I need help with fish?

Question

My kids want a fish. I have never had one so I need some help for what kind to get. I also don't want a huge tank with a filter just a small circle tank so a fish that needs all that stuff is not on my choice list. thanks

Answer 1

Get a 2 gallon tank. Very cheap, you could probably find it for less than $20. Rinse the tank out with water (never use soap or any other chemicals) and fill the tank. Buy the gravel you want, you only need 2 lbs. of gravel for your tank. Before putting the gravel in the tank, wash it thoughoughly. Add decorations and dechlorinater. Let the tank run as it would if there was a fish in it (just without the fish) for 2 days. Go buy a Betta of any color or tail shape you and your kids like, go home, float the Betta's cup in the tank, and after 20 minutes, net the Betta, and put it in the tank.

Bowls are not a suitable home for fish because of the buildup of ammonia and other toxic chemicals, not to mention the stressful size.

Clean the tank every 2 weeks (you could just completely refill the tank). This website will help a lot http://www.firsttankguide.net/. Make sure you teach your kids not to play in the fish's water, and definitely not to put anything in the fish's water. Do not mix more than 1 Betta in any container, they are aggressive towards their own kind. Do smoe research online before you start to buy. If you have any questions, email me at [e-mail]. Good luck!

Nosoop4u

Answer 2

I think the perfect starter for a smaller tank (5 - 10 gallons with a filter, no heater) are white cloud minnows. They only grow to about 1 1/2 inches and enjoy shoaling so 4 or 5 would be a good number. They don't require a heater like other tropical fish (including bettas) and they live 4 - 5 yrs. They particularly like plants for hiding spaces so you can also have fun decorating. They are forgiving fish when it comes to water parameters although you'll still have to do regular water changes every couple of weeks. They don't have a high ammonia output like goldfish and don't require as much space.
They used to be called the poor man's neon tetra and now come in a gold morph and a long-finned morph called the meteor. Make sure to keep more females than males. For pics see the links below:

Answer 3

Hi Lizzy-If you don't want a large tank then forget about a Goldfish (if you were thinking of one!)-they grow huge & need vast tanks to thrive. I guess you are talking about a bowl when you refer to a circle tank & to be honest there really isn't any fish that will live happily in one of those, the filter provides a life support system & an unfiltered, tiny bowl is really just like living in a small cess pool for the poor fish. No matter how good your cleaning regime you will always be facing an uphill battle & dealing with poorly, stressed & dying fish. There are a great variety of fish that will do well & thrive in small filtered tanks up to 10 gallons

The first link has many great suggestions for first-time fishkeepers & the second tells you I wasn't kidding about the Goldfish-or the bowl! Good luck with your potential fishy friends (most fish do better with a buddy)

Oh yes-well done for asking the questions before bringing the fish home.

Answer 4

the basic tank would be a 10 gallon, very inexpensive, about 10 usd.

after you set up the tank, gravel, plants ,filter, hood... it shouldnt be overall that expensive, around 80 usd.

ResearchResearchResearch...Thats wht can make you into having a successful hobby with fishkeeping.


Please if you have anymore questions about fish, my members on my fish forum will be more than happy to answer. http://fishroom.rapidboards.com

of course i will be glad to help with any questions.

Answer 5

Try a betta it was my first fish. Here is a great site.

http://www.bettatalk.com/

Good luck!

Answer 6

you should get a betta tank and a betta. they are easy to care for and are really pretty. or you can get a glass bowl and put a betta in it.