calling all fish experts (or even someone that has a clue about fish)

[simba928]

So I made a deal with my mom the other day. I might be getting fish in a couple weeks. I will keep them in a fish bowl that is probably a little over a foot in diameter and maybe 8-10 inches tall. I would love to have a beta fish, but I want more than one fish in the bowl and therefore I don't think a beta would be good. Please correct me if I'm wrong, though. I saw someone on here had a "Mickey fish" (goldfish with a Mickey shaped marking). Is that an actual kind of fish or just a goldfish that coincidentally had that marking? If it is an actual kind, where can I find them? I had fish many years ago. My dad had a huge koi that was probably over a foot long for several years. I would love to get another koi, but I think it would eventually outgrow the bowl and I'm not sure how my mom would like the real fish tank in my room. I also had many goldfish, but each one only lasted for a couple weeks at a time and my dad really handled all the responsibilities as I was only 4 or 5. The only thing I did was feed them on occassion. So, other than the questions above, my first question is what type of fish would you suggest for a know-nothing about fish?

Also, how do you introduce the fish into the tank? What type of food should I use? I am totally clueless, so any info you could give me would be greatly appreciated by both me and my future fish. LOL.

Thanks!

 

[Disney_1derland]

A good fish store should be able to help you with your set up and introduction (I'm not versed in that so I'm not giving any advice!) But the fish are called Mickey Mouse Platys and yes they are a real type of fish.

Betas are better off alone so that's out if you want more than one.

 

[Cindyluwho]

OK, so here I am sitting at my computer. I read the topic on the board and think to myself, "Here's something I can help with. I spent all my high school and college years working on a fishing boat, in a cannery and at a fish market. I'm sure I can help the OP. oooops

 

[Megster]

I have a beta and absolutely love him. But you're right, they live alone. However unlike most fish they really have a personality and they can live a few years so you really get to know them. If you are dead set on having more than one then a beta isn't right for you, but I highly highly reccomend them. Oh ya, they're really easy to take care of as well so thats a bonus!

 

[Jpgirl]

I think I can help. I've had goldfish, tropical fish and marine fish. Goldfish can be raise in a bowl with no support. There is no "mickey" goldfish. that fish just coincidently had "mickey" markings. Koi are different from goldfish. Koi are expensive and usually used for outdoor ponds. Goldfish will grow to the size of their enviroment, thus you want small goldfish in a bowl. Guppies can be raised in a bowl too, but they are really a tropical fish. Tropical fish really need a tank with a heater and a filter. You can have many different kinds of fish (as long as they're all community) in a tank. The "Mickey" platys are probably dalmatian platys as I've seen "Mickey" platys and they're no different than my dalmatian platys-the markings are coincidental too. I live in Texas and my house temp. stays between 65 and 80 so I don't use a heater in my tank and my fish do fine. When I lived in Ohio I used a heater in the winter. Goldfish are more coldwater-they don't need heaters. I had an outdoor pond and it would freeze -we had a warmer that kept the bottum 12 inches unfrozen and my goldfish were fine. The water temp was about 40 degrees. Their metabolism would slow and they didn't move much but they lived. Tanks are going to be easier in the long run than a bowl. It'll be hard and expensive in the short run with a tank but once it's established you spend maybe 15 minutes a week on up keep. With a bowl you have to do water changes 2-3 times a week because you have no filter. If you do get a bowl make sure it's big with a very wide opening and fillit only half to 3/4 of the way so there's plenty of air to water surface. That being said goldfish come in many varieties and are easy and hardy. Go to the library and get a book on goldfish and one on aquariums and read them both before you set something up. I've loved all my fish, but killed many when I didn't know what I was doing!! Good luck

 

[simba928]

Thanks! One more question...when you go away, which we do quit frequently (usually at least two week long family trips, 2-3 weekend family trips, and a week of band camp), do you just put enough food in the bowl for a week? Will they be ok for a week if I clean it the day before I leave and the day I get back? My dog goes to the kennel and my grandma comes to take care of my cat, but there would be noone to take care of the fish. I mean, she could feed them, but there would be no way she would clean the tank. For band camp, though, my dad might do it once if I beg him. Otherwise, I am basically on my own when it comes to cleaning and maintenance, which is perfectly fine with me. It just creates a bit of a problem when I go away.

