I am a designer and I hate looking at the computer all the time and plus I need constant inspiration. I thought of getting a fish in a small tank on my desk. Maybe 1-2 (in case they get lonely??) Looking for an active, vibrantly colorful type of fish. Any suggestions? Im new at fish. I do have a lil pond of fish at home. Deep in me, Im actually wondering if its cruel keeping fish in a small tank for work... Suggestions/ advise?
2007-04-20 14:22:16 · 31 answers · asked by Wish 4 in Pets ➔ Fish
Thank you for wonderful suggestions. Another concern is my office temperature. Air con is around 17 degrees. If bettas live in heated water, is that the same as me, filling in semi warm water? Coz I do not have a water tank heater or such. Sorry if I sound very Paris (Hilton) but like I said Im really new at this and I do wanna be a responsible pet owner. :D
2007-04-20 23:59:31 · update #1
It really depends on the space you have to dedicate to a tank. If you have very, very little space and can find room for a 2.5 gallon tank, I would have to say heat it and go with the betta, or unheated 3-4 White Cloud Mountain minnows. If you have room for a 5 gallon tank in your office your choices expand exponentially. For that a small school of 5-6 neon tetras with a pair of always active dwarf cory cat fish would be good. Or, if you are really lucky to have them in shops in your area, 2-3 pair of killifish, wonderful color on those little fish but unfortunately not easy to find in shops. Easy enough to order off the web though and so unusual as to be a real conversation piece. Of course 5-6 male guppies in a variety of colors would also be very pretty.
To me it's not cruel at all as long as you 1) heat the tank for tropical fish and 2) select fish of the appropriate size for the tank and 3) don't overstock or crowd the tank. Miniature tank, miniature fish and the proper balance is maintained.
MM
2007-04-20 15:49:08 · answer #1 · answered by magicman116 7 · 4⤊ 1⤋
SInce you didn't mention tank size I can't recommend anything except, once again, the betta, which is about the only thing acceptable for tanks of less then 5 gallons. True, they thrive best in a tank with heated water, but they do fine at room temperature too. If you can fit a 10 gallon on your desk this would really open up the options for you. Remember, just because somebody else does it, that doesn't make it right.
Bad ideas mentioned:
Goldfish: They live for decades and grow huge, only irresponsible or ignorant keepers put them in little bowls.
Neon: Schooling fish that should have a heated tank, and since you need them in numbers and they enjoy planted setups, they do need a tank of at least five gallons, preferably larger.
Kribensis: Active and aggressive fish, 1 should have ten gallons or more, a pair 20 or more.
2007-04-20 15:19:34 · answer #2 · answered by Ghapy 7 · 3⤊ 1⤋
Beta. You can have a plant or two in there. Just remember to feed it before you leave on the week-end and make sure to have just ONE co-worker feed it when you go on vacation.
Betas are fighting fish, so one in a tank is enough. They need to have their water changed at least once a week. Sometimes twice if they are fed too much. It helps get rid of the toxin build up in the water.
You want him active? Just put a mirror against the tank and that little fishy can really get worked up. Fins up gills out, looking a mean and big as he can. Don't leave the mirror there all the time. Put it there when you think he may need a little exercise.
2007-04-28 13:58:52 · answer #3 · answered by Ding-Ding 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A simple tank for a desktop (no heater or complicated plumbing/filtration) may be a 1 gallon tank with one fish (or two small ones) like: Betta, 2 white clouds, dwarf gourami, pigmy cory catfish. If you choose a betta be sure to put a small mirror next to the tank so he can see himself and fight with his reflection. Bettas have been found living in a foot print in the wild so small for them is not cruel. Change 20 to 25 percent of the water each week.
Good Luck!
2007-04-28 13:38:23 · answer #4 · answered by pilot 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
One gallon (even with the undeniable fact that opposite to customary perception) isn't suited for any fish different than a Betta. you may shop a Betta, Ghost Shrimp and Snails in that glorified fish bowl, it extremely is approximately it lol. no longer all mutually the two because of the fact the Betta will consume the shrimp. you may continuously attempt upgrading in case you like a real-ish tank, you're able to choose a minimum of five gallons and a filter out in the previous you may shop a tank with 5 Tetras in it. Smaller than 5 gallons is a Betta bowl, no count what the kit says. reliable good fortune
2016-10-28 14:22:05 · answer #5 · answered by duperne 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
First, I would suggest that you invest in a small desktop aquarium (5-gallon minimum). Next, I would suggest getting a betta. I know they aren't very active but it is a good starter fish. Then, I would suggest at least 2 or 3 tank mates for the mini-aquarium like tetras, rasboras, danios, and either 1 snail or plecostomus to keep the inside tank clean.
2007-04-27 16:37:00 · answer #6 · answered by NCConfederate13 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Don't listen to what people say about Bettas. Though they are colorful, they are not cold-water, and really would do alot better with a heater. They can live for awhile in cold-water but they will be "drowsy" all the time, and eventually, their bodies will just shut down...They like temp.'s from 75-80F...
I guppy would be nice, they are colorful, and would do ok in a non-heated tank. Another Idea would be a Paradise Fish. I don't think they're very common in stores, but if you could find it, it would be the best choice. If not go guppy!
I agree, Plecos are cool, but have large stomachs and require alot of food. And they are like the Bettas, CAN be kept in cold-water, but they are really tropical... Plus the common ones get huge!
Try not to go with Goldfish because they get huge, and poop ALOT.
You can't get Neon Tetras, because they need to be in groups of 5 or more, which you can not fit in a bowl...
And Kribensis, They are tropical and need a heater...
Ps. You can put Bettas with any other fish except Bettas! I've done it. I've had them with Tetras, Barbs, Catfish etc.
2007-04-20 14:38:50 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 2⤋
Betas are great small tank fish. the only thing is you can not put them with other fish or each other because they will kill one another. They are very colorful but not too lively. If you don't like there attitude I would say buy a couple Guppies. They are lively fish and can live praticly forever if they get taken good care of.
2007-04-20 14:30:23 · answer #8 · answered by abra f 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I have raised fish for most of my life and I am 37 years old. I have always heard that you can have goldfish in anything. Heated water or not they won't die. They don't even need the filtration for the air.
2007-04-26 11:43:07 · answer #9 · answered by megandbrit2 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have 2 bettas on my desk at work, they are in a divided tank and they are such a great relaxing tool. they have gotten so that they will follow my finger on the glass.. they looooove feeding time and jump above the water with joy they are just fantastic. you just have to change the water (dechlorinated) every few days.
2007-04-20 14:35:11 · answer #10 · answered by lmaryott4 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