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I love the popcorn at the end…that’s a LOT of popcorn! 😯 Personally, I think that’s Val Kilmer’s best film. 😀
Oh boy advice! 😆 A disclaimer: I’m not trying to be the ‘fish police’ by any means.
Purplecat, it sounds like you already have goldfish so you probably know all this, so hopefully someone else that reads can glean some info 🙂
Goldfish:
Goldfish have a long standing history of being misunderstood. Goldfish are a type of carp, and should have a lifespan of over 20 years. That is not a typo. The average lifespan of a well cared for goldfish is over TWENTY YEARS. Now, I only know a few people that have goldfish set up properly enough where they live that long, which means that sadly most goldfish die young. That’s sort of like saying that 90% of people’s dogs die before they reach adulthood… it’s a sad statistic. That said, because of inbreeding and poor breeding of ‘feeder’ fish this is not always the fish owner’s fault, but I digress.Most types of fancy goldfish (the ‘fat’ looking ones such as orandas, ryukins, etc) grow to a minimum of 10-12″. However, comet goldfish, like the one you have here (more torpedo shaped) can grow in access of 14″ or more. It is actually a myth that keeping them in smaller tanks or bowls will cause them to stay smaller. It does stunt their growth a bit- causing them internal problems with organs and overall drastically shortening the lifespan of the fish. Also, goldfish give off more ammonia through their wastes and their respiration (yes, breathing O_o) than other fish. This means in smaller areas of water they slowly poison themselves with their own toxins if proper filtration and water changes are not made. This is a slow thing- sometimes it can kill them in a week, sometimes years. For this reason and the size reason, it’s usually recommended that you keep smaller goldfish (2″ or less) in at least 5 gallons per goldfish and then upgrade as he grows; adult goldfish need a minimum of 10-20 gallons per fish and a tank size of at least 30 gallons for a single fish.
Because goldfish are so messy, they often need stronger filtration than other fish. A good filter should be changed and a partial water change is recommended at least once per month. Additionally, a filter causes water agitation and aeration. Goldfish cannot breathe from the surface very well and in fact if you see a goldfish “blooping” at the top where he is at the surface and looks like he’s getting air often, he’s actually suffocating from the lack of dissolved oxygen in the water and is attempting to breathe near the surface where there is a slightly larger amount of dissolved air.
Goldfish are a coldwater fish and need no heater (and actually if you live in a very warm area where it is very constantly hot in the room where the tank is, it is recommended to get a chiller, which can be expensive). It is for this reason and the fact that they give off so much ammonia that they should not be kept with most tropical fish (some fish that are okay: plecos, dojo/weather loaches). Species that are easily effected by the ammonia are especially at risk– and I’m afraid to say that neon tetras are one of these fish. A lack of heater, being housed with a goldfish, and no filter will probably do these guys in sooner rather than later :/
That said, we have all seen exceptions to the rules. Every time I post this info somewhere I always get someone saying “Oh yeah well I had one in a bowl and he lived for 12 years!” to which I say… yes, that can happen. I’ve also heard of the guy that smoked a pack of cigs a day and lived to be 120. But the fact is that is the exception to the rule- sometimes you can get away with it, but most of the time, the lack of proper conditions causes early death. I worked with the public and freshwater fish for about 5 years professionally and I’ll tell you, the statistics for people killing their goldfish (and other kinds of fish to be fair, but the goldies got it the worst) is sad. Totally disregarding the fish purchased to be ‘feeder fish’, I’d wager that 9/10 goldfish that passed through my hands ended up flushed down the toilet, which is really tragic because it doesn’t cost too much to set them up a decent tank and you only have to buy the tank once. After a time I would refuse to sell them to carnivals and events where you could ‘win’ them because almost all of those fish end up dead. The worst part is that if someone really wants to keep a fish in a small area, the betta can be set up in only a gallon or two and is so beautiful! But there is some sort of stigma about sticking a goldfish in a bowl… And so many die! I know it is “only” a fish but I think that we should respect that it is a living creature. They are intelligent enough to be taught tricks and will recognize you. It is a myth they have a 10 second attention span. I only hope that the information is helpful. 🙂
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CV1mpIMoNoU (Yes, it’s an ad, but the tricks that fish is doing is real, I’ve seen others do this)
http://nootropics.com/intelligence/smartfish.html
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My art: featherdust.comyup….I’d read some of that before…although I admit, some of it was new info for me. There’s a huge pond near a bookstore where kids go to feed the fish, it’s been there a long time and I’m thinking that’s where he’ll end up. It’s full of pool comets…and OMG some of them are huge. I’ll admit..it has always baffled me why they sell fish that get so big at those events… but it’s all cost related I suppose…bettas in those little bowls would cost more than they’d want to spend. 🙄
Oh…quick question…will the tetras be ok in there after Goldie moves to the pond? I’ve never actually had tetras before.
