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Getting a Goldfish...

3K views 6 replies 6 participants last post by  Lupin 
#1 ·
Thanks for the useful info...

I have recently seen a pink 'fairy themed Goldfish tank' advertised in my local Pets At Home store and was considering buying it for my daughter for xmas, as she loves fish and fairies :-?

I asked the staff what they recommend for this tank and they suggested getting a Goldfish for it. Not too confident they know alot about fish personally so would appreciate any further advice on:

.What type of Goldfish would be suited for a 17ltr tank
.Should I get two so it doesnt get lonely or does it not matter?
.Would two have enought room

Regards
GoldiLuckinFISH
 
#2 ·
Welcome to the forum, Goldiluckinfish. One, not to mention two, goldfish are not appropriate for a 17L tank. The staff was way off base in advising you on this one. There are other types of fish that would be more suitable for a 17L but that would still fit with the *fairy* theme. Humm...*sparkling fairy fish*. Anyone?
 
#5 ·
A betta. I am sure you will find a pink, white, yellow, lavender one no problem at a Pets at Home. Just be sure to get a heater. Despite the myth that they can live in tiny bowls, heat is essential... they are a tropical fish!

They need 2 us gallons minimum so one would be awesome for a 4.5g tank. They are also quite hardy... just make sure there are no sharp decorations that could tear his fins. File any sharp corners.

Another thing I strongly, strongly suggest is that you buy the tank about 5 weeks before Christmas so that you can cycle it (aka grow a colony of nitrifying bacteria in the filter to break down wastes) ahead of time in a good hiding spot lol. Cycling the tank will reduce the amount of water you need to change from 100% 1 or 2 times a week to 25% once a week, which is good for busy moms.

Here's some good articles on cycling your tank:
http://redirectingat.com/?id=401X645&url=http://www.fishforum.com/viewtopic.php?t=343

http://www.tropicalfishkeeping.com/member-submitted-articles/freshwater-cycling-methods-3067/

Props to you on researching before taking the plunge! I can't begin to tell you how much trouble you are saving yourself. One thing I always respected (and still do) about my mom is that she did her homework on all me and my brother's pets and really set a good example.

Good luck!

(And one tip: Ask us anything. Pet stores often give out a lot of wrong advice which causes a lot of trouble for newbies.)
 
#6 ·
Thanks to everyone who has posted to my question.

I have since decided to cancel on the Gold Fish, as advised I will be going for something alot smaller and hopefully still impress the little lady. Sort of wanted a Gold Fish for myself really but I will love another type of fish just the same :)

I really do feel for all the little fish that these big pet stores are throwing at people with poor advice... Hopefully people will find this forum and take real honest advice. Thanks Again!!

Regards
Kev
 
#7 ·
Ya know a 40g tank would be lovely with 2-3 orandas in there.:love: Tempting.:wink:
 
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