How do you keep fish alive?

Question

As stupid as that question may sound, any fishies I've ever kept [goldfishies] would start getting sick after a month. Any ideas on how to keep fish alive longer?

Answer 1

It's not a stupid question at all. It's tough to keep them alive until you do your homework and that's what you are doing now. I'll suggest a website with some basics about aquariums and one about goldfish as well.

One thing I would warn you about is the source of your fish. be sure to be from a good independent fish store, not a big chain store.

http://www.firsttankguide.net/steps.php

http://kokosgoldfish.com/

After reading those if you have some quesitons feel free to email me.

MM

Answer 2

I can't believe these answers! Okay, you have put yourselves (and those poor fish) in a bad situation. You cannot put them in a container of tap water, the chlorine will kill them. If you have room temperature bottled water, you can use that short-term. Get a very clean bucket or plastic container. If you have no bottled water, very gently pour the fish and the water they came in into the bucket or container. Use something deep, they can jump. Don't worry about feeding them, they aren't going to starve overnight. Most likely, you are in possession of Common or Comet Goldfish. This is bad. They can each grow to be as much as 18" long. When they are full-grown, you will need at least a 100 gallon tank, and 150 gallons is preferable. In either case, you will need a filter rated for double the size of the tank. These fish are really better suited for ponds. If you know someone with a Goldfish pond, the humane thing would be to give them away. Or ask your local fish store to take them off your hands. Fish should not be acquired on a whim, you need to have a prepared tank ready for them. If you are determined to try this, first you will need the largest tank you can afford (if all you can afford is a 10 gallon, give it up, they will die), and a stand for it. You will need a tank hood, and a filter rated for twice the size of the tank. You do not need or want a heater, they are cold water fish. You will want gravel (1-1½ pounds per gallon of tank size is usually recommended). Get dark or natural colored gravel. Bright or neon gravel stresses fish. Some silk plants are a nice touch. These are the basics for the aquarium. To maintain the tank and care for the fish, you are going to need new, large buckets. Enough to hold at least 30% of the tank's water, plus one more. You will need a gravel vacuum appropriate for the size tank you have, thermometers, a liquid fresh water test kit (dip strips are not accurate), and water conditioner (AquaSafe and Start Right are two good brands). These are your essentials to get started. Eventually you will add an algae scrubber or scraper, and other assorted items. You will also need food. Goldfish flakes are appropriate for Goldfish. The most important thing you need is used filter media. You will be putting these fish in an uncycled tank. If you can get some used media and put it in the filter with the new cartridge, it will help prevent ammonia spikes, and simulate a cycled tank. Ask anyone you know who has an aquarium, post ads on local classified ad sites, Freecycle, Craig's list, whatever you can think of. Beg the local fish stores to help you out. Keep it wet, in tank water, until you get it installed in your filter. Tap water will kill the beneficial bacteria. If you can't get any from anywhere, you will be doing a "fish in" cycle. Google it, you need to understand what is going to happen, so you can best try to keep the fish alive through the process. You will have to get used to doing 30% weekly partial water changes, and probably more often during the cycling. Test your water often, to make sure it is in safe parameters. One other tip. When feeding your fish, do not pour the food out of the container into the tank. Sooner or later, you will accidentally dump way too much food in there. Open the container and take a pinch out and drop it into the tank. Give them only what they can completely consume in a few minutes. You will soon get a feel for how much they will eat. Once daily is adequate, but some people like to feed smaller amounts twice daily. The choice is yours. I strongly suggest going to a book store or library and getting some beginner's aquarium keeping books, and maybe something on Goldfish care. A lot of people love Goldfish. With proper care, they can live 20 years or more. That takes dedication and a lot of work. They are one of the most labor-intensive fish there is. People who love them think it's worth it, though. If you choose to pursue this, good luck!

Answer 3

Change the water every week. Chances are you don't have an adequate filtration system if at all. Just get a pitcher of tap water and let it sit overnight to release the chlorine from it or treat it with chlorine removers you can get from pet stores. You don't have to change out all the water about 10-20% is all you need per week. Make sure the temperature stays relatively the same, big changes in temperature are bad for fish. Goldfish like colder water than tropical or saltwater fish so you wouldn't need a heater just set the bowl in a place where the temperature won't change much (not near a window).

Answer 4

You probably either got them from a store like WalMart, where they are already near death. Or, you kept them in a goldfish bowl, which is a sure killer. Goldfish thrive if you give them enough space, and become big and beautiful and very friendly -- at least 10 gallons a fish. Sounds like a lot, but it's not when they get big and cool and act like little puppies. I think big cool fish are nicer than a ton of tiny ones, but that's just my opinion:)

Answer 5

get them a bigger home and change the water more frequently. you can keep small goldfish in small tanks if you keep the water changes going every few days. in general it is recommended by goldfish enthusiasts you don't use anything smaller than a 30 gallon tank which will hold about 3 goldfish. If you want to keep a small tank there are lots of fish that do better.

Answer 6

I make sure that I buy water conditioner for the tank. You can buy it at meijer or any pet store. It takes the chlorine out of the water and helps produce slime coat. I've had my goldfish for almost a year now and they're very healthy. Also, make sure you feed them small amounts several times a day. Good luck :-)

Answer 7

Where you keeping them?

In bowls?

That's why!

They are meant to be in at least a 20 gallon tank with filtration.


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Answer 8

dont over feed but to feed regularly make nsure u keep tank clean and filled plush make sure your pump and filter are working great!!! dont keep them in a dark or light spot 24/7 make sure they are gettin both light and dark times!!!

Answer 9

take a sample of water to your local pet store and have them test your water. The chemical balance is off

Answer 10

Clean the tank at least once a week, and make sure you don't over fed them.