Gold fish problem?

Question

Every time i buy a goldfish for 10 cents at walmart they die the next day

Answer 1

Not that they can't be kept as pets, those are used as feeder fish, Do you have a tank(10 gallon or bigger) that has a filter? No fish will survive in a bowl too long, also did you add water conditioner? Water in fish bowls should be changed every other day! And make sure you use water conditioner every time you change the water or your fish will die! The temp for gold fish should be about 70* not too warm, they like cool water! Good luck!

Answer 2

Yes, feeder fish die all the time, but as a child I had one that lived for about a year, and then another that lived for 4+ years (I don't know how long after that, we had to give him away when we moved). So although they aren't the greatest, healthiest fish, it is possible to get them to survive.

If you are set on having an extremely cheap fish, I'd try buying a feeder fish at a pet store (like petsmart or petco) because walmart's specialty is NOT animals, and not only do the employees likely have no idea how to properly care for them, but I'm sure they also get their feeder fish from the cheapest possible suppliers... likely the fish that aren't good enough for the pet store. They probably will be more like 25 cents at the pet store, but I'd say the fish would be more likely to live.

If you are willing to spend more, $2-3, I'd either buy an actual goldfish at a pet store (like a fancy goldfish) or a Betta fish. Bettas are almost easier to care for than goldfish, and all you need is at least a 1/2 gallon bowl, some rocks, and that's it... no filter or anything needed. I think Bettas have a little more of a personality too-- if you hold a mirror up to the bowl they'll flare at their reflection (puff their gills out, kind of like that spitting dinosaur in Jurassic Park).


AND, just in case it's your water, the easiest way to make sure the water is OK is just to buy a gallon of water from the store. Make sure it's spring water (not distilled!!!) and it should be around 60 cents. If you have a fishbowl that's a gallon or so, it won't cost too much to just buy the water, and that's a way to guarantee it will be okay without messing around with different conditioners.

Answer 3

Hi,
See the thing is about goldfish is that some moron decided "lets stick them in bowls". So then they decided to lower the price and everyone thought a goldfish bowl would be a cute little thing to have. They didn't think about the fishes suffering from being in such a small tank; same with bettas. Just because they CAN survive, not thrive in a small bowl/tank; doesn't mean they should. Sorry if you didn't have yours in abowl, that was just an assumpation. Now that is said as previous posters have metioned; feeder fish usually are underfed and very sick- so they die often. Not to metion that those small little feeder fish are actually baby comets that grow to be 12+ inches when given the chance. When stuck into a smaller tank/bowl then needed; they are stunted. This means that while the outsides stay small, the insides keep growing; causing the fish to slowly suffer. So if you really want to own a goldfish, I would recommend either buy a 10 gallon for 1 fancy or 20 for 2 fancy goldfish. Fancy goldfish grow to be 6-8" each; depending on which type you get. Also, get the next filter size up or if you have a power filter, get an undergravel one to. So to sum that all up, for each fancy goldfish you get (celestials, fantails, vieltails, telescopes.orandas etc.) you should have 10+ gallons, plus the next filter size up. I myself spent a grand total of about $7.00 for 3 under two inch fantail goldfish. I have them in my 29 gallon tank, with a 30-55 gallon power filter. So yes, the fish will be more expensive if you get something besides feeder fish. Also, don't go to walmart to get your fish! If you truly want to own a fish that grows to be over a foot long, or the "feeder fish" at least go to an actual fish place to get it. So sorry if I sounded harsh or mean, I just can't stand to see fish suffer!
Hope This Helps and Have A Fantastic Day!!!!

Answer 4

Those are feeder goldfish. They are bred to basically die and don't have long lifespans and aren't kept in the best conditions. Go for a different fish that is more than 10 cents. Also, make sure you float the bag in the tank fo 10-30 minutes instead of just dumping the fish in.

Answer 5

Those little feeder goldfish as they are often called are usually not prime genetic specimens, but that doesn't cause them to die a day after you buy them. They are usually housed in very poor conditions and the change to better conditions very suddenly can be a terrible shock on any fishes system. I would suggest you find a better place to buy fish and by from cleaner, less crowded tanks. You will get a higher quality fish that is in far better condition that way.

Also be sure you are adding the fish to the tank properly. here's a short guide on how to do that safely:

http://freshaquarium.about.com/cs/setop/ht/addfish.htm

MM

Answer 6

Well, if it is just a feeder gold fish it's prob an issue of water contamination or aeration. If you are serious about keeping it alive, I would get a aerator and a decent size bowl. One day is pretty fast for a feeder fish to die, so the problem is either
A: To small a bowl and they die from lack of oxygen
or
B: There's something in your water
Unless your bowl is REALLY small it's probably the latter, as goldfish are very hardy. I would get some bottled water, and put in a small amount of aquarium salt.

Answer 7

Well they are feeder fish if it's 10cents. Chances are you have them in a bad tank (bowls kill fish) or your tank has a lot of nitrate (try checking the filter). And if they lived they'd grow to be 6-12 inches so do yourself and the fish a favor by getting a guppy instead. Their fry are also sold as feeder fish and they are really hardy.

Answer 8

I would try going to a pet store that specializes in this stuff, like pet smart, I went just today to buy an algae eater for my aquarium to find out that they dont even sell fish anymore at walmart. I am going to pet smart from now on! Join me?

Answer 9

Well at walmart they don't take good care of their fish, buy your fish at an official pet store next time.

Answer 10

one reason is need to put the bag in water change temp for fish gradually ..
and water source chemicals could do it..

read this!
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Goldfish