 

[canwegosoon]

I walk my Beta over to my neighbor if we are away for more that 2 days.

For a tank system you can get a leek long feeder cake.

Also they do sell split goldfish bowls for 2 betas or a goldfish and a beta.

 

[simba928]

I guess I should say that I am using my dad's old fish bowl. It is a fairly large bowl, though. I know some of you might not like this, but I am trying to go as inexpensive as possible. I am a high school student and don't have a job, yet (I am applying for one, but I probably won't have it by time I get the fish.) So I guess the concensus is that a goldfish would be best for now? Maybe eventually I can get a smaller bowl and get a beta. Or if I see a beta at the store I might decide that thats what I want and just get that.

What do you think of this solution for when I go away...I have another tank (which I already have) and get it ready with clean water, etc. Then, half way through the week, my grandma can just come and scoop the fish up and put them in a new tank. We don't have any neighbors I can bring them too, so my options are either that or clean it right before we leave and when we get back. Unless, of course, you guys have any other solutions.

 

[canwegosoon]

I don't suggest cleaning it the day before you leave..since at the bottom of the tanks are uneaten food if the fis gets hungry. Also I just read that you are a high school student...but did you know that you can put a plant on top of a vase(AKA beta bowl), and the fish eats off the plant roots...my sons classroom does this. Check with where you are getting your fish from if it is possible for the fish you are intrested in. Good luck...and that would eliminate any feeding problems...and they change the water like once a month.

 

[almacdonald]

Just a heads up. Goldfish are fairly messy fish. The poop a lot. Their bowls need to be cleaned quite often because left-over food and poop cause the nitrate cycle to get all out of whack and can essentially poison the fish. Also, there is no way for the water to re-oxygenate itself in a bowl meaning the water has to be changed more often. If you can hold off until you can afford at least a small aquarium, fish care will be much easier and less frustrating. Also, there are fish feeders that slowly release fish food over an extended period of time for when you are on vacation. There require moving water and a steady supply of oxygen and thus are not suitable for a bowl. You cannot simply dump excess food in the bowl because, as I said before this food will decay and mess up the all-important nitrate cycle. If you do go the bowl route, make sure to add a some kind of dechlorinator to the water before you put the fish in. Chlorine + fish = dead fish. Try to change only half the water at a time as well because the "used" water contains benficial bacteria. If you go to a pet store and talk to the fish person they will be able to set you up with what you need. Or maybe pick up a fish keeping book and wait til after summer vacation and band camp to buy your new pet. Have fun! I love my fish tank!

 

[Mermaid02]

My betta fish is in my aquarium with my other fish. They do just fine. He does have a hiding place.... but as long as there isn't another male betta, he's okay.

 

[liamsaunt]

there are some fish that you could have in your bowl with a beta. I believe the key is to be sure that the beta is the largest fish, and you can only have one beta. The people at the fish store will be able to help you choose compatible fish. In college I had a tank with one beta and a bunch of neon tetras.

 

[Aneille]

With a beta fish I don't think its neccessarily the size of the fish in comparision to the beta but the prettiness. Male beta's don't like other fish with long pretty fins.

As far as a fish bowl vs a tank, I would set up a 10 gallon tank. Check around in the want-ad's/craiglist you will be surprised at what is out there to buy used. A 10 gallon tank is $12 at walmart I think, then if you go tropical you will need a heater,filter and gravel. I used to use an aquaclear filter, they worked well enough. You can add a light if you want as well.

Learn up on the nitrogen cycle, really. If you understand it you will have a better chance of having your fish survive in the beginning.



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