whats a fish that won't die on u right away?

Question

i want a fish that will live at least a few years but the only fish that lived a long time was a beta and i don't want another on.i have tried golfish but they die like within a week.what else lives long?

Answer 1

Angel Fish

Answer 2

It depends on what size tank you have, and how you have it set up. Not all fish originate from the same places, so... not all all fish will require the same things to live happy long lives. If you have a small tank or bowl, then you will be limited in what will be able to live without much water. Just think normally out in the wild a fish would have lots of water space so as they ate and as they pooped it wouldnt really affect the quality and cleanleness of their water. when you have a half gallon or 1-2 gallon tank made for a beta it will not successfull house a Goldfish for very long. Goldfish produce alot of waste compared to a beta and should be in big tanks. IF you want fish that live a few years you want to look at getting at a minimum a 20 gallon tank or larger, and pick out differant types of tetras. Tetras with the exceptions of neons and cardinal tetras (which can be quite fragile when first introduced into new tank) are hardy fish that can live 2-5 years depending on species and how well they are taken care of . There are many types of tetras to choose from and as long as you dont overcrowd the tank, and you have your water tested, and do tank maintanence you should have these fish for a long long time

Answer 3

Goldfish live for 50+ years. It's true, ask any POND keeper.

Any fish will live for many years if properly cared for. Firstly do a fishless cycle. Cycling is the process of building up beneficial bacteria to process fish waste you can see more of the stress free fishless version here http://www.fishforums.net/index.php?showtopic=113861&hl=

Also, that site is good for any general question you may have.

After that, you also need good filtration, about 5-10 times turnover every hour. I like aquaclear power filter though if looking for canister, as low as 2 times is good, also eheim cannisters are superb.

Water changes are critical. About 25% of dechlorinated water weekly.

Also, weekly testing to keep you water in top shape is good. I like the aquarium pharm master. Ammonia and nitrite should always be 0 except during FISHLESS cycling. If they are not, do water changes to bring them down, as well as look for a cause, a dead fish, overfeeding... Nitrate should be under 40, if not... water changes. pH should be stable

Stocking to is important. No more than 1 in per gal. That is for slim bodied tropical fish under 4 inches and adult size. Also start out with a good tank size, 29 or 55 or higher are popular sizes

Answer 4

You're fish are probably dying because:
a) They were diseased when you bought them from the store
b) You are doing something wrong
If it is possible, try to get fish from a local fish club or individual and not from a store. Breeders often take better care of their fish so they won't be so sick, and sometimes they even cost less than what you buy in a store.
If that is not possible, when you buy one at a store, make sure it looks healthy and the other fish do too. Don't buy from a tank that has fish with fuzzy white spots, brown, tattered tails, dead fish or obviously dying fish.
If it is your fault the fish are dying, then all you need to do is research. Go to http://www.firsttankguide.net/ for the basics.
Good luck!

Answer 5

Zebra danios are EXTREMELY hardy and easy to keep. You do need a cycled, heated, and filtered tank to put them in though.

Angelfish are not very hardy, and might not be compatible with other fish. Oscars and pakus require very large tanks, which, since you're a beginner, you may not have access to. Bettas tend to have fin problems if you're not very stringent with your water changes and you don't cycle your tank first. Koi grow to be too large to keep in a small tank, as do goldfish. You need at least a 20-gallon tank per goldfish (they ARE poopin' machines).

Mollies, guppies, and platies are very colorful and hardy fish. But I'd honestly say your best bet is a small school of zebra danios. I've had mine live through two separate "plagues". They don't get picked on by the other fish. They're vibrant and active, and very fun to watch. If you're lucky, you might even be able to find the purple passion danios at your local LFS.

Good luck!

Answer 6

Almost every fish if you know how to take care of them properly. Before you buy ANY fish do some research so you don't kill them. Goldfish can live over 20 years so obviously you don't know how to take care of them and they really aren't that difficult when you know what to do. Also read up on cycling a tank, if the tank isn't cycled your fish wont live cause the ammonia or nitrite will kill them.

Answer 7

I had Shubunkins (I think thats how you spell it) that were pretty tuff. I would leave them outside in a small fountain in the hot summer and would keep them indoors in the winter when the fountain was dry. All they really seem to need is a little circulation in thier water. Sometimes when we would leave home they would survive with no food or anything for like a week or more. They are sort of a mix between a goldfish and koi.

Answer 8

If you can only keep goldfish alive for a week than I would have to say that you should not be keeping fish at all. Assuming that it is not your fault that they died I would say that you would probably get alot of satisfaction out of almost any south american cichlid if you have a tank big enough. They are very hardy and have an average life span of 10 years.

Answer 9

Beta fish and goldfish are fairly easy to take care of. My kids have killed almost all of there fishes either by feeding to much or forgetting but the goldfish and betas are still here. Needless to say the kids are doing great with them.

Answer 10

Betas do live for quite a long time, but so do koi fish, especially if you have a nice pond for them, and once I had a guppy that lived for almost a year! A GUPPY! i thought that was pretty crazy.