My daughter was given a small 1.5 gallon aquarium for her birthday. The best place we could think to put it in our small apartment was in her bathroom (on the counter next to the sink). I was just reading some warnings about replacing the water in the tank, bacteria and the handling of "old" aquarium water. I'm wondering if it's safe to have an aquarium in the same place my daughters brush their teeth and take a bath. Any precautions I should take? (We only have two goldfish in this little tank.)
2007-04-02 07:08:39 · 11 answers · asked by dano23 2 in Pets ➔ Fish
I think you'll be okay. Most aquarium liturature about "bacteria" in the tank is referring to the bacteria that convert the toxic byproducts of your fish's metabolism (ammonia, nitrite) to nitrate. These bacteria are beneficial to the tank and aren't disease-causing organisms. Having the tank in the bathroom will also provide a convenient drain and water source for doing water changes.
Depending on the age of your daughter, I would suggest a talk with her about not washing her hands with soap, then putting them in the tank - soap residue won't be good for the fish! Neither will air fresheners, hair spray, or other aerosol products sprayed in the room or hair products, toothpaste, etc. if it gets into the tank. Also, keep a rag handy for wiping down the countertop with soap and water (no antibacterial soap is necessary) in case of spills when cleaning the tank. Below are a few websites with info on general fishkeeping/tank maintenance to help with your tank upkeep.
One other consideration is temperature - will they be exposed to fluctuating temperature from hot, steamy showers? The fish may not like the constantly changing temperatures!
Good luck with the tank!
2007-04-02 08:21:13 · answer #1 · answered by copperhead 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
NO GOLDFISH! please take the goldfish out, depending on what type they are they need 10gallon now EACH and 30gallons total as adults or 40gallons as adults if they're slim bodied. goldfish get huge (fancies get up to 10" and commons get up to 18"+) and they also produce tons of ammonia.
you tank is too small for much of anything. you shouldn't keep any fish in anything under 2.5 gallons, this is because cold water fish need lots of room and tropicals need heating, and it's hard to heat anything smaller than 2.5 gallons. if your aquarium doens't have a light, get a light for it and a thermometer. if it makes the temp somewhere around 75°F to 80° your tank is okay for one betta. take out any sharp objects such as plastic plants or decorations before adding him. only use silk plants. all other fish get too big for the tank and will die fast, especially goldfish.
as for it being say in your child's bathroom... I would not be concerned about the child's well being so much as the fish. having an aquarium next to it won't matter unless she's putting her hands in the aquarium and splashing the water all over her things. however, it would be very easy for cleaning supplies and such to find their way in there, and so a bathroom is not a great place for a fishtank.
2007-04-02 15:34:09 · answer #2 · answered by Kylie Anne 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
it will not matter where you have the tank really. As long as you do not leave the bathroom to steamy for long durations, as that can effect your tank some. But the most important thing you will encounter is make sure no chemicals are falling or some how getting into your tank. That will be the end of that tank if you do. Other then that it should be fine in the bathroom.
2007-04-02 14:17:26 · answer #3 · answered by lyd285 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Put declor in it and it will be fine. Our granddaughter plays with the fish, and we use hand sanitizer after. I am more concerned that it might be accidentally pulled off the counter. If its glass it'll make a mess, if it's plastic it can still do some damage to the feet. If she's ever been in a creek, the aquarium won't hurt her. I have email, if you have questions about the tank and its care let me know. My hubby is an expert.
2007-04-02 14:17:24 · answer #4 · answered by dtwladyhawk 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think that it would be fine, the tank is small and you have easy fish in it.... plus, if you clean it regularly and make sure that it won't get hit or tipped over, you have nothing to worry about really. We had a fish tank in our bathroom, you just might want to watch that the fish don't get stressed by over activity. You should be perfectly fine, they are goldfish!
2007-04-02 14:14:13 · answer #5 · answered by bubbles 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
2 goldfish in a 1.5 gal.? you probably have fantail and they frow to be 8 inches!!!!! I would suggest a Betta ( Siamese Fighting FIsh) because they usually do well in small spaces. I don't see why there would be any problems with having in the bathroom, except she might knock it over...
2007-04-02 15:27:54 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It should be just fine. I have a ten gallon tank on my kitchen counter, and I chop all my vegetables on my cutting board right in front of the tank. My husband cleans all three of our tanks once a week.
2007-04-02 14:20:16 · answer #7 · answered by Kari R 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it's just fine many kids have fish tanks in there bathrooms it's the same as swimming at the beach same bacteria
2007-04-02 14:29:22 · answer #8 · answered by sue m 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It would be okay and it won't be okay. It would be okay because its ina very good condition.(My aunt has her aquarium in the bathroom too) It would also be bad because if the soap slips, it could fall inside the aquarium.
2007-04-02 15:17:21 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Shouldn't be a problem, and as long as your kids dont play in the water the fish should be fine too. lol
Good Luck.
E.
2007-04-02 15:12:13 · answer #10 · answered by > 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