purplecat wrote:yup….I’d read some of that before…although I admit, some of it was new info for me. There’s a huge pond near a bookstore where kids go to feed the fish, it’s been there a long time and I’m thinking that’s where he’ll end up. It’s full of pool comets…and OMG some of them are huge. I’ll admit..it has always baffled me why they sell fish that get so big at those events… but it’s all cost related I suppose…bettas in those little bowls would cost more than they’d want to spend. 🙄
Yes :/ A comet, ‘wholesale’ from a breeder of fish (or even from a pet store) might cost a total of $0.05-$0.25 each depending, whereas a betta even ‘wholesale’ would cost at least $2.00-$5.00 each.
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My art: featherdust.compurplecat wrote:Oh…quick question…will the tetras be ok in there after Goldie moves to the pond? I’ve never actually had tetras before.
If you get ’em a filter and a heater and at least 8-10 gallons, yes 🙂 It might be really tricky because you haven’t cycled the tank though, and there is no biological filter… so you’ll want to test the water for ammonia and nitrite daily (or, if daily is too troublesome, at least 2-3 times per week) for the first 2-3 weeks. Feed very sparingly every other day.
This is great info:
http://en.allexperts.com/q/Freshwater-Aquarium-3216/tank-cycling.htm
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My art: featherdust.comUnfortunately…I personally believe its “cost cutting” like this which contributes largely to alot of animal abuse…such as puppy mills, racing horses before they should even be ridden…etc etc. I figured the cookie jar would be a pretty neat temporary setup til we moved Goldie on…Donovan wanted to play that bowl game sooooo bad…and I supposed we’d figure out something with the fish afterwards…although I admit I was hoping he wouldnt win. 🙄 😳 I did however want an excuse to try out a live plant setup with some neon tetras…I love the way they shimmer..and I figured if they were all that were in there, they’d be ok. Plus…this way I didnt have to talk my hubby into letting me get the fish…they just kinda snuck in on him. 😆
Jennifer wrote:purplecat wrote:Oh…quick question…will the tetras be ok in there after Goldie moves to the pond? I’ve never actually had tetras before.
If you get ’em a filter and a heater and at least 8-10 gallons, yes 🙂 It might be really tricky because you haven’t cycled the tank though, and there is no biological filter… so you’ll want to test the water for ammonia and nitrite daily (or, if daily is too troublesome, at least 2-3 times per week) for the first 2-3 weeks. Feed very sparingly every other day.
This is great info:
http://en.allexperts.com/q/Freshwater-Aquarium-3216/tank-cycling.htm
Have you ever seen a successful setup of a “water cooler” fish habitat? I’m wanting to get an old water cooler and convert it for fish. ❓
purplecat wrote:Jennifer wrote:purplecat wrote:Oh…quick question…will the tetras be ok in there after Goldie moves to the pond? I’ve never actually had tetras before.
