FishProfiles.com Message Forums

so i gave away one of my 5g tanks with no heater, no light and a small internal filter to someone. today they emailed me back saying they had it cycling for the past 3 days (good i thought), then said they were going to get a goldfish in a few days for their new tank i want to know what anyone else would do in this situation. i want to email them back and say that a goldfish really isn't a good idea, but without a heater, there's not much they can do with a 5g tank really. but i also don't want to interfere with their decisions since it's not my tank anymore so what would you do?

---

"That's the trouble with political jokes in this country... they get elected!" -- Dave Lippman

I'd let them know how big goldies get (maybe show them a picture of Bruce the Oranda), and try to steer them away. Your friend could either:
Buy a small heater (fairly cheap), and get a betta or *maybe* a school of neons or another small tetra;
Or try some WCMMs. They do well in cooler temps.

Good luck!

---

And when he gets to Heaven, to Saint Peter he will tell: "One more Marine reporting, Sir! I've served my time in Hell."

Tell them you know of a great website for people who want to start keeping fish and send them a link.

Mike

are they going to be using a goldfish to cycle the tank?

I did with my 10g. Put 3 comets in for 2 weeks and it was ready. I did have gravel from another tank in it though.

I think letting them know that a 5gal tank is not a suitable setup for a goldfish is completely acceptable.. Obviously this person does not have enough fishkeeping knowledge to make a responsible decision and you are in a position to try and help.. Just because you gave them the tank doesn't mean that you are not entitled to voice your opinion on what's going to be taking up residence in it.. After all, as the previous owner who better to give suggestions on what you've had success keeping in it??

As for it having no heater, is there a reason that the new owner can't go out and get a small heater for the tank?? One big enough to keep a tank that size warm can't be more than a few dollars..

i only mention it had no heater because that's how i gave it away. i'm not really friends with this person, my wife is on a site called freecycle where people put up stuff for free so we put the spare 5g on it. for all i know they bought the hood and heater to go with it. and they are not using the goldfish to cycle, they told me it has been cycling for the last 3 days since they picked it up from me. i am hesitant to say much because one of my good friends set up a 20g tank with FIVE goldfish in it despite my trying to get her to reconsider. "oh well i kept this many goldfish in this size tank when i was younger and they did alright" i think i might just email them back and say i don't think a goldfish is right and leave it at that

---

"That's the trouble with political jokes in this country... they get elected!" -- Dave Lippman

best thing you could probably do is inform him that 5g is not a suitable size for a goldfish, list some sources, and recommend alternatives. the idea of redirecting him to good sites and forums for more info in general is also a great idea. Hope it works out for you both!

The pottery that growls!