?

[kindaconfused]

Also Goldfish emit so much amonia that it can acctually eventually kill your othert fish

[Can0Beans]

What is the upper limit --- If I keep my tank at 75 are my goldies going to be happy and healthy?

[Mushroomman]

Yes they should be fine in 75 degree water, due to warm weather the ones in my pond have been fairly warm and they are fine, though it is unnecessary to have it at that temperature, its ok.

[PerfectAngel]

i keep my gold fish at 70-72 degrees... they seem happy