Beth1965

I don't understand where the idea comes from that some fish can be kept in bowls or tanks without filtration. Am I being biased in my belief that each fish should have what I consider a "proper" environment to not only live but thrive?
Is it the commerical business that tells us it's ok to house these fish in bowls? Is is us "pet lovers" who think it's not ok to house fish in bowls?
I don't get it, does anyone?
Beth

Lucy

Hi Beth, I don't get it either, they're like betta cubes.

I can understand someone not doing research and understanding the cycling process etc.
What I can't understand is why companies who are in the fish business continue to make/sell these products when they, of all people should know better.

Guess it's all about the mighty dollar.

CHoffman

Yup. Money talks I guess. Very sad and unfortunate. I have to bite my tongue every time we are in a place that sells betta bowls and tiny little tanks for goldfish. It's just awful and Lucy's right. The companies that mass produce those death traps should and do know better but continue to do it.

agabr123

but that i don't quite understand either, a large fish tank is definitely more expensive than a bowl, especially with filters and heaters and all that. you'd think they'd make more money marketing all of that together

gremlin

You have to look at it from the company's point of view - As a general consumer who is ignorant of what fish need (which most of the general population is), which would you rather buy? A $50 or more set up, or a $5 bowl? Your kid wants a pet fish - do you want to spend a bunch of money on something that you know your kid will probably lose interest in and that you really don't care about anyway, or do you want to spend a little bit of money on it? Most people will choose the $5 bowl not realizing that if they continue with that option they will end up spending much more money than if they had done the research and set up a proper tank to begin with. It all goes along with today's throw away society. Buy cheap and if it dies/breaks/you don't want it anymore, just toss it. It works for toys so why shouldn't it work for pets which are just basically animated toys to most people anyway.

Now before anybody gets upset at what I just typed, please realize that I think ALL pets should have proper housing and care, whether it costs $5 or $500. If I can't (or won't be able to) take care of an animal properly, I either don't get it or find it a home where I know it will be well taken care of. One of my dreams (which will probably never come true) is that I have sufficient money/space/time to care for all the animals I want.

Ricardo_NY1

The idea can very well come from and I totally blame it on Arnold's Abraham goldfish on the Different Strokes show. Or the Elmo goldfish and bowl on Sprout TV.