We have had a very small tank empty of fish for several months, but we have kept the little filter pump going continously. Recently we bought three small gold fish and used half the water that came with the fish and half the water already in the tank.
I may have two goldfish to donate in case I have to move. One of them is relatively aware and friendly, for a goldfish. So I did not just want to put them in a nearby pond or lake. They are both around three inches at present.