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Hi I'm new. I was at a pet store last weekend, that sells fish, and saw these pretty goldfish (I think they were goldfish, though I didn't think they could be this pretty). Well they are like a calico cat in coloring, and have pretty tails. I also saw a tank that they call a Mini Bow 5.0 Aquarium Kit. It looked like a great deal, and would be perfect for the 3 little goldfish. (they were only about an inch each) So I bought them, and set them up at home on my dresser. I used the stuff that came in the box for the water and followed the directions that came with it. And I've been feeding them, it seems like all the time. They always are hungry. Now I'm out of the food in the box, what do I buy to feed them now? The same thing? I feel stupid because I through the package away without looking and writing down what it was. What else would I need? What kind of food should I buy? Can someone help me? I was also told that I should get a little sucky fish, but I don't like them, they were ugly. Do I have to get one? I haven't yet, but I can go back and get one if I have to. I think that is all of my questions. Thank you.

Hi,
Welcome to Fish Profiles!

Well your Local Fish Store (LFS) should never have sold
you those goldfish. Three, in that small a tank will
cause you all sorts of problems:

They are considered coldwater fish, and as such
require many many more gallons than 5 to live in for their
normal life span. The reason is that they require
more oxygen than do tropical fish.

They are members of the Carp family. As such, they are
messy eaters, and eliminate a huge amount of waste products
(urine and poop).

They grow huge. 12 inches and many, many, pounds is not
unheard of. Heck, you could pan fry one for dinner!

You are feeding them way, way, too much. A fish's stomach
is about as big as it's eye. With your fish, like some
humans, their eyes are bigger than their stomachs. They
have been known to eat so much that their sides become
swollen and they rupture inside and die. You should never
feed your fish more than they can eat in two minutes (max)
and then only twice a day.

With those fish, and feeding them, they are constantly
eliminating waste into the water. You will have to change
about 1-2 gallons every couple of days to "dilute the
soup." You will have to drain out that much and put
that much back in. Be sure to use a water conditioner,
and match temperatures of the new water with the remaining
tank water or they will become sick.

Lastly, you should read the information in this link:
http://www.fishprofiles.net/faq/begin-cycling.asp
It talks about the Nitrogen Cycle, what it is, how it
works, and how to manage it. IT IS ABSOLUTELY VITAL
that you realize the importance of the Nitrogen Cycle,
and understand how careful you must be with this tank
because, in a sense, you have been allowed to jump into
the deep end of the pool instead of getting your feet wet
first.

If you have any questions.. Please ask. We have dozens
and dozens of folks who love this hobby and want you to
succeed.

Frank


Last edited by FRANK at 18-Nov-2005 16:11

-->>> The Confidence of Amateurs, is the Envy of Professionals <<<--

Welcome and isn't it great to have fish as pets, I am so glad that you found us.

So great to hear all of your little friends are still alive despite being brought home to a tank that hadn't had a settling in period.

You feeding them when you see they are hungry is great you are watching their behaviour making me think you will be a good fishkeeper. But please sweetie stop feeding them! They should eat once a day. about 1/8 of a teaspoon. (get a plastic one from a fast food place). They are little piggies and too much food will make them sick and make their water very dirty with uneaten food and lots more waste.

Welcome &amp; take a look around and learn hope to see more of you. Check out Frank's recommendations.


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~~~ My fish blow kisses at me all day long ~~~

Franks advice good as usual. Either take em back or purchase a much bigger tank, with a view to a conservatory aquarium or pond later on.Make sure you have a tank cycled before you put fish into it , this takes anything from 21 days to a month.


Learning the truth about goldfish always comes as a bit of a shock to newbies I guess.

Welcome to FP, btw . Anything you need to know , dont hesitate to ask. Believe it or not you will find small tropical fish easier to keep. More interesting and prettier too

Last edited by longhairedgit at 21-Nov-2005 12:08