What size bowl do you recommend for my new goldfish?

Question

Got you, this is for the people who think they can get away with putting their goldfish in a bowl.

Goldfish should be placed in a tank minimum size of 10 gallons, NOT in a bowl, as stated on this website: http://www1.epinions.com/content_3185614980

Voice your opinions on this and what you think should be done about this.

I will not choose a best answer, I will let the community vote for one.

1 goldfish needs an ABSOLUTE minimum of 10 gallons, and 20 gallons to live happily.

Lol, do they even make 25 gallon bowls?

Answer 1

I would like to know why company's make goldfish bowls and sell them when they must know them self that they are far to small. Anyone who knows anything about fish knows this.

The best thing you can do with a goldfish bowl is put it firmly over the heads of the people who make them.

Answer 2

If you want a single lonely Goldfish, you can start with a 10 Gallon.
If you do this and you get it all set up... the following will surely happen...after you look at it for a while, you'll want it to be more happy, see? What to do? What to do?

If you want a happy and lively goldfish, get it a tank buddy.
Goldfish really like the company of other goldfish.
Put them both in a 20 gallon or larger tank with at least 2 filters and a heater. They also prefer a shady spot to hide and rest.

Keep the 10 gallon as a hospital tank in case something happens to one or the other.

We should educate the masses about the stupidity of Goldfish Bowls - yeah!! yeah!!
Goldfish Bowls, No Tank You!! lol

Answer 3

What kind of goldfish? Fancy need a 20 gallon with 10 gallons for every additional fancy goldfish. Common/feeder/comet goldfish need a 55+ gallon tank for the very first fish and then 20-30 gallons for every additional goldfish. For now buy a thick plastic storage tote from walmart/target/home improvement store. A 30 gallon is just a few dollars and works well as a grow-out tank.

Answer 4

572. That is, if they're Pepperidge Farm Goldfish Crackers. That's the only goldfish that should be put in bowls. Don't need to say why as you, Copperhead and John all covered it. Just had to add my 2 cents.

The new thing that I would like to address is what seems to be a growing trend, from what I hear, of kids/girls keeping goldfish in bowls in their lockers at school. What's up with this? When did this become "cute?" Living animals are not a fashion trend. To any of the school kids out there doing this, please stop. Thanks.

Answer 5

NO BOWLS!!!!! Definitely the bigger the tank the better . Bigger tanks are actually a lot easier to maintain. Biggest mistake a newbie makes is they put to many fish in the tank, so a bigger tank allows you to have more gold fish and the water conditions are a lot easier to maintain in a healthy state. Get a filtration system that will filter the volume of the tank at least 5xs per hour. That will keep the water moving and clear and oxygen levels will be healthy. Don't forget to get a quality pelleted food and vary the varieties of food also.....

Answer 6

Hahaha! We'll have to start calling you Evelyn II.

I agree with your statement 300% (and even the 10 gallon will be small by the time the fish are adults.). The best that we, as knowledgeable /responsible fishkeepers can do is to continue efforts to educate the masses. But sometimes I wonder where that really gets us with...

1) those who want lots of fish, but don't want to spend a lot of money to care for them

2) the stores with the "pet experts" who assure everyone their fish will be "just fine" no matter how many and the size of the bowl/tank

3) the managers who advertise their 2.5 gallon "tanks" with a "buy one and get two free goldfish"

4) manufacturers who put the pictures of the 5 goldfish on the photo of their "starter kits" so every kid who sees one does the "Mommy, can I get one of those and some fishies, PLEASE?????"

Those who know better can write letters and speak to those we come in contact with, and answer questions/give advice on forums, and hopefully some people will start to listen, but I have a feeling the "manufacturing", "marketing", and "sales" people will always try to perpetuate the myths.



ADDITION: To John - you forgot #3 - a bowl is a good place to keep your spare change to save up enough money for a proper tank and equipment BEFORE you buy your fish!

Answer 7

Hi ZTM, yes, you got me! Funnily enough I just answered a very similar query so I'll merely copy & paste my answer here for everyone's entertainment.

The question was 'HOW MANY FISH CAN I FIT IN A BOWL?'

Answer:Is this a trick question? "as many as you like as long as the total amount adds up to zero" Bowls have two practical used, neither of which are fish related:

1. Excellent container for cacti & small trailing rockery plants.

2. Amusing 'Acme' space helmets for kids usually requiring a trip to the local A&E department for removal.


Seriously, you are doing neither yourself or your fish any favours keeping them in bowls. A good idea when planning for Goldfish is to get the biggest lidded. filtered tank you can possibly afford/fit in your home & you are halfway to success already.


Response to Copperhead: Of course-the bigger the bowl the better for your fish as it will hold more money!!

Response to Venice Girl: I heard about one incident of keeping fish in lockers on here about a week ago but it's certainly a worrying trend if it becomes a fashionable thing to do-let's hope not :)

Response to Pete: The last sentence of your answer made me roll!!

Answer 8

I would recomend you get a tank instead of a bowl. It would give your fish plenty of surface area. If you have a 10 gallon tank, you should be fine as long as you keep it healthy. You could even add a friend for him!

Answer 9

A 25 gallon bowl should be about right.

Answer 10

Thank god, I thought we had another fish torturer on this site.