Long story short, I just brought 4 little goldfish home from a carnival and I was about to go get an aquarium but I now have to go to the hospital. I don't want the little guys to die, but I'm reading that they need the tap water to either sit overnight or have something put in it, and I can't go get it for a few hours. What can I do for them so they can get out of the bag and be safe until I can get them the water stuff?
2007-07-27 08:42:54 · 7 answers · asked by yanks7 2 in Pets ➔ Fish
No I mean I know that much haha. I mean, I just read that regular tap water can hurt them and I don't have any of the shock stuff to put in it. Can I leave them in regular water for a while?
2007-07-27 08:48:04 · update #1
The chlorine or chloramine (whichever your water company uses) will kill fish within 1-2 hours. You would need to know which your water company uses and use an appropriate product to remove it. Letting water sit out requires 24 hours, and this only works if the treatment used in your water supply is chlorine.
If you have a large, clean plastic container, put the fish into it with the water they're currently in - they will be okay for a few hours. Hope the hospital trip isn't anything serious!
2007-07-27 08:52:19 · answer #1 · answered by copperhead 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Chances are that if you got them at a carnival, they'll be of the very tough and hearty "feeder" variety.
How about a bucket? Change the water by 10-25% daily even using just plain ol' tap water until you can get something better. Just watch the temperature of the new water and they should be just fine.
I picked up 30 of them at a carnival last May.
28 are fine to this day.
They are among the toughest little fish. They stick together and will not hesistate to nibble on anything. Good thing they don't have teeth.
2007-07-31 04:56:35 · answer #2 · answered by Joe H 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Pour them into a bowl that will allow them enough room to swim but enough surface area to get oxygen. They will be fine for a short time, but not days. If you have any bottled water or a friend or neighbor does that will work too. They can survive several hours by gasping at the top but you will need to be more conscientious about caring for fish. I really wish they'd make a law against carnival goldfish because it's abusive to the fish. All animals should be treated with respect and responsibility, even the ones we eat. But since you already have them the best thing is to get them out of the bags.
2007-07-27 08:52:39 · answer #3 · answered by Lisa Smith 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
What goldfish need more than where you get your water is the amount of water. While you do need to treat tap water with a dechlorinator, the bigger issue is the size of the tank in which you keep your goldies. Because of the high amount of waste goldfish produce, right now, for 4 goldfish, you need a 40 gallon aquarium if you want them to live. I know this isn't what you want to hear on the eve of having to go to the hospital, but if you want to see your goldies alive when you get out, this is what needs to happen. You also need to make sure that their water is cycled properly for them to survive and not get ammonia poisoning. I hope you have a good friend who is willing to look after getting a larger tank cycled properly while you're away, because this is the most important time for new fish. Right now, get them out of the bag and into the largest container that you have. If your stay in the hospital is short, say a couple of hours, it'll be okay I think. I agree with outlawing goldfish at carnivals. It's a true travesty.
2007-07-27 08:53:23 · answer #4 · answered by Venice Girl 6 · 1⤊ 2⤋
Hi, Well done for wanting to get an aquarium for your fish, I'm sorry you had to alter your plans at the last minute. I'm unclear whether you are going into hospital for a period of time or just a quick visit. If you are going to be there several days I would agree with Venice Girl about trying to find someone else-preferably in your household who can stand in for you during this period & perhaps in your absence get them properly housed in a large tank.
If you are simply visiting hospital then I agree with Copperhead-they will be fine for a limited period in a container but ensure it is covered with some netting or other 'breathable' material as they are good jumpers. In any event they will need a lidded, filtered tank of at least 20 gallons at your earliest convenience! The attached link should tell you everything you need to know-very best of luck.
2007-07-27 10:11:33 · answer #5 · answered by John 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it is ok in tap water, they will be fine, but when you get a chance put some water conditioner like stress coat.
they will be fine for a day or whenever you get a chance.
2007-07-27 08:47:33 · answer #6 · answered by Coral Reef Forum 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
a bowl
2007-07-27 08:46:21 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