Starting off on goldfishes?

Question

Ok well I'm 16 years old and i have a cat and a pit bull black lab mixed dog i want to get some fish because i think they are pretty and they relax me i have had fish before but my parents mostly dealt with it because i was like 5 or 6 then they said i should just start off with goldfish i'm trying to figure out what the best start would be for me have like a small tank with a filter or a just small bowl with some pebbles and plants? I'm planning on having it in my room somewhere but I'm not sure what i should do any suggestions?

Answer 1

you should get a Betta fish

there beautiful and they come in different colors.

http://images.google.ca/images?hl=en&cli...

you can only have one male betta fish in a tank because they will kill each other.

they don't need a large tank or a filter. but make sure that you change the water .

I have a betta fish without a filter a heater for 3 years and he is still doing great in his 2 gallon tank.

check out these sites

http://www.centralpets.com/animals/fish/...

this site is really good it will answer all your questions about Bettas and how to care for them  

http://www.aquariumguys.com/betta-fish-c...

I would not suggest a goldfish they need large tanks

Answer 2

get a 55 gallon fish tank with a filter/air pump/stones/plastic plants/ornaments and 2 gold fish for  yr first fish good luck  

Answer 3

I completely agree with the previous answerer.  A betta is the best type of fish to start off with.  They're easy to keep and full of personality.  I have one that I keep in a small 5 gallon hexagon tank.  They do well in even smaller containers, too.  Most importantly, bettas can only be kept by themselves or they will kill each other.

Goldfish are wonderful pets but very difficult to keep.  I've had them for nearly 10 years now, and as much as I love them, they are really a LOT of work.  They can get sick very easily if water parameters are not perfect and need to have at least 10 gallons per fish (general recommendation).  However, if goldfish are really what you want, then be sure to educate yourself.  Great sites are Koko's Goldfish World and Goldfish Connection.

Whatever you decide, do some research first.  You'll save yourself a lot of hard work and heartache and be able to enjoy your new pets even more!  Good luck!

Answer 4

i wouldn't suggest goldfish for a small tank

they need about 20 gallons per fish, and are extremely messy.

tropical fish are probably more practical.

Also, there is a lot larger of a variety in pet stores,

and they're generally prettier, and more interesting.

If your looking for a small tank, with a low maintenance fish

I would suggest a betta fish.

Answer 5

you should get a little goldfish thats what i have their realy easy to take care of as long as u feed them and clean their tank they will live

Answer 6

goldfish need between 30-50 gallons depending in species and they don't make good first fish

i would buy a cold water 10-20 gallon tank and have 1 white cloud mountain minnow per 2 gallons

they don't need heaters but all fish should have filters

bettas need heaters but can live in anything above 2 gallons

Answer 7

i suggest getting some tetras or beta fish. you should remember that male betas should not be in the same tank with other male betas, and that you should only put smaller fish in the tank with your beta.

Answer 8

Actually goldfish are not the best fish to start out with due to the fact that the most common need huge tanks of 20+ gallons of water. If you really want to start off small you can get a male betta fish which are very colorful and active. They only need about 2.5 gallons (though 5 would be ideal) and they are very hardy fish. If you have any questions just email me.

EDIT: Actually they like all other fish bettas do need a filter. They also need a heater to keep the temp between 75 and 82 degrees.

EDIT: Bettas are not expensive at all. I got my male betta at my local pet store for like 5 dollars which is what you would pay for a goldfish at most stores.

Answer 9

Hi Babii Gurl, Goldfish make terrible beginners pets because they need vast tanks, massive filtration, lots of research & are a regular money pit to look after properly. The first link tells you all about good Goldfish care so you can see what is involved. Far better to set up a small tropical community tank, a Betta [they're not expensive] as described in the second link or any of the suggestions for good first time fish on the third link. Bear in mind all fish need at least a 10 gallon tank with a fitted lid & a filter. You also need to research any fish thoroughly before going ahead-check out all the desperate pleas for help on this forum from people who have not done their homework! Best of luck.

Answer 10

Goldfish are really great to start with, because they are pretty tough. While they still have a chance of dying randomly, they aren't as liable to kick off because of things like temperature changes.  I actually consider the fancier goldfish to be my favorites.  Some fish are super cool to study close up, and under the right light, but goldfish are some of the most beautiful when you just want to sit back and watch them swim.

  Tanks are much better than bowls, even better with a filter system that circulates air into the water.  Fish breath oxygen from the water, so water that has more exposure to the air is healthier for them. Bowls generally have small openings, therefore letting in less air.  Plants add oxygen too, of course, but they can be a lot to mess with when you are just starting out.  I

   A ten gallon tank is a good size for a bedroom.  This shouldn't hold more than about six fish though.   Make sure that it doesn't much direct sunlight(not IN the window), but that it is not in the dark too much either.  You can use pebbles or marbles, or stones, to decorate the tank.  One little castle or log (or plastic thing that sinks,and provides shade without trapping the fish) would be really nice. Don't go overboard all at once, you can think about plants and snails as you get more confident.  

    Your fish, and their food, and your tank will all come with instructions that will probably give you all the help you'll need. I think you will do just fine.  Have fun!

Answer 11

Get a betta!! They are ez to take care of and are pretty to look at, and you don't have to get more than one.  Also, you don't have to get a filter or tank. Just put in small bowl and plants etc.