If you get ’em a filter and a heater and at least 8-10 gallons, yes 🙂 It might be really tricky because you haven’t cycled the tank though, and there is no biological filter… so you’ll want to test the water for ammonia and nitrite daily (or, if daily is too troublesome, at least 2-3 times per week) for the first 2-3 weeks. Feed very sparingly every other day.
This is great info:
http://en.allexperts.com/q/Freshwater-Aquarium-3216/tank-cycling.htm
Have you ever seen a successful setup of a “water cooler” fish habitat? I’m wanting to get an old water cooler and convert it for fish. ❓
You mean like a Coleman type cooler? Sure! I use them to transport fish, but you can use nearly any watertight container for fishkeeping as long as it’s nontoxic materials that won’t leech into the water, and you get creative. A hang-on-top filter may not work due to the thickness of the plastic, but a canister filter would work. I recommend Rena Filstar or Eheim. Just set it up with your gravel, filter, heater (for tropical fish- pretty much anything other than goldfish), thermometer, and cycle it. 🙂
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My art: featherdust.comYou bet! Some people use those giant rubbermaid storage bin things (like the 75 gallon ones :lol:) for temporary koi tanks during the winter and such… people are really creative when it comes to tanks! As long as you’re happy with how it works you can use it. 🙂 The only caution I have is be sure you know what the ‘tank’ if made of… all components and if there has ever been any chemicals in it, because last thing you’d want is for some unknown toxin to get into the water x_x Also be sure it can withstand the weight and pressure of the water over long periods. Water can weigh as much as 10-12 lbs PER gallon…. 55 gallons of water (just the water, no gravel or decor) can weigh in access of 550 lbs!
Vantid’s parents transformed their huge inground tile swimming pool into a koi pond. Expensive, but it can be done!
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My art: featherdust.comWow….I always did like the idea of a water cooler fishtank..also a tv converted into a fishtank..but I discarded that idea because of exactly what you were mentioning…it would be hard to make sure the tank components for that project were “fish-safe”. I think my favorite fish I’ve ever had were two Jack Dempseys..they were enormous, and they changed colors according to their mood. I actually rehomed them when we got rid of our tank..I was heartbroken to let them go, but when we moved we found there just wasnt enough space for the tank. 🙁
Oh….kay… You never can tell I suppose. Here’s our fish drama that just happened.
So…I’m doing dishes..and the kids are all in the girls room, playing. I hear a weird sound…and I pause, listening for the kids, whom are all still talking and playing. So I shrug off the noise and finish the dishes. When I go into the living room, I’m treated to the sight of Kashka, who had scooted the lid to the fish jar aside and is just pulling up her catch. O_O Oh…no. So, she flips goldie up and into the floor…where I swat her away and hurriedly pick up the fish..who is….well….gutted…but flopping around. So my mind is going…”Oh god..I cant let Donovan see his fish like this, the fish isnt gonna make it..what do I do? what do I do?” So I flush the fish. Did I do the right thing…I dunno…but just keep reading.
So, the fish is flushed. And Donovan goes to pee. yeah…you see where this is going. Apparently the fish worked its way back up through the pipes just in time to surface while Donovan is peeing. The next thing I hear is Donovan shriek, “MOOOOOMMMMMY!!!!!!!!” He’s still bawling… Poor kid.
🙁 🙁 🙁 🙁 🙁Now I suppose I need suggestions on cat-proofing….
Oh no purplecat! How awful! 🙁 I feel bad for your son. Everytime I flush another betta, I’m always afraid it’s going to come back up.
And Nam’s info above is why I’ve always avoided goldfish. 😕
Jennifer wrote:Vantid’s parents transformed their huge inground tile swimming pool into a koi pond. Expensive, but it can be done!
My dad’s brother did that too. I always like feeding the fish and turtles when I (rarely) go.
And sorry Purplecat 🙁 I’ve learned with all my animals (cats, dogs, ferrets, etc) that whenever I hear a noise that I can’t identify right off the bat, I go and check who made it and what it was.
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